Anyone have experience with the RG 31 38 Special?

I’m curious about the RG 31 38 Special revolver and am hoping to gather some insights from the community. I’ve done a bit of reading, but I still have many questions and would love to hear from anyone who has actual experience with this model.

Specifications

I’ve seen that it’s a lightweight revolver, but I’m interested in how that affects its shooting performance. Is it manageable for beginners, or does it have a kick that might throw someone off?

Performance & Reliability

How does the RG 31 perform in real-world situations? I’ve read mixed reviews online, with some praising its reliability and others pointing out issues.

  • Rate of fire: How quickly can you get shots off?
  • Accuracy: Is it suitable for target shooting?

General Reputation

What’s the overall reputation of the RG 31 in the firearms community? I’ve noticed that some people see it as a reliable option for self-defense while others are skeptical of its durability and effectiveness. What do you all think?

Reviews & Suggestions

If you have links to reviews, video demonstrations, or auction listings where I can see the model in action, that would be fantastic! I’m especially interested in understanding any common problems or praises that owners often mention.

Conclusion

Any advice or opinions regarding whether you find the RG 31 38 Special to be a solid purchase would be greatly appreciated! If there are other models you think I should consider as alternatives, I’m open to suggestions!

Thank you in advance for your help!

I’ve had my RG 31 38 Special for a few years now. It’s a solid revolver with a nice weight to it, which helps with shooting stability. The cylinder holds six rounds and the frame feels well-built.

5 Likes

I’ve heard mixed reviews about the trigger pull. How does it feel on your RG 31?

3 Likes

The trigger on mine is a bit stiff initially, but it smooths out after a few hundred rounds. I think it’s just part of breaking it in. Definitely something to consider.

Speaking of breaking in, how does it perform in terms of accuracy once it’s settled?

Once it’s broken in, I find it pretty accurate for a revolver. Plus, it’s forgiving on the sights, so new shooters can also get decent groupings.

I’m really curious about its built features. What grip options does it have? I prefer something comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

The RG 31 comes with rubber grips, which I’ve found comfortable. They help absorb some recoil too, quite nice for long practice days.

Glad to hear that! How’s the overall weight? Is it a burden for carrying?

It’s not the lightest at about 30 ounces, but I’ve carried it comfortably in a good holster. I wouldn’t say it’s overly cumbersome.

7 Likes

Good to know! How do you all feel it compares to other revolvers, particularly in the same price range?

1 Like

I’d say it holds its own quite well against others in its price range, like the Taurus or even some older Smith & Wesson models. You’ve got to consider reliability too.

I’ve noticed the RG 31 can be a hit or miss in terms of reliability. Anyone had issues with misfires?

I did encounter a couple of misfires early on, but that could have been my ammo. After that, it’s been flawless. I would recommend trying quality rounds.

I guess ammo choice really makes a difference. What do you all recommend for practice?

I’ve had great luck with Winchester White Box for practice. It’s both affordable and reliable, making it a solid choice for training sessions.

Does anybody else experience a distinct ‘clunky’ feel when ejecting the casings? Just something I noticed.

3 Likes

Yeah, the cylinder release can feel a bit clunky. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but definitely something to get used to. I wonder if that’s a common RG quirk?

I’ve had an RG 31 38 Special for a few years now. Keeping it clean is crucial for reliability. I usually use a gun cleaning kit after every range visit.

Good advice! I also recommend checking the cylinder for any residue that could cause it to stick. Anyone else have tips for cleaning?