Rohm RG 38s 38 Special Revolver information
8/25/2010. I put this page together for all those new Rohm RG 38S owners that aren't sure what they have. I did a lot of searching for information and found that most comments on forums are very negative regarding this gun. I also noticed that a lot of people receive or inherit this gun and aren't sure what it is. I selected several comments about this gun that weren't so negative to give you a different opinion. I have included their URL so you can find them. Among their comments you will find plenty of negative opinions. The Rohm RG is Model 38S which is a 38 special.
Röhm (RG)
Röhm, often referred as simply RG, is a German brand of firearms and related shooting equipment. Since 2010 Röhm RG is a brand name of the UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG.
History In the early 1950s the Röhm GmbH of Sontheim/Brenz, which was traditionally focused on the production of chucking tools, diversifys its product line and started to produce alarm guns, flare guns and handguns. Röhm's product line of firearms was primarily established under the brand name “RG”. In 2010 the management of the Röhm GmbH decided to sell the complete manufacture of firearms to the UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG of Arnsberg and to refocus on its core market of chucking tools
8/29.2010. I requested information on a couple gun forums and received parts lists on several of the Rohm RG guns. Go to next page to find your gun. Information is on PDF files. Just click to view and/or download. RG 38s is on this page.
Gunbroker message forum regarding Rohm RG. This site is current as of 8/27/2010. Mark Christian comments offer interesting history regarding the gun. http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?whichpage=1&TOPIC_ID=472329�
The following urls are not current but informative.
http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=36141
1. most RG / ROHM revolvers are of a lesser quality, and inexpensively manufactured
2. most of the early (1950's) RG handguns are .22rf, and made of pot metal
3. RG / ROHM suffers from a poor reputation in general
however, the RG38 series / family of revolvers is not a total loss, and is the exception to the above referenced rules...
the RG38 line was manufactured in the late 60's-early 70's
your RG40 is in this family / a variant
.38 special / 6 shot
2.2" bbl??? (maybe 2" or 1 7/8") w/ vent rib
single action trigger pull should be about 5 lbs
double action trigger pull will be over 9 lbs
6 groove rifling, right hand concentric twist
weight unloaded just shy of 2 lbs
solid frame / double / single action
swing out cylinder with thumb catch release
broad hammer spur
spring powered ejector
blued finish / brown plastic stocks
you will notice that the gun is very heavy for a mid frame snub nose revolver, as there is about twice as much steel in it as needed...
I picked up an RG38 and an RG40 in a multiple gun deal ($30.00 each) in mint condition a few years ago...
while they will never win a beauty contest, are pretty heavy, and are not "high" quality they are serviceable and reliable revolvers...
both of mine shoot fairly accurate groups at point of aim when fired at 7 1/2 yards or 12 yards...
while most will say that if you are banking your life on the performance of a self defense handgun you should spend the money for a high grade gun with a good reputation (I tend to agree) the gun you inquire about is a serviceable low cost alternative.
(if in good condition, cleaned, oiled, well kept, and practiced with)
JMHO
best regards, mike.
http://www.familyfriendsfirearms.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-45503.html
I inherited a Rohm .38 snub-nose revolver
from my dad
and never had any trouble with it
fired a zillion +p rounds
nothing blew up
never misfired
no part of it made of pot metal--like the Clerkes
nothing rattles
I trust it, now--having fired it so many times
It's pretty solid
It was even more accurate than I expected
having never had a snubby before
and expecting the worse
(as long as you aim 18 inches below where you want the round to go
yes
but it's jump-up is consistent)
I could put all six, in a nice pattern, in an intruder's chest at any range he's gonna be--if he's in my house
(as long as I always aimed at his belly button)
that's what I need it for
Rohm's were imported from Germany and distributed from Miami, till 1968.
Since then, any one sold in America is manufactured in Miami
I believe my dad paid 79 dollars for this one, in the seventies
that was a fair amount back then
this one is called a model RG-40
Gun Reviews By Gals for Gals - RG Model 38 S
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 15:28
The definition of gun review as pertaining to these pages means Christine’s opinion of the particular firearm being “reviewed”
RG Model 38S 38 Special
Rohm GMBH Sontheim BRZ
Caliber - 38
Barrel length – 4"
Weight - 34 ounces
RG or Rohm GMBH Sontheim is not really known for the quality of their guns but they did make a few models that were found to be reliable and even fun. The RG 38 Special Model 38S revolver is one of those. This particular revolver was made in 1975 and is in remarkably good but used condition.
While I have found a lot of negative information on the web about RG guns I believe some of that information is really another symptom of gun snobbery. These guns were produced cheaply by the manufacturer from Germany until sometime in the mid to late 70's from what I have gathered. They were then no longer imported and were produced in Florida.
The Rohm GMBH or RG guns are said to be made from melted down pot metal, again I believe this to be a rumor started by gun snobs. Look I like a nice, pricey gun as well as the next person but I will tell you that most people that talk the most trash about these guns simply have never even fired one. I believe alot of the reputation is gleaned from hear-say. I do understand that they did have some particularly bad models when they started coming from Florida.
