I have been shooting for many years and this is a great EDC pistol. Black sights are no issue because I train to "point & shoot" rather than seek sight alignment.
Good review! I have handled the M206 and the M200 but have never shot them. They seem well built, albeit a little rough around the edges. Everyone I've talked to that has one has never complained about reliability.
@sacrificialscience4405 I was planning to buy one at some point, but I really want a revolver in 327 Federal. Only reason I haven't picked up a RIA yet. Priorities 🙂
I've had more than one, and I like 'em. They go bang every time, and btw, with the wood grips, the speedloader works very smoothly. I think a lot of people shy away from it because it's so low-priced compared to "premium" revolvers. But what they forget is that it's a tool, like a hammer or a screw-driver, not a piece of art to hang on the wall and impress the neighbors. And looking at the muzzel end...
@@sacrificialscience4405 Glad to help. In the same vein, the only time I've ever had to deploy a firearm (thankfully, I didn't have to actually fire it), get was a Rohgm (?) RG, which makes the Rock Island look like an actual Colt as far as quality. But merely looking at it in my hand reminded an entire gang of young tough guys of a previous engagement elsewhere! And gauging by how quickly they left, it must've been a very important engagement. They didn't even bother asking me what brand of gun was in my hand!
Thanks! My friend needs a small revolver and is on a budget so this is perfect for his home self defense. I sent him your recommendation. Mixup98 also loves this little .38 special as well. Be well.👊🏻
Steel case "cheap" ammo does not do well in the M-206. You will have far too many dry strikes in double action but, shooting single action usually works with the cheap ammo. I always buy good ammo even for practice, and I recommend avoiding the +P or hot loads and it should give you a long life of good shooting.
Pachmayr grips fit it perfectly also and they seem to be softer. That's what I bought to put on mine. I love this gun and the price is very reasonable also. I keep mine loaded with hollow points by my bed at night. I also have the fast loader and the grip does touch it, but they go in just fine. I also have the Smith EZ 380 which I love, but I usually keep it in the safe if I need it. I enjoyed your video. Thanks a lot.
I love the 206 as I tend to be more of a revolver person due to the reliability . I have the Taurus 605 a snub and tracker 627 but keep them in 357 mag .. The 206 was something I was looking at for the retro look as its classic but upgraded the grips . The snub 206 did great with plus - and the 6 rounds make it ideal for self defense though I run plus p as my ammo for home and carry. . At the range it was flawless with very acceptable recoil and it as smooth getting back on target . Though I own several semi autos with higher calibers and even use the 380 for civic duty the history of the 38 special speaks for itself as the police used it for a generation .. No matter what your preference is you cant go wrong with a 38 special sub any day of the week. This is a very well build too , though not pedigree it will get the job done and a persona favorite of mine for every day carry and a nightstand tool. Great review
Thank you very much! As a reloader, 38 is pretty versatile. I can load it really light with lead for introducing new shooters, or load it to plus P for defensive carry. Thank you for watching!
Buy the RIA M206 get rid of the wood and rubber grips and buy the made to fit Mark Browne walnut or cherry short flat and longer grips! Youll be glad you did!
That’s a really good price for a gun that can survive a double charge and revolvers are incredibly reliable. I’m a revolver fan myself, but the only problem I see would be if money and self defense really are the main issues. The M206 seems to be chambered in the traditional revolver .38 special, which is almost always more expensive than the 9mm alternative. People can save a lot more money in the long run shooting 9mm. For self defense purposes, it has the same problem that all revolvers unfortunately have, which is that it has less rounds (6) and takes a longer time to reload compared to a magazine fed pistol. At a under $260 price point, I personally think a Palmetto State Armory, Ruger, or Taurus 9mm pistol would be a better choice in the long run. If the purchaser isn’t planning on practicing on a regular basis (therefore not using a lot of ammo, but not recommended) and is only expecting one or two attackers in a self defense situation, the M206 is a really great option though.
I agree about the dagger. I’ve got one and it has been 100%. Can’t say the same about Taurus and Ruger semi autos. I’ve had my share of duds from them.
@@sacrificialscience4405 That's true. The Dagger is solid, but Ruger and Taurus have both made some pistols that probably should've had some more time in quality assurance and development. I would always recommend the Dagger, but it's sad how some people see the price tag and think it's cheaply made, without seeing the quality.
Picked up the Model 200- 4 inch barrel version- new, at my local Academy a year ago, for $159. It was marked $249, but it was their display model- so i talked them down on the price.
I really don't need the gun, but that's another story. It'll make a nice fishing gun for the snake one may run across, not just the kind on the ground, but for the one's that walk upright. I presently carry a high standard double nine, which I really like, but a 38 is better. Gun snub's look down on this and that's fine, that's them. I've come to understand that "cheap" doesn't alway mean junk. I really liked your layout of this gun, the good and bad.
I have an undercover and a M206. The 206 chamber's 6 rounds vs the Undercover's 5. But I prefer to carry the Undercover because like it's namesake it's easy and more comfortable to carry. They are both reliable guns. You can't go wrong with either, the Undercover is a little more expensive and a lighter gun.
