This is The Best Budget Revolver ($259 MSRP)

[@tomcarr4630]

I purchased an M206 five years ago. A little over 100 rounds into it the cylinder froze. I put it away and forgot about it for over a year. Then I sent it to RIA. They had it back to me in a week. Gave me a detailed list of what they did. They REALLY smoothed out the trigger. Threw in a speed loader! Followed up with an email. I painted the front sight, which helps a lot. I have enjoyed sharing this experience with people.

[@escapetherace1943]

Nice, but only if they put that care into the item before they sold it to you.

[@tomcarr4630]

@@escapetherace1943 I thought the same thing.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@@escapetherace1943 you don't get to bitch about the QC of a 250 dollar gun. and the fact that you think you do, says a lot about how entitled you are.

[@escapetherace1943]

@@Pharto_Stinkus yes I can, tons of them fall into that price range and modern quality is easy to achieve with someone inspecting something before it's sold. You make it sound like someone shouldn't get quality for 250 bucks. Jokester.

[@brandonhays432]

That’s what I did, just took a white paint marker to the sight. I’m glad to know if I have any problems that’ll it will be fixed right

[@jackwalsh5270]

If you thought my boss would be mad I was watching a KZbin video at work, you should’ve seen his face when I fired up a Newport and cracked a Busch Light on top of it.

[@jfhisjwu]

Good on you for already having that Busch light on hand

[@robertbairt9094]

Power lunch😂

[@SchwererGustavThe800mm]

I feel like budget guns are often overlooked James. I'm glad TFB is making more budget based reviews for those who can't afford top shelf firearms for their personal protection.

[@Chilly_Billy]

Exactly. Even those who can afford nicer firearms may have use for an inexpensive, knock-around gun. Spare gun in the glove compartment. Tackle box gun with snake loads for recalcitrant serpents. A first toe in the revolver water for someone used to autoloaders.

[@ElShotte]

I mean, affordability being one thing, but some people don't need some badass gun for self-defense. It's like buying a power tool because it's pretty, you don't do it because it's impractical.

[@jerseyjackrabbit2829]

preach. i been from poor, budget class, to high end parts of the gun world. it always puzzles me how budget guns are just consider low brow or second class when everybody has one and typically the one who people take when something goes bump in the night. the affordable beaters are the guns who bring people in, the poor people gun is when you sold your expensive glock and still have 2000 rounds of 9mm so you just need a cheap gun to shoot all of that. in the end you actually like it and keep it for whatever you need.

[@pewpewTN]

@@jerseyjackrabbit2829 The only way your Glock would be "expensive" is if you customized the crap out of it.

[@jerseyjackrabbit2829]

@@pewpewTN unless you watch a movie and though that glock in keeanu revees hands is the last gun you ever need. Year later pandemic hits and your left with a paper weight because the ranges are close, 9mm was than rarer russian ammo is now and your wife pissed because you keep looking at it rather then her you kinda have to get rid of it. Out of good faith a family member sent me a case of recycled 9mm he manage to get from some preppers near tenessee... it was a bad year for all of us.

[@christianrodriguez629]

I feel like most guns are over priced which is why guns like Rock Island and Taurus guns are considered “cheap” but everyone needs something to defends them selves even on a budget. Thank you TFBTV

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Overpriced? in a World where folks pay 100k For a car made by Dodge?😏

[@bracoop2]

@@WALTERBROADDUS I’m sure he means overpriced for many people with less budget.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@bracoop2 in my experience, people complain about everything just to complain. We have a generation that doesn't want to pay for anything. They don't want to pay for music, porn or guns... not everybody gets all the cool toys. That's just how life works. Save your money. Work a little overtime. And you could achieve your newfangled wonder weapon. Just have to make sacrifices someplace else.

[@chupacabra4897]

I got a Taurus G2C the trigger kind of spongey but it's inexpensive and it has some good features like if it light strikes and the Rd doesn't fire you just pull the trigger again

[@fungifactory8925]

@@WALTERBROADDUS I hate to break it to ya but out of those 3 things you only need to pay for one of em and that is fantastic. I make good money at my job and can afford pretty much whatever I want short of a fancy sports car or something, but the need for an affordable and reliable self defense tool that even someone making minimum wage could afford 2 paychecks from now is a need that should be and fortunately has been addressed. The more people are armed the less tyrannical bullshit our corrupt pile of dog shit we call a government can force down our throats...

[@lancearp7389]

I have had one about 6 years, have never had a issue with it. Gun is heavy, but it looks cool and never malfunctioned. Comes with 2 grips and both do the job. I prefer the classic look on it.

[@jolebole-yt]

Finally a gun on this channel that doesn't cost $2k. I'm gonna light up a cigar now. Thanks TFBTV!

[@stainedskin123456789]

2A applies to the poors, too. Good on RIA for providing this option. For every M206 sold, some freedom loving destitute patriot is saved from a hi-point. Good on TFB for showing this gun off with an honest review, too.

[@mantia39]

...."the poors?!"......condescending much?

[@stainedskin123456789]

@@mantia39 "poors" or "the poors" is a tongue-in-cheek term of endearment. According to many people I myself am a poor as I don't own any nods, HK's, suppressors, etc. that are often owned by those with more disposable income. Try not to take offense when on the internet.

[@TUKByV1]

@@mantia39 not in this context.