If you look hard enough there are many people on the web that will contradict the bad feedback of the RG revolvers. People that give the RG's a good review are always people that have owned one or currently own an RG revolver. Again, I am not saying these guns are not cheap or that they are a collectors item. They are not. They are simply and inexpensive gun that, from what I have seen and handled myself, seem to shoot accurately and reliably. There are no bells or whistles just a plain rather heavy revolver for it's size. I speak only of the RG models that I have fired and tested for myself and that includes the RG 38S and the RG Model 66 cowboy style.
I have now gotten to the point that I would like to test every model of RG I can get my hands on just so that I can post actual results by actual users. Even my husband after firing this gun said he thought it fired really accurately. We just purchased the gun so we haven't done anything with it other than give it a good cleaning.
Between my husband and myself we have put about hundred rounds through the RG 38S revolver with not an issue. It is easy to clean and easy to fire. It has a really long trigger pull due to the fact that there is no safety but the trigger pulls easy and I do not believe exceeded 5 pounds of pressure. The revolver is a little on the heavy side but not so heavy I couldn't shoot it one handed. It very nicely fit my hand without excessive reach to the trigger and the grips where really a prefect size for my hand. Although I will say it took me a few shots to get accustomed to the long trigger pull. (What can I say I am spoiled by my CZ 82)
The extractor is smooth and easy to use. Unlike the RG Model 66 the cylinder flips out to the left for full extraction and does not have the bothersome "loading gate" and a solid frame so you have to load and extract one bullet at a time.
Our accuracy test consisted of shooting metal pie tins at a range of roughly 7 yards Initially I thought the RG 38S was firing high when I realized my target acquisition was rather low and therefore I needed to go low. When I adjusted myself for the first 10 rounds and then the target for the 2ND 10 rounds I managed to achieve decent shot groups of within 3 to 4 inches. For a "cheap" revolver I found the accuracy to be very decent. All in all we fired about 100 rounds through the RG 38S without a single failure. Quite surprising for a revolver made by a maker with such a horrible reputation.
Another thing I found admirable about this inexpensive revolver was the recoil which was hardly even existent. It had a lively muzzle flash for sure, we were firing at dust, but the recoil was negligent. I will continue to test this RG revolver and other that I can get ahold of and keep you posted.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 14:27
http://gals-n-guns.com/all-things-guns/pistols/reviews-pistols/34-gun-reviews-by-gals-for-gals-rg-model-38-s.html
8/29.2010. I requested information on a couple gun forums and received parts lists on several of the Rohm RG guns. Go to next page to find your gun. Information is on PDF files. Just click to view and/or download. RG 38s is on this page.
Gunbroker message forum regarding Rohm RG. This site is current as of 8/27/2010. Mark Christian comments offer interesting history regarding the gun. http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?whichpage=1&TOPIC_ID=472329�
The following urls are not current but informative.
http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=36141
1. most RG / ROHM revolvers are of a lesser quality, and inexpensively manufactured
2. most of the early (1950's) RG handguns are .22rf, and made of pot metal
3. RG / ROHM suffers from a poor reputation in general
however, the RG38 series / family of revolvers is not a total loss, and is the exception to the above referenced rules...
the RG38 line was manufactured in the late 60's-early 70's
your RG40 is in this family / a variant
.38 special / 6 shot
2.2" bbl??? (maybe 2" or 1 7/8") w/ vent rib
single action trigger pull should be about 5 lbs
double action trigger pull will be over 9 lbs
6 groove rifling, right hand concentric twist
weight unloaded just shy of 2 lbs
solid frame / double / single action
swing out cylinder with thumb catch release
broad hammer spur
spring powered ejector
blued finish / brown plastic stocks
you will notice that the gun is very heavy for a mid frame snub nose revolver, as there is about twice as much steel in it as needed...
I picked up an RG38 and an RG40 in a multiple gun deal ($30.00 each) in mint condition a few years ago...
while they will never win a beauty contest, are pretty heavy, and are not "high" quality they are serviceable and reliable revolvers...
both of mine shoot fairly accurate groups at point of aim when fired at 7 1/2 yards or 12 yards...
while most will say that if you are banking your life on the performance of a self defense handgun you should spend the money for a high grade gun with a good reputation (I tend to agree) the gun you inquire about is a serviceable low cost alternative.
(if in good condition, cleaned, oiled, well kept, and practiced with)
JMHO
best regards, mike.
http://www.familyfriendsfirearms.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-45503.html
I inherited a Rohm .38 snub-nose revolver
from my dad
and never had any trouble with it
fired a zillion +p rounds
nothing blew up
never misfired
no part of it made of pot metal--like the Clerkes
nothing rattles
I trust it, now--having fired it so many times
It's pretty solid
It was even more accurate than I expected
having never had a snubby before
and expecting the worse
(as long as you aim 18 inches below where you want the round to go
yes
but it's jump-up is consistent)
I could put all six, in a nice pattern, in an intruder's chest at any range he's gonna be--if he's in my house
(as long as I always aimed at his belly button)
that's what I need it for
Rohm's were imported from Germany and distributed from Miami, till 1968.