@sacrificialscience4405 The Mark Browne walnut or cherry or optional wood grips of your choice fit very well ! I know I have them! I have the walnut short, but are longer and flat sided on my M206
@shadowwolf9503 You got to remember each individual firearm is not exactly the same meaning frame when they cast them! Close but not exact! My Browne Works grips are maybe .030 in a couple spots difference! I can take a file to the wood if I want too, but I won't! Still they are far better than stock!
My , big question is, why doesn't RIA or Armscor Make the M206 in a blued finish with tritium sights and a longer wood grip! Why oh why, Why? Its made for improvement!
Poor fit and finish on internal parts. Pistol is gritty, poor timing and has a greater than 9 pound double action trigger pull, 6 pound single action pull. Had a frail lady student who couldn’t operate this pistol. It was too difficult for her to cock the gritty hammer. $250 plus tax and it needs at least another $100 of gun smithing to smooth and polish the internals. Pass unless you are a Colt smith
It goes bang everytime. If its all you can get then get it. No brainer.
I have been shooting for many years and this is a great EDC pistol. Black sights are no issue because I train to "point & shoot" rather than seek sight alignment.
I moved to the philippines a year ago, bought one here for 200 dollars. Glad I did, great gun great price..
Good review! I have handled the M206 and the M200 but have never shot them. They seem well built, albeit a little rough around the edges. Everyone I've talked to that has one has never complained about reliability.
Thank you brother! If you get the chance to shoot one, you should. Well worth the money.
@sacrificialscience4405 I was planning to buy one at some point, but I really want a revolver in 327 Federal. Only reason I haven't picked up a RIA yet. Priorities 🙂
I've had more than one, and I like 'em. They go bang every time, and btw, with the wood grips, the speedloader works very smoothly. I think a lot of people shy away from it because it's so low-priced compared to "premium" revolvers. But what they forget is that it's a tool, like a hammer or a screw-driver, not a piece of art to hang on the wall and impress the neighbors. And looking at the muzzel end...
Very true. I’ll have to put the other grips on for ease of speed loading. Thanks for the info!
@@sacrificialscience4405 Glad to help. In the same vein, the only time I've ever had to deploy a firearm (thankfully, I didn't have to actually fire it), get was a Rohgm (?) RG, which makes the Rock Island look like an actual Colt as far as quality. But merely looking at it in my hand reminded an entire gang of young tough guys of a previous engagement elsewhere! And gauging by how quickly they left, it must've been a very important engagement. They didn't even bother asking me what brand of gun was in my hand!
Thanks! My friend needs a small revolver and is on a budget so this is perfect for his home self defense. I sent him your recommendation. Mixup98 also loves this little .38 special as well. Be well.👊🏻
I’ve seen his video on it. Hard not to like something that’s budget friendly and actually works. 👊
love my m200 good for plinking. to bad the 38 cost so much
Steel case "cheap" ammo does not do well in the M-206. You will have far too many dry strikes in double action but, shooting single action usually works with the cheap ammo. I always buy good ammo even for practice, and I recommend avoiding the +P or hot loads and it should give you a long life of good shooting.
I have both the M206 and M200 and love 'em both. Add a set of BrowneWorks grips and makes a world of difference. I still carry the snub in rotation!
I’ll look into those. The 206 is probably the cheapest gun on the market that I would carry and bet my life on. Thanks for watching brother!
Great review and definitely hard to beat for the price
Thanks brother! I appreciate that.
The price kinda has gone up at Academy, plus their salesmen don’t know dick about firearms 🤷🏻♂️so best to always do research on all purchases.
Pachmayr grips fit it perfectly also and they seem to be softer. That's what I bought to put on mine. I love this gun and the price is very reasonable also. I keep mine loaded with hollow points by my bed at night. I also have the fast loader and the grip does touch it, but they go in just fine. I also have the Smith EZ 380 which I love, but I usually keep it in the safe if I need it. I enjoyed your video. Thanks a lot.
That’s good to know about the pachmayr grips fit it. Thank you very much for watching.
I love the 206 as I tend to be more of a revolver person due to the reliability . I have the Taurus 605 a snub and tracker 627 but keep them in 357 mag .. The 206 was something I was looking at for the retro look as its classic but upgraded the grips . The snub 206 did great with plus - and the 6 rounds make it ideal for self defense though I run plus p as my ammo for home and carry. . At the range it was flawless with very acceptable recoil and it as smooth getting back on target . Though I own several semi autos with higher calibers and even use the 380 for civic duty the history of the 38 special speaks for itself as the police used it for a generation .. No matter what your preference is you cant go wrong with a 38 special sub any day of the week. This is a very well build too , though not pedigree it will get the job done and a persona favorite of mine for every day carry and a nightstand tool. Great review
Thank you very much! As a reloader, 38 is pretty versatile. I can load it really light with lead for introducing new shooters, or load it to plus P for defensive carry. Thank you for watching!
Buy the RIA M206 get rid of the wood and rubber grips and buy the made to fit Mark Browne walnut or cherry short flat and longer grips! Youll be glad you did!