[@number1hansyboy]

@@mantia39 he's not wrong, Sensitive Sally

[@LaughingCrowcorp]

Except hi points are not that bad necessarily and are made in the USA where as rock island is not. Still tho. Would absolutely take the M206 over a hi point. Wish i had never got rid of mine and probably will pick up another instead of a smith and wesson and save the extra couple hundred

[@PPISAFETY]

I lived in the Philippines for a few years in the late 2000's. I had the opportunity to visit the Armscor plant where this revolver and other firearms were made. I saw a thoroughly modern facility, where the only limitation I could see was possibly the work ethic ad education of some of the staff. What I'm trying to say is that final inspection was not their strong point. But the company made up for that by having wonderful U.S. service in Nevada. In my business here, I've probably had a dozen or so of the Model 206 and the Model 200, which is the four inch version, with only two having issues that should have never made it out of the factory. RIA took care of both of these problems free of charge in a matter of days, and could not have been nicer about it. As to the wood grips, they are not my favorite, but for years RIA shipped the 206 with not only the wood panels, but a very functional set of finger grooved rubber grips as well. Pachmayr rubber grips for the Colt Detective Special also fit, but with a tiny gap at the bottom inside of the grip frame. All in all, this is a very functional revolver at an affordable price. I especially like that it features six shots. The Model 200 four-inch is also worth a look. I had to laugh when James mentioned "It looks like a rugged tool". I wondered if he was looking in the mirror when he said that. Just kidding, it was too good to pass up.

[@tfbtv]

haha. Thanks for the insight, Tom-

[@sntslilhlpr6601]

Can confirm on my 1911. Proper QA would've prevented my catastrophic issue, but one free trip to Nevada and it runs like a top over 1000 rounds later. So I can't really complain for the price. I realize that's not a glowing endorsement. In fact, it's actually quite bad to sell any gun that doesn't actually work out of the box, especially in this day and age. Kinda upholds James' condescending attitude throughout this vid lol. I just wished they fixed their shit. It'd be a hell of a lot cheaper for them to sell reliable guns than to have their domestic warranty center have to fix them for free.

[@jaythus3181]

@@sntslilhlpr6601 to be fair lemons happen in any manufacturer. I have a cz over and under shotgun (i think it's called the woodcock or some other bird name, it's a fudd gun I bought to shoot trap with friends with so people don't look at me funny when i pull out a pump) that had a trigger issue from the factory. Shot great and i love the gun but i had to send it back for warranty repairs. To be fair their shotguns are Beretta and Beneli clones made in turkey if im not mistaken so a few mismanufactured parts are to be expected although my weatherby pump action (also made in turkey) that i bought for a beater gun for like $300 ish (about half the price of the cz) didn't have those issues from the factory so it could just be a plant to plant thing. I know my higher dollar guns haven't had these issues but i think it's moreso a luck of the draw situation here of getting the 1 lemon in 10000 guns or so, probably 1 in 5000 in these budget guns but I think my point is made.

[@pb68slab18]

''where the only limitation I could see was possibly the work ethic ad education of some of the staff. What I'm trying to say is that final inspection was not their strong point.'' From what I've seen as a dealer and part-time gunsmith, the same could be said for most American gun manufacturing companies!

[@PPISAFETY]

@@pb68slab18 You're right

[@shaunjohnson8158]

I bought the M200 about 8 months ago and I am very surprised. There is a ton of value with this revolver. I am up to almost 1,000 rounds and no major problems. There is about a 300 round break in period. The timing is perfect! It locks up pretty tight and there is very minimal tooling marks. The finish is just a typical parkerized finish. I have actually carry this gun for 6 months for my second job of food delivery so it is starting to show some wear on the finish from being shoved down between the seats many many times. The double action is long and heavy but steady and breaks fairly clean. The single action trigger pull is VERY nice and crisp!. People tend to complain about the colt style cylinder release but for me, once I load it, its a sure thing that I cannot unintentional release the cylinder accidentally like I have with many semiautos and other revolvers. I truly believe that the Rock Island Armory M200 is a must have for anyone's gun collection.

[@RickNethery]

I've been wanting a little 38 just for the heck of it. This looks like a good option.

[@BlurryBlooper]

Really liking these "budget" gun videos, TFB TV =)

[@tfbtv]

We really do try to cover everything we can for you ingrates

[@matthewbeaver5026]

@@tfbtv your gonna put hop outta a job you keep taking all the budget material 😆

[@mauricemaurice123]

Broke boy 👦

[@zozo_letsplayz850]

yep, i rather have 4 $250 guns than 1 $1000 gun

[@andrettski8686]

@@tfbtv And after you 'budget' bitch slapped Nutn.

[@jaydo1879]

I love that this holds six rounds. It is frustrating that Smith J Frames and the Ruger LCR only carry five.

[@tartredarrow]

Get a Model 10 with a 2" barrel.

[@steveelder5306]

@@tartredarrow they're everywhere!

[@its_clean]

...K frame?

[@markjordan348]

Taurus 856 hold 6. They have a really nice grip and a better double-action pull than you have a right to expect for under $600! I bought mine for $325. Rock Island also has a Philippine copy of a Colt Detective Special for about $279. It's available with a 2in or a 4in barrel. Hammer spur is a bit long but I own a Dremel.

[@tartredarrow]

@@its_clean Yes.

[@JacksonWalter735]

Man these revolvers are great. My best friend is Filipino and his father is an officer over in the Philippines. His dad carries this revolver as his backup weapon and trust it with his life. They're extremely reliable, accurate, and presents great value for what you get. Many officers over there carry these as well. I don't think there's a better revolver at this price. Back in 2016 his dad got it for around $160ish converted from Philippines pesos. Before covid many of these in the U.S. were around $200 or less too.