Since then, any one sold in America is manufactured in Miami
I believe my dad paid 79 dollars for this one, in the seventies
that was a fair amount back then
this one is called a model RG-40
Gun Reviews By Gals for Gals - RG Model 38 S
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 15:28
The definition of gun review as pertaining to these pages means Christine’s opinion of the particular firearm being “reviewed”
RG Model 38S 38 Special
Rohm GMBH Sontheim BRZ
Caliber - 38
Barrel length – 4"
Weight - 34 ounces
RG or Rohm GMBH Sontheim is not really known for the quality of their guns but they did make a few models that were found to be reliable and even fun. The RG 38 Special Model 38S revolver is one of those. This particular revolver was made in 1975 and is in remarkably good but used condition.
While I have found a lot of negative information on the web about RG guns I believe some of that information is really another symptom of gun snobbery. These guns were produced cheaply by the manufacturer from Germany until sometime in the mid to late 70's from what I have gathered. They were then no longer imported and were produced in Florida.
The Rohm GMBH or RG guns are said to be made from melted down pot metal, again I believe this to be a rumor started by gun snobs. Look I like a nice, pricey gun as well as the next person but I will tell you that most people that talk the most trash about these guns simply have never even fired one. I believe alot of the reputation is gleaned from hear-say. I do understand that they did have some particularly bad models when they started coming from Florida.
If you look hard enough there are many people on the web that will contradict the bad feedback of the RG revolvers. People that give the RG's a good review are always people that have owned one or currently own an RG revolver. Again, I am not saying these guns are not cheap or that they are a collectors item. They are not. They are simply and inexpensive gun that, from what I have seen and handled myself, seem to shoot accurately and reliably. There are no bells or whistles just a plain rather heavy revolver for it's size. I speak only of the RG models that I have fired and tested for myself and that includes the RG 38S and the RG Model 66 cowboy style.
I have now gotten to the point that I would like to test every model of RG I can get my hands on just so that I can post actual results by actual users. Even my husband after firing this gun said he thought it fired really accurately. We just purchased the gun so we haven't done anything with it other than give it a good cleaning.
Between my husband and myself we have put about hundred rounds through the RG 38S revolver with not an issue. It is easy to clean and easy to fire. It has a really long trigger pull due to the fact that there is no safety but the trigger pulls easy and I do not believe exceeded 5 pounds of pressure. The revolver is a little on the heavy side but not so heavy I couldn't shoot it one handed. It very nicely fit my hand without excessive reach to the trigger and the grips where really a prefect size for my hand. Although I will say it took me a few shots to get accustomed to the long trigger pull. (What can I say I am spoiled by my CZ 82)
The extractor is smooth and easy to use. Unlike the RG Model 66 the cylinder flips out to the left for full extraction and does not have the bothersome "loading gate" and a solid frame so you have to load and extract one bullet at a time.
Our accuracy test consisted of shooting metal pie tins at a range of roughly 7 yards Initially I thought the RG 38S was firing high when I realized my target acquisition was rather low and therefore I needed to go low. When I adjusted myself for the first 10 rounds and then the target for the 2ND 10 rounds I managed to achieve decent shot groups of within 3 to 4 inches. For a "cheap" revolver I found the accuracy to be very decent. All in all we fired about 100 rounds through the RG 38S without a single failure. Quite surprising for a revolver made by a maker with such a horrible reputation.
Another thing I found admirable about this inexpensive revolver was the recoil which was hardly even existent. It had a lively muzzle flash for sure, we were firing at dust, but the recoil was negligent. I will continue to test this RG revolver and other that I can get ahold of and keep you posted.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 14:27
http://gals-n-guns.com/all-things-guns/pistols/reviews-pistols/34-gun-reviews-by-gals-for-gals-rg-model-38-s.html
http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives2/002910.php
I have a 38 special ROHM GMBH revolver. I have had it for 25 years or better. It's nickle plated. I had a guy 20 years ago make me some wooded grips for it. Ihave shot thousands of rounds through it. I really like this gun.
Posted by: jerry on October 21, 2009 08:19 PM
I picked up one (RG-38) as an "extra throw in" on a trade. Maybe mine is a rarity but it is solidly constructed and shoots to point of aim at 10 yards. It is definitely NOT a pot metal or zinc alloy revolver. Looks sort of like it was made of a mixture of Colt and S&W parts (it wasn't).
I've put about 500 rounds through it and it's about as accurate as my Smith 640. I'm keeping it as a back up piece.
Posted by: Frank Brady on December 11, 2009 11:24 PM
Rohm RG38s/RG40 .38 Special Parts List
| rohm_rg38s_rg40.pdf |
RG Revolver Operating Instructions
| rg-revolvers.pdf |
Gun Parts Sites for Rohm
http://www.gun-parts.com/rohm/
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=8741
http://www.gunbroker.com/