That’s a really good price for a gun that can survive a double charge and revolvers are incredibly reliable. I’m a revolver fan myself, but the only problem I see would be if money and self defense really are the main issues. The M206 seems to be chambered in the traditional revolver .38 special, which is almost always more expensive than the 9mm alternative. People can save a lot more money in the long run shooting 9mm. For self defense purposes, it has the same problem that all revolvers unfortunately have, which is that it has less rounds (6) and takes a longer time to reload compared to a magazine fed pistol. At a under $260 price point, I personally think a Palmetto State Armory, Ruger, or Taurus 9mm pistol would be a better choice in the long run. If the purchaser isn’t planning on practicing on a regular basis (therefore not using a lot of ammo, but not recommended) and is only expecting one or two attackers in a self defense situation, the M206 is a really great option though.
I agree about the dagger. I’ve got one and it has been 100%. Can’t say the same about Taurus and Ruger semi autos. I’ve had my share of duds from them.
@@sacrificialscience4405 That's true. The Dagger is solid, but Ruger and Taurus have both made some pistols that probably should've had some more time in quality assurance and development. I would always recommend the Dagger, but it's sad how some people see the price tag and think it's cheaply made, without seeing the quality.
And the wheelie is an especially good option if you think close contact grappling might be a possibility.
Picked up the Model 200- 4 inch barrel version- new, at my local Academy a year ago, for $159. It was marked $249, but it was their display model- so i talked them down on the price.
That’s a great price!!
Solid review brother! 🔫🤘🏼
I appreciate that bro!
I'm totally happy with mine.
Me too.
It's a great revolver for that price. Jump on it if you see it, if you're strapped for cash.
Bought my m206 with wood grips. thinking buying rubber grips for it.
I really don't need the gun, but that's another story. It'll make a nice fishing gun for the snake one may run across, not just the kind on the ground, but for the one's that walk upright. I presently carry a high standard double nine, which I really like, but a 38 is better. Gun snub's look down on this and that's fine, that's them. I've come to understand that "cheap" doesn't alway mean junk.
I really liked your layout of this gun, the good and bad.
Thank you very much! I’d trust this gun with my life. Haven’t had any issues with my RIA guns.
Thanks enjoyed.
Thank you for watching!
Helpful video since I'm debating between this, a Charter Undercover, or a Taurus.
I have a comparison between this and the 856 on my channel if you’re interested.
I have an undercover and a M206. The 206 chamber's 6 rounds vs the Undercover's 5. But I prefer to carry the Undercover because like it's namesake it's easy and more comfortable to carry. They are both reliable guns. You can't go wrong with either, the Undercover is a little more expensive and a lighter gun.
Sometims the basic is the best
in your opinion is that small enough to carry in pants pocket ?
Definitely. I’ve carried it without issue.
must off been a double stack😮lol
Have you heard about anyone putting the Hogue grips for a Colt Detective on them. That'd be perfect for my family if they do fit.
I’ve heard they fit, but can’t confirm.
@sacrificialscience4405 The Mark Browne walnut or cherry or optional wood grips of your choice fit very well ! I know I have them! I have the walnut short, but are longer and flat sided on my M206
They do fit. But not perfect.
@shadowwolf9503 You got to remember each individual firearm is not exactly the same meaning frame when they cast them! Close but not exact! My Browne Works grips are maybe .030 in a couple spots difference! I can take a file to the wood if I want too, but I won't! Still they are far better than stock!
@@turkey0165 Roger that
Can anyone tell me what the weight pull is on double action on Rock Island m200 and m206. Thank you
My guess is about 10-12 pounds. The gauge I have only goes up to 8
Thank you 🙏🏼
it was modeled after the colt and is not rated for +p ammo.
That is my main concern before buying one. Not rated for +P but RIA says it can take +P "in limited amounts" just not constantly. That sounds sketchy.
Taurus says same thing about 856@@raphaelargus2984
Why not offer a 45 - M206
My , big question is, why doesn't RIA or Armscor Make the M206 in a blued finish with tritium sights and a longer wood grip! Why oh why, Why? Its made for improvement!
They were probably trying to make it as cheap as possible. Pretty sure if they did make one, it would sell very well.
One reason - Cost
Scrap GUN from the PHILIPPINES.
🤣. Runs pretty good for a scrap gun
Yes but easy to break, here in the PHILIPPINES gun is illegdl if theres no papers. Why make guns & it is ILLEGAL. GUNS Zis for KILLING HUMAND.
@@sacrificialscience4405 its easy to break
@@sacrificialscience4405 COLT is GOOD.
@@joeltan2416 also 5 times the price. Not everyone has colt money. This gun is great for someone on a budget needing something for self defense
Poor fit and finish on internal parts. Pistol is gritty, poor timing and has a greater than 9 pound double action trigger pull, 6 pound single action pull. Had a frail lady student who couldn’t operate this pistol. It was too difficult for her to cock the gritty hammer. $250 plus tax and it needs at least another $100 of gun smithing to smooth and polish the internals.
Pass unless you are a Colt smith
I used snap caps and dry fired it a lot. Like well over 1000 times. Really helped the trigger pull