[@McCaroni_Sup]

Filipino here, at shopping malls and banks you always see security guards with either an M200 Revolver (Full Size 206) or an M30 Shotgun, both made by RIA/Armscor. I can see why every security firm equips their guards with these things, they're great value.

[@redswift31]

@@McCaroni_Sup I had an M200 and they kick ass.

[@McCaroni_Sup]

@managerial conclusions Well no shit, Sherlock. My country has 2x the price for foreign guns because of import taxes, hence why local guns are better value. So yes, it is the only reason, and it's a damn good reason.

[@Chris-iv7xu]

@@McCaroni_Sup are the ria 1911’s popular as well or are the m200 revolvers more common amongst security? What about the police, do they use any ria guns as well?

[@juanjauregui1553]

@Jackson Walter You troll. I was blowing on my screen for a good 10 secs before I realized it was your profile pic and not a hair.

[@kevinoverbeck4250]

I have one, its the only handgun I own, and its perfect for the home. Ive shot 2 boxes out of it, with no issues whatsoever. I cant afford to invest $700 in a S&W or a Colt, and I like the J frame design. So, its a win - win for me!

[@alejandroflores-samaniego9320]

i own the 200 model , and have zero issues and regrets buying it. great truck gun

[@scottgraham1153]

I painted the sight and added a Pachmayer grip to mine, it made a huge difference shoots great. Great budget handgun.

[@jamesburke8681]

What model grip!?

[@scottgraham1153]

@@jamesburke8681 Colt D Frame

[@Defender78]

9:31 about the front sight being just a blade, XS Sights sells tritium front sights that can be fitted onto fixed sight revolvers, I hve one installed on my S&W 438 revo which had a fixed blade. It glows in the dark!

[@joshuapatterson3264]

Watch out james thats a revolver apparently they just go off without pulling the trigger ask alec baldwin

[@VacuumJockey]

Solid burn, Joshua!

[@rustyjohnson7796]

Someone got hurt we know what happened we gotta be better than that

[@rustyjohnson7796]

@londin engerland one hurt one fatality. A negligent can happen at any time

[@Emm-Vyy]

@@rustyjohnson7796 Not if you know gun safety, always check if a gun is loaded.... Alec Baldwin is most likely one of the "LIBTARDS" that knows nothing about guns... which is why he wasn't able to figure out that a prop is lighter than an actual gun....

[@batchagaloopytv5816]

you just need to be ZEN with Illarrrrrrrria Baldwin and it will fyre -alec approved

[@MrStonelion63]

Bought a M206 from a vendor on Gunbroker. When it arrived, it had a bent front sight. Sent it back to RIA and they sent me back a new one.

[@firedawg7495]

how the hell did the front sight get bent lol its not a thin blade style. I admit I have one of these also and its a great little inexpensive revolver. 200.00 price when purchased.

[@MrStonelion63]

@@firedawg7495 Don't know. Looked down the sights and noticed a bend to the left. Must have been made on a Friday as they used to say.

[@chriscarnes87]

Barrel had to been crooked. I have a heritage rough rider that the barrel was crooked and it was shooting like 10 inches to the left. The shooting range/gun shop I’d go to test fired it before shipping it to heritage for repair and the front sight fell off.

[@MrStonelion63]

@@chriscarnes87 You could tell the sight was bent at the base, like if you would take a pliers and bent it. Maybe it was dropped and no looked to see if it was damaged.

[@sculptorcarver]

Thats a covert sight, for shooting around corners.

[@garyleahy4537]

I've used this little gem as my EDC for a few years now and I must say it is quite possibly the most overlooked carry pistol on the market. I say that for three easy reasons: 1) It's small and very concealable, 2) It's affordable, and 3) It shoots very effectively. If I had to name a fourth reason, if you need more than six shots for your EDC, you're probably in big trouble.

[@davidlium9338]

Agree totally!

[@mikem8396]

Amen!

[@iamcalledcleb]

>if you need more than x amount of rounds for EDC then you're gonna DIE!!! What a boomer take to have on this. Brother, if you have to use your EDC at all, then you're in big trouble. Revolvers have their place in concealed carry, but having more rounds and speed is indisputably much better. Why under equip yourself for a worst case scenario?

[@twowheels2604]

@@iamcalledclebagreed.

[@cj8281]

My first M200 came with the timing off. It wouldn't lock up on 2 of the chambers if the hammer was pulled back slow and sometimes in double action. Instead of replacing the hand, they replaced the whole gun. My M206 is lovely with only a .005 gap at the barrel. Mine came with the rubber grips as well as the wood, the rubber is a bit bigger but is more comfortable to shoot. In my manual it states that it is not rated for +P but I do have those loaded when I carry it. As far as the sights, white or yellow fingernail polish is the way to go. It really isn't that hard. If you get an M200 or M206 that does feel gritty then it still has the packing grease in it that it was shipped with. Strip it down and clean all that crap out and use a good lube and it becomes way smoother. I use a grease that has teflon and moly in it that made the trigger pull lighter and much smoother.

[@ryanlong4021]

Poor gang checking in, I knew I opened youtube because I could literally smell the poorism coming from somewhere.

[@MacReacts14]

As long as your here w us bubba

[@minacapella8319]

Checking in late but I'm poor too.

