Customer Reviews for Rock Island Armory M206 Nickel 38 Special Revolver

Great gun j like it a.lot

Nice two-tone wooden grip. Comes also with larger plastic grip. I have the nickel double action. Cylinder is very tight. Trigger pull is super smooth. The lettering on the barrel is black; it looks very cool. There are no tool marks anywhere, including inside the shroud. Very beautiful revolver.

It's a modern production copy of an old school Colt pattern revolver, for less money than a new production revolver, or a vintage piece. Fit and finish is functional, but obviously rough in areas that won't be seen when the cylinder is closed. The finish itself is electroless nickel, and although it's most likely more durable than bluing or parkerizing, it's not some kind of impervious super finish and I would expect this to rust if it got wet. Trigger pull is long and heavy, double action only, but not horrible. Sights on mine were true, but lacking compared to modern offerings. It's heavy since it's all steel, but this makes it more pleasant to shoot as a range toy as it sucks up some of the recoil. My particular gun needed some break in, sometimes after firing the trigger got stuck in the pulled position and needed a nudge forward. I should have sent it to the maker for work, but this went away after a few boxes of ammo and hasn't come back. But for this issue, I would give it 4 stars. Came with both the set of wood grips pictured (making it an attractive looking revolver, and good for concealment) or a pair of hard black plastic ones (as seen on the Rock Island M200) that make for a better handling gun to shoot. Should be compatible with Colt Detective Special holsters, and takes HKS-DS speed loaders. Cylinder latch is Colt "Pull" style. An "OK" option if you need or want a concealed carry revolver and don't have the money for better. Other more modern or higher priced alternatives (including semi-autos) can offer better sights, better trigger pulls, lighter weight, greater capacity, and so on. A "Good" option if you want a range toy that's not a .22LR. If you want something different for the sake of different, this might be a great option for you. The trigger pull leaves something to be desired, but it shoots a decent caliber, and the kinda heavy weight of this thing soaks up some recoil so it isn't unpleasant to shoot like featherweight J-frames. Probably a "Very Good" option if you're looking for a beater gun that won't make you feel bad for letting it bounce around in the glove box with a box of ammo. It's not a delicate blued finish, nickel finishes tolerate a little abuse, if it gets banged up who cares it was cheap! Mine has since become a dedicated glove box gun, after I found it too lacking for concealed carry, and the novelty as a range toy wore off.

I purchased the Rock Island Armory M206 Matte Nickel revolver on 3/24/2017, arrived at my local FFL on 3/31 and I picked up the M206 on Saturday 04/01/2017. I immediately went to the rage with the new gun, and it has been a terrible experience since the first shot. The RIA M206 misfired on 50% of the rounds. I used the ammo in my other revolver a S& W 686 revolver and had no issues at all. Not only did the M206 misfire, but after putting only maybe 20 rounds through the gun it started to come apart at the cylinder and the crane. I sent gun back to RIA, prepaid shipping by RIA and they received in on 04/05/2017. I just received back the repaired gun on 04/21/2017 and immediately went to the range today 04/22/2017, and still misfires on 50% of the shots. I was using Aguila .38 special ammo, which I have not used before so I also bought a box of PMC bronze ..38 special. Both boxes were brass casings. Ammo works fine in the S&W 686 revolver, not a single problem, but the M206 has constant problems. The RIA M206 has been a terrible purchase, both the initial purchase and the repair experience. I sent emails to the manufacturer today RIA. This was a sub $300.00 gun, so not a lot of money, but more trouble than it is worth. Very disappointing experience with Rock Island Armory and the M206 Snub Nose .38 revolver. Also I do not care for RIA support, they do not email you to tell you they have received the gun or when the work is done and that they returned it to you. I do not recommend this gun at all.

The buying process was easy and punctual. Bud's had FFL transfer names in my area on file for me to pick from. The grips on my pistol were not installed correctly. The grips were crooked. The metal frame was protruded at least 1/2 inch into my palm when I first handed my gun. It was an easy fix with a screw driver. I don't think anyone actually looked at my gun after it left the factory. Overall, I don't have any complaints.

Aside from being a bit tight before putting 200 rounds through it and missing the crane lock detent and spring (ordered from Numrich) this is a great pistol. Shoots accurately at 10 yards and is heavy enough to soak up recoil from standard power ammunition. Comes with plastic combat grips that help with shooting the DAO pistol accurately. I did let RIA know about the missing parts.

Great buy shoots great little heavy but love it

Great revolver. The finish and handeling are great it even came with an extra pair of hard rubber grips.Buds was quick and easy to order from.