I think people that think they just can't afford to buy a gun should check the RI revolvers out. RI seems to be like Ruger in that they have a really good warranty and service dept.
So you are saying the old time 38 special loads were actually hotter than the present come factory loads now or were even hotter than present day +P? Or was that just the ammo for police use was loaded hotter back in the days of common 38 special being the main caliber used?