[@blackthornejoshua2929]

BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS

[@delmuswu-tangbroadnax9056]

Sup poor gang just popped a can of the best beer out there (cheap ass Busch light)

[@wernerschwanert6281]

😂 you ain't lying about that cheap ass beer. Dang, super poor.😅​@@delmuswu-tangbroadnax9056

[@lokichoki_]

Also the colt release is optimal, if u properly reload you can roll that lever with the gun so your support hand holds the cylinder when it's open helping control reloads

[@Gideon_Judges6]

Yeah I was kind of surprised with the footage they rolled in the background both James and the other gentleman are shooting righty and then reload lefty. Looks really awkward.

[@lokichoki_]

@@Gideon_Judges6 good point

[@tfbtv]

That may be, but you can easily release the cylinder on a Ruger or S&W without sleight of hand tricks and with your dominant hand remaining on the grip.

[@michaelrussell1508]

@@tfbtv True, however, and not in anyway arm chair critiquing your firearm skills, the switching the revolver , after releasing the cylinder, grip down to the non dominate hand, depressing the ejection rod with your non dominate thumb, reloading with your dominate hand, and finally transitioning back to dominate, though sounding complicated, is faster and, with minimal training, does not require you to look at the firearm. I do not claim to be an expert, however, when I first started law enforcement in the 80’s, I had to go through the academy with a revolver and the aforementioned method is very efficient.

[@tfbtv]

oh no man, I'm not the end-all be-all of gun knowledge and technique. I welcome critique from individuals such as yourself and I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to type this out, Mike. I'll give this a shot.

[@eduardohermoso150]

During the 70s, and 80s, Armscor made the Apache which looked like a Colt Police Positive and the Thunderchief which looked like a Colt Diamondback. These were quality revolvers that shot accurately. Most of them were sold to security agencies along with the Armscor pump action shotguns. I hope they re introduce these two revolver models and sell them at reasonable prices.

[@bigblocklawyer]

In this age of affordable autos and affordable second-hand pistols, I was wondering why anyone would want to manufacture a new revolver now. Reading the comments showed me the error of my thought process. This is a great option for someone to buy a new firearm at an affordable price. And if that means someone can defend themeselves or their family, then it achieved its goal. Very cool.

[@jimatyeo]

I have this same firearm. It is definitely fine for what it cost. The first thing i did was beef up the grip with inner tubes on the grip and paint the front sight orange as you mention. It makes it a very usable CCW now.

[@terrylstech]

I have the M206 (2" barrell) and the M200 (4" barrell). I love both of these guns, they have a very similar look & feel. I've painted the front and rear sights. The M206 had rubber grips that come with the gun which are larger than the wooden ones, but are much more comfortable. I pretty much agree with everything started in the video. Good quality guns at an affordable price.

[@hellsing507]

This was my third revolver, first one was an old overpriced Police Special that had problems firing in double action, second was a Heritage .22 which I grew bored of, and third was this gun. I still have it and love shooting it, its just fun and lovely to shoot.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

Mine was a cheap 90s hammerless taurus snubby with a ten pound trigger pull my second was a 357 windicator

[@neilhightower2270]

I have a heritage .22 its beat to shit and rusty. Still choots i keep it in my trucks tool box for drinking beer and shooting cans.

[@michaelsherfield3749]

My heritage arms rough rider holds a special place in my heart. I would never take a $1000 revolver apart. But a $100 revolver why not! I changed the grip hammer and trigger out on mine. I know that I can take apart any revolver some parts my be different. But same principle.

[@davidclark9908]

I have fond memories of my multiple visits while still in my 20’s to the Philippines in the 1980’s as a rep for a certain well known electronics goods company. Wonderful people who (back then) loved Americans for savings them in WW2. Skilled and hard working. You don’t hear much about the Philippines in the news these days (which may be a good thing).

[@tlshortyshorty5810]

Apple? Microsoft? ...Texas Instruments?

[@SwiggityPeanut]

You dont hear much about them because blasting them on the news for currently commiting what essentially is a form of genocide on their own people conflicts with current foreign interests.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Their last president cleaned things up nice and good. Didnt want to see his country become like Colombia in the 80s

[@davidhicks7450]

@@Chironex_Fleckeri The president you are referring to preferred his country to be like Germany in late thirties or the Iran of today.

[@luisgonzales-kq9nk]

@@davidhicks7450 That ex-president wanted us to arm ourselves and shoot burglars! Even before he took office, drug dealers started turning themselves in. I know because some of them were my neighbors. His speeches were translated wrong by the left. I KNOW because I speak 4 local dialects and lived there for years.

[@tblattel3873]

Love the shout out to the Pensacola beach Hooters patio!! If someone wants to really stay “old school” with the grips, find a Tyler T-grip adapter for it. Great videos!

[@wnolan6127]

And, it's a 6 shot. The particular example I bought 3 years ago also came with both the wood (installed) and optional rubberized grips from the factory to fully cover the entire lower frame and to fill larger hands, however the rubberized panels extends the length of the overall grip and makes it harder to conceal. We put 300 factory made loads through it with NO mechanical failures before passing it along to my 88 year old father who keeps it on the nightstand at night and he's able to fire/cycle the action even with arthritic hands. Solid as a rock and very durable, I would recommend this .38 and even at this price point it's very well made. The only gripe I had was the length of the "thumb-nub" hammer in which we were able to successfully grind it down a bit, reparkerized it and my father was still able to pull the hammer back with no problems. And yes, the action in both single/double are spot on and very smooth with precise lockups.

[@NavySWO]

I have the M206 and absolutely love it, tremendous value and thankfully CA Compliant. Also have the RIA 1911 45 ACP GI FS and MS. Never had any issues. These are budget purchases but build quality and reliability are impressive for the price.

