RG Handguns — The King of Cheap
Dr. John Woods 05.22.19
Even during the best of times in America, not everybody can afford a top-of-the-line handgun. Back in the 1980s a line of imported handguns filled this gap with inexpensive little pocket revolvers branded RG. These little guns sold by the thousands to people who thought they then had some source of self-protection. That was debatable.
The RG stood for Rohm Gesellshaft of Germany. These guns were imported by R.G. Industries in Miami, Florida. Manufacturing ended in 1986. Mainly they went out of business because the guns were so cheaply made that reliability was nearly zip. To say they were “inexpensive” would be a gross understatement.
The RGs came in two models, the No.23 was a 22 long rifle model with a six-round swing out cylinder. The actions were single action, double action (SA/DA). They came in two barrel lengths of 1.75 inches or 3.38 inches. One has to wonder how they came to settle on those exact barrel lengths.
The little revolvers weighed in at only 16-17 ounces, depending on the barrel. Atop the frame and barrel muzzle were extremely crude open sights. This was a point-and-shoot gun at best. Finishes were blued or nickel. The grip panels were a crude Bakelite type plastic, brown in color.
Rather unbelievably, the Model 38S was chambered for the 38 Special. The swing out cylinder held six rounds. Barrel lengths were 3 or 4 inches. The handgun’s weight came in at 32-34 ounces. The rear sight was windage adjustable with a muzzle end blade front sight. The 38S came only in blued finish, but grip panels were offered in plastic or wood.
The original retail price of the M23 was $115, while the 38S sold for $177 with plastic grips and $212 for wood grips. The 22 LR version was the big seller because dealers often discounted them for well under $100.
Patrons buying RG handguns were certainly purchasing them for the price point, not the functionality. You basically have to see one, examine it, and especially pull the hammer back to get the true feel of its poor quality. Cocking this handgun was like feeling and hearing gravel grinding in the action. They shot no better than they felt and were soon labeled inaccurate and unreliable.
It’s unfortunate that some have to resort to cheaply-made guns for self-defense. Why spend any money on a gun that cannot perform its function? One is better off saving for a better firearm of which there are several, or searching for a good used model.