[@joelspringman523]

Smart choices!

[@w.p.958]

Good review! I was initially skeptical, but bought this revolver about 12 years ago in the $170's. It has held up well, shoots excellent, and the Rock Island Warranty is literally bullet proof. I had a mechanical issue, self-induced BTW, and they fixed it promptly free of charge. Lastly, I personally trust Rock Island better than I would some other lower price manufacturers.

[@sobelowtriplefo5623]

I've had this revolver for 3 years great little gun for what you pay. I remeber going to the shop to pick up some ammo and saw it on display and saw the price and said yeah you're mine. I love the look with the wooden grips gives it that oldschool detective look but mine also came with an extra rubber grip that looks great on the gun and fits like a glove in my hand. You get decent groups at 6 yards for what you'd expect from a snub nose .38 special. Honestly its a solid gun thats fun to shoot if you find one buy it.

[@OddTimeMan]

I bought one of these months ago for just $219 brand new. It's solid and it works. The plastic grips that it included are much more comfortable than the little wood grips but the plastic grips didn't just bolt on, I had to shave some plastic off of the inside of the grips to make them fit.

[@josephsjourney3387]

I’m trying to fit the plastic grips on but can’t seem to fit it

[@OddTimeMan]

@@josephsjourney3387 Yeah, it takes some work to get them on.

[@fnaelectric30]

Got one few months ago. Out of box Endbof barrel was little oblong and timing seemed little off. Sent to armsor month later got it back and just put 300 rounds through it with not one issue. And pretty damn accurate at 10 yards. Even the range boss at range shot it and not being a fan of revolvers was hitting bulleyes, and said I'm getting one of these. Custom made set of grips and it's my new EDC.....love it.

[@everydaycarrymonkey2691]

I have the M200 and absolutely love it! The M206 is on my radar mainly because the Colt Detective Special that it's based on has joined the rest of surplus firearms costing one's firstborn plus three oxen minimum...

[@chubbsmcgee9]

Have had a 206 for years. It goes in the bag with the winch controller and a few handtools to go offroading. Added pachmayr detective special grips to make it shootable and a couple safariland speedloaders. Works perfectly for what its used for.

[@bretjohnson6188]

Were the Safariland speed loaders intended for one of the Colt models?

[@lokichoki_]

Had the model 200 full size and it was timed perfectly, no wheel marks whatsoever. Shot my cast loads out of it and the groups were tight!

[@aleradan0744]

Yeah and it has a nicer grip.

[@classicrocker81]

I like my M200 but the plastic grips cracked on it recently so Ive yet to replace them since it mainly just sits in the safe. Ive had zero issues with the gun itself though and I do enjoy shooting it.

[@seethingnuclearchaos]

@@classicrocker81 MAC had durability problems with the M200 over a modest number of rounds. (Heard about this through their Patreon) I don't think that he ever did an official video on it. So I sort of wonder about heat treatment consistency and QC. But it is a great price and when I shot one, I was favorably impressed.

[@Anthony-bl5rm]

What you mean timed perfect? No wheels marks

[@seethingnuclearchaos]

@@Anthony-bl5rm on that gun, the heat treating on the hand appeared to be off and it got out of time as it deformed under use. No evidence on the one that I saw personally, but possible.

[@jacktheaviator4938]

I picked mine up from my FFL guy earlier today, put 2 boxes of ammo through it, shoots damn nice for a snubby. It's going in my toolbox at work, I can't really weld with a holstered sidearm but I can have it in 4 steps. In case of labor disputes.

[@jarkoer]

I had an M200 for a while. I really had no complaints with it, and who knows I may eventually buy an M206. The cylinder froze on me once, but figured out it was because the knob on the cylinder crane had worked itself loose during firing and was pressing against the frame. A dab of loktite and that problem was fixed. It's a good budget gun.

[@tymccutchen]

Just ordered picked up a Brand new Taurus 856 Defender 3" in SS for $344 out the door. Amazing revolver for the price. Im lovin it. That's a good budget pistol for sure. Thx for video.

[@mikem8396]

Can't go wrong with a Taurus, especially their many new offerings including their wildly successful and reliable G2C and G3 series of pistols.

[@vinceandrews6658]

I have a .206 I just leave in my truck, mine came with a second grip that I like a lot better than the wood one. I think I paid $180 for it at sportsman’s like 3 years ago and it still functions just fine

[@joelspringman523]

WOW! Phenomenal!

[@sith1986]

I personally wouldnt just leave a gun in my car for any reason

[@pastorbill7374]

WHAT IS THE RANGE DISTANCE..

[@seppshlllearningcenter419]

Cost you $180, it's gonna cost Jamal $0 since you leave it in your truck.

[@williammecham7038]

Reminds me of my Rossi M68 snubby . It's given me 30 plus years of service and still looks and shoots great . hope this is as good and on the plus side it packs six not five . love affordable well built shooters . Taurus screwed the 68 when they took over

[@rogerwilliams4428]

I have one and love it. Even though it comes with the larger grips, I bought a pair of Colt Pachmar grips because they are softer. Both grips fit just fine. I keep it on night stand every night. I feel perfectly safe with that close by. Great little gun and great price. I do have a speed loader that works great also. Great review.

[@kmtphx]

Love the 206. Didn't want to take my Detective Special out of the safe anymore, bought a 206 as a substitute and have been really surprised at how much gun you get. Put on Pachmayr grips, painted the front sight orange, stoked it with some full wadcutters and I'm ready for my next adventure.

[@Donutkommando]

What type of grips does this accept?

[@subtractivemusic]

I've owned a Rock Island .45 1911 for the past couple years. I picked it up for $600-$650 retail. Impressive construction and performance. The only issue I've had has been rough steel case ammo that sometimes doesn't eject or feed properly vs smooth brass that is always reliable. So I use my steel case at the range and save the brass for home defense. I also used white nail polish on the black sights for contrast. Cheap and easy mod. Given my positive experience with RIA, the m206 looks very attractive and will be on my shortlist for future reference. Thanks for the thorough review.

[@josephs5230]

I had an m206 for a couple years and was my first revolver for only $250. I really liked it and worked just fine for sitting in a glove box or heavy coat pocket. I highly recommend it.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Agreed as said in my review 🤙🏽

[@drinkinbuddy8264]

Worth every penny. It’s alittle heavy but damn is it a beauty I’ll never let mine go even since upgrading. Blessed

[@marktomasunas4926]

Love your sarcastic humor James! TFB reviews are the best.

[@harperhellems3648]

Damn. I could have bought 3 of these for the price of a S&W 442 Performance Center .38 +P with Crimson Trace grip sights. Still, I love it and will think hard about adding one of these RIA bad boys to the collection. Gotta love a beater you don't have to baby. Why I love so many Ruger products - tough, durable, functional, and affordable.

[@230Bigpapi]

I had the larger version the M200 and shot it a lot. I did put colt frame grips on it and also painted the front sight as James talked about.

[@2wattsout]

Link to the Colt frame grips? How was the fit, needed persuasion? Thanks!

[@Alolan.Vulpix.Getting.Railed]

This is like a Level 1-5 Grey Common Rarity Revolver in shooter rpgs

[@martinflanigan650]

i have a model 200 and love it! i may have gotten lucky with mine but it's accuracy it top notch, smooth trigger in double action and a hair trigger in single action. The hammer is as accessible as my Blackhawk for single action fire. Rugged & dependable!

[@10ft5x3]

My COLT Detective Special 38spl. is still in perfect condition since it's purchase in 1976.

[@popuptarget7386]

Got one at Dunhams on sale for less than $200. It is surprising how decent these are. Heavier and bulkier than a S&W 60 that I have but gets you one more shot. Trigger is good and accuracy is not bad at all.

[@simonacerton3478]

It makes for a very decent bedside or tackle box gun and is compliant with California's dumb gun laws too. It probably would benefit from a touch up on the front sight, a little nail polish or the like for better visibility . Its is a few bucks more than a Hi Point but given a choice and assuming I got a quality one I'd take this gun instead, it just looks better and JMO when you are using a cheaper gun you are probably using cheaper ammo too and a revolver is less finicky

[@frugalsoul9984]

The 206 was my first carry gun. I'm not sure you can do worse. It started having timing issues around 2-300 rounds. The wood grips manage to make .38 feel like a hard recoiling round. For an extra $100 you can get into Taurus revolvers. I own 3. They haven't had any issues with much higher round counts. And they have nice rubber grips

[@adstaton8461]

I have a 5 shot Taurus model 85. It has been a surprisingly nice gun. I use it for summer carry when I'm lightly dressed.

[@garfe5555]

I've carried a Taurus M405 revolver for 10 years and never had any issues with it.

[@mynameisstilljafo4063]

@@adstaton8461 I've been very pleased with my Model 85 as well.

[@frugalsoul9984]

@@garfe5555 I had a 905. I wish they would make a shorter cylinder and frame for 9/40 revolvers

[@number1hansyboy]

you've made some valid points, but "an extra $100" means a hell of a lot more when the starting point is something like $250. That is a MASSIVE increase, percentage-wise

[@DestinL1987]

I just picked up one of these on Friday. Took it to the range yesterday, put about 75 rounds through it. I’m very pleased at its performance. Can’t beat it for the price point of 250$

[@jeansteffen5818]

I love my RIA 206. It has been accurate and absolutely reliable. The trigger pull is comparable to the trigger pull on my Ruger GP 100. This gun is easily comparable to some of my guns that cost twice as much money. I highly recommend this gun to both the new and experienced gun owner.

[@Vonriga]

I love these reviews of guns at the affordable end of the market. Some of us have financial limitations and are quite anxious about blowing the little we do have on a bad gun. While being honest about the shortcomings of some guns, like this 206 and the Hi-Point, along with their strengths, you help us make informed decisions about purchasing guns at this end of the marker. It really helps us feel like we have not just laid down a couple of hundred on a roll of the dice, since we otherwise would not know and could end up buying Nambu's spiritual successor. Keep up the fine work. Please consider a review of a Zstava M70 rifle/carbone... because I can't afford a Cz. Thank you.

[@sisleymichael]

These are great hide guns. Every room in my house has a hide gun. Same for my work shop out back. I bought 4 Taurus model 82 revolvers that were cop trade ins. To see that front sight, some model paint on the front sight works.

[@HGates-hl4eq]

I love snub-nosed revolvers. Model 36, detective special, sp101, etc... If I could find one local I'd get it.

[@paulwhite9242]

I've wanted an SP101 with the 3" barrel for *years*. My tax return may help buy that this year if anyone can actually frigging find one

[@TheOriginalRick]

I love my 206. I am at best an adequate shooter, so if a gun performs better than I expected, I credit the firearm. And the 206 shoots very well for me. My left arm is partially paralyzed so it is difficult to shoot two-handed. Even with just my right hand, it groups very well and on the X at ten yards. I use the supplied rubber grips and it is much better. I think the wood grips are mega-cool looking, but not great for shooting.

[@davidcox3076]

Tackle box gun. That was my first thought on seeing it. Simple, rugged and handy.

[@antiheldd.3081]

James, i'm disappointed, i hoped to seeing you firing two M206 Akimbo style, ditching them and pulling out another two from ankle holsters.

[@scruffysstash]

Glad to see reviews on affordable firearms James. RIA has had my respect for a while now. They have been making good quality, innovative, wood and metal classy firearms for a while now. I wish they would make a nice 22 TCM carbine to go with their pistol line.

[@sombra6153]

My hope is that revolvers like this make .38 Special affordable and available again. Looking forward to hour 500 round +P review.

[@aPoorsPerspective]

@Enochian Prophecies what do you think would happen at 10-20 +P's a range visit totaling 500 after a couple years? I've had mine a couple years. I've only put about 100 rounds of standard pressure ball ammo through it though and a couple critical defenses which probably don't reach expansion threshold.

[@aPoorsPerspective]

@Enochian Prophecies that's a good idea. I might shoot a cylinder or two of +P's to see point of impact and then carry them. I searched for a video of someone shooting +P's in a m206. There's one where they shoot a 100 rounds and take measurements before and after. I'm about to watch it and see what happens. Thank you for the carry ammo idea. Love my 206

[@leonardpiskacsr.7111]

Dont think i would run all that +P ammo in a Non + P rated Gun!!

[@joeythethrifty]

the pensacola beach hooter's patio line... james you are a wordsmith and i appreciate you. i felt like i was there.

[@bodine2508]

Put around 200 rounds thru it. So far no issues. Changed the grips to the rubber ones and painted the front sight florescent orange. Definitely pick up the front sight much better.

[@HarryPrimate]

Actually I’m kinda fond of the M-200 that extra 2” of barrel really gives you the ability to reach out and touch someone.

[@DaveAlkema]

Good video, based on your recommendation I recommended it to a friend of mine who keeps toying with getting into shooting. He goes out with me fairly often, and really seems to like older style/detective style revolvers. This could be a great first gun for him!

[@badas45]

I wanted an affordable revolver and absolutely love my rock island 1911 but I found a used eaa windicator in 357 mag for the same price as the 206 and thought 357>38

[@Odd_Ball69]

Ima be honest I think budget gun reviews are more important than expensive gun reviews. Most working class Americans probably can’t afford 2,000 rifles or 700$ pistols but a 200$ pistols or a 200$ shotgun yea

[@j.stephen460]

I bought one of these a few years ago to "tinker" with, and learn the insides of a revolver. I figured if I screwed it up no huge loss. The machining on the outside of mine left several cuts so I took files and stones to it to smooth it all out. Well now it needed a re-finish so I hit it with ceramic header paint and threw it in my Traeger after a rack of ribs and a pound of bacon to bake the finish. Then I fit a set of WHITE, Barami hip grips on it. That gun smelled like a BBQ joint for 6 months. After all of that I have never had a problem with it, and even CCW'd it for a (short) while. I painted the front sight and it's shockingly accurate for what it is. I have a daughter who insisted it's hers now, and who shoots it very well. I would have no problems trusting my life to this gun.

[@AnAverageJoe624]

Very nearly got one of these, but found a Taurus 856 CH for like $40 more. Another awesome budget snub.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

Needs to be Grizzly or Kodiak in that thumbnail. Skoal is high roller

[@evin98]

price of dip is crazy these days

[@Matt-xc6sp]

@@evin98 Now imagine having to drive 15 minutes over the NH boarder to get wintergreen flavor. Take my money along with my teeth why dontcha

[@kennethdacus251]

I was literally about to say the same thing, Skoal ain't a budget, buddy doesn't know about real budgeting

[@funkymonkeylovin]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Taurus 605 in .357. That’s a great little revolver for around $300 and it’s California compliant, too.

[@jeffersoncarlisle3125]

Had one for a few weeks now and really like it. I'm a farmer and my pockets get very dirty, so I wanted a revolver. The cylinder release was very stiff when I first got it, but after working it for a while it is smooth.

[@Donutkommando]

Use pb blaster to lube it up

[@jeffersoncarlisle3125]

@@Donutkommando oh yeah, I keep a supply of PB Blaster around. Smells like hornet spray, LOL! I really need to clean that revolver now. It is always in the pocket of my overalls. I tried to carry it in regular pants but it pulled them down ha ha. Luckily I wear overalls 99.9999% of the time.

[@Donutkommando]

@@jeffersoncarlisle3125 stuff reeks for days but works better than anything else I've used

[@jackson_craft_gamingscates9324]

these .38s are actually solid AF...... theyre kind of beautiful in a simplistic kind of way as well

[@kurisushimei]

Switch out the wooden grip for the plastic/poly, and it is great. I have 2 of them, just brilliant

[@WhatIfBrigade]

That this design is still viable after 100 years is a great reason for affordability.

[@mikem8396]

...and reliability. No sense reinventing the wheel. Hence the reason the revolver design is and will continue to be a rock solid design, and will never become obsolete. Because they are simple to operate and just plain work.

[@marcangelobovenzi4806]

I love this guy... He is so funny and my favorite tech advisor!!

[@JaykPuten]

Don't forget to add scratcher tickets with the Skoal and cheap beer

[@williamwallace9826]

Funny you should say it has an "old school, detective" look to it, because the overall shape and size are so close to the Colt Detective Special that holsters made for the Detective Special fit it perfectly, and aftermarket grips for the Detective Special fit it perfectly. I have both the M206 (the snubnose) and the M200 (the 4" barrel version). Both are solid, reliable firearms.

[@deanoffishing2139]

Fair review with some added comedy. I own the M200(4" barrel) and have not been disappointed since changing grips.

[@tellus96]

I actually might pick one of these up, ive always liked the look of the M206, just has that classic sock drawer snub nose look, it aint a old colt or S&W but it'll fit the bill

[@grimeye1]

Looks like a practical option for a bury in the yard just in case gun.

[@DopamineSink]

I bought 5 of the m200 4 inch ones, and 5 maverick 88s. I put them with some GI slings and holsters for a "natural disaster neighborhood watch" set to hand out if needed. People be asshole in hurricanes and floods. Cheap way to build some "loaners" when needez.

[@evin98]

@@DopamineSink I wish I had neighbors like you

[@saxon1177]

I like how when you were sitting in that boat you quickly took down those big mosquitoes that were coming at you, awesome!

[@garymillwacker8486]

😁

[@WE-ep9tq]

Colt cylinder release doesnt bother me too much. only have to use it once to load it. After I unload on the unsuspecting opposition in a diner itll go straight into the local river .

[@bdurham1990]

11:57 "office pranks" You got a literal lol from me

[@JDTN1985]

Alright, another episode of Hop's Budget Blasters...wait a minute. The hell is James doing here?

[@brycekleinschmidt438]

Needs more 9mm revolvers with no moon clips

[@renaissanceman4054]

How..it's a rimless cartridge. It'd just fall through the cylinder

[@rodneykuhn249]

I bought mine on July 10th and I'm actually shocked at how good this gun is.. And its bigger than I thought it would be too. Ive never owned a snub nosed 38. I do own the M200 with the 4 inch barrel and I replaced the grips with Pachmeyer grips. And it fits 99%. Good enough and makes the revolver look almost like a gun that costs a hell of a lot more. As for the M206 I love the smaller wooden grips so I wont be changing anything. I bought it for $249.99 at Rural King in Warsaw Indiana and I friggin love it. And yes it will shoot 38+P with absolutely no problems. Both the M200 and M206 ARE rated for +P Ammo. Just don't shoot the shit out of it with that ammo all the time. Other wise it's fine. I love the detective style of the M206. Besides, the smaller grips makes it easier for concealment and I have smaller hands so its perfect for me. The hammer doesn't touch the web of my hand at all. So there you have it. This gun fucking rocks. Get one.

[@francosamericanmusings1560]

This comment is making me buy one! 😊

[@dariusweezer2]

It's amazing what red nail polish or red testors model paint will do to a set of sights and you know what it won't lower the value of the gun any

[@RemoteCamper]

I got one last month. It was the SIMPLE look that got me. It reminds me (also) like the Colt detective. It has a simple, classic look with those small grips and that was exactly what I was lookin for. If you are buying one, ONLY buy one in person. Don't buy one on-line and have it shipped to your dealer. I have noticed a major discrepancy in grips. Some grips have nice stampings on the wood and others have crappy looking and not centered stampings. You will also notice that the little part of the barrel that sticks out is nearly razor sharp, and unfinished. Something about import restrictions on barrel size. So the barrel is longer, then cut and deburred in the US. But not "Parked". Shooting it a few times gets it all carboned-up and makes it black.

[@WickedCrispy]

I was looking into cheap revolvers like this a year or two ago and it was getting mixed reviews saying some showed up with broken timings out of the box. Has their QC improved since then?

[@f.puttroff4470]

I may buy me a 206 after watching this! The price is right up my cheap alley! I usually carry a Kel-tec PMR30 because I can have 30 hollow point rounds at the ready. The 206 will be my back-up.

[@joshuabissey]

Thank you, James, for calling out Colt for their backward cylinder latch.

[@therealdormantgypsy8256]

(PLEASE REVIEW THE 1911) I've had a 206 since 2019 the only thing that ever failed was the trigger spring but I've shot close to 5000 rounds if not more before that happened and you can order parts from armscorps sight if you work up a hand load like I did for mine I can hit pie plates at close to 50 yards I now nave both 2 and 4 inch variants and love them both I trust mine with my life as for the sights I use a silver sharpie on the corners of the rear sights and a orange strip on the front sight

[@roboman3678]

I own 9 revolvers currently I should have more. 38 stubnose revolvers have had kind of awful sights. But the target sights on the colt diamondback stubnose are wonderful.

[@evin98]

President Hussein of Iraq was a noted collector of Colt Diamondbacks. He once said, "Why spend on the Cobras when you're just going to run 38s anyway?" ... although naturally he said it in Arabic.

[@FCV0511]

**snubnose

[@roboman3678]

@@evin98 actually wasn't it Uday Hussein who had those?

[@nonyabiz9487]

Revolvers are awesome and never get old! I just picked up one my self. Its also a cheap revolver too! The Charter Arms Undercoverette. Its a 12 ounce gun and its a true 6 shooter with a half dozen 32 magnums in yo face its nothin to sneeze at for sure. Plus you can load 32 S&W Long for a very pleasurable and fun shooting experience. Not enough videos about 32 revolvers! You will see the light one day I promise...

[@jefferyashmore6477]

Hard to find ammo or reloading supplies for this caliber .32 right now. I bought .38 for that reason. I agree with you on .32!