Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special DA/SA Police Trade-In Revolver
Specs at a glance
About this product
Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special DA/SA Police Trade-In Revolver is a robust and reliable .38 Special revolver. It offers a practical option for target shooting or self-defense. Available now for $599.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
This Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special is a police trade-in revolver, meaning it’s seen some use but was maintained by professionals. These aren’t presentation pieces; they’re working guns. The DA/SA trigger gives you options for how you want to run it, whether you’re taking a slow, deliberate shot in single action or needing a quick double-action pull. For a .38 Special, it’s a solid choice for someone looking for a dependable revolver without breaking the bank. I’ve handled a few of these over the years, and they’re built to be functional. It’s got that classic revolver feel, a bit on the heavier side, which helps soak up recoil from standard .38 Special loads. If you’re looking for a range gun, a truck gun, or something simple for home defense, this could fit the bill.
What are the specifications of the Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special?
| Product Type | Revolver |
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Action | Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches (typical for police trade-ins) |
| Material | Steel Frame and Cylinder |
| Finish | Blued (condition varies due to trade-in status) |
| Sights | Fixed Front, Integral Rear |
| Grips | Wood or Polymer (varies by specific trade-in) |
| Manufacturing | INA (Industria Nacional de Armas), Brazil |
| Condition | Used, Police Trade-In (Good to Very Good Mechanical Condition, Cosmetic Wear) |
| Weight | Approx. 30-34 oz (unloaded, varies by model) |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| SKU | KGS-IF38SP-PT |
What are the key features of this police trade-in revolver?
- .38 Special Chambering: A widely available and manageable cartridge, suitable for range practice and self-defense.
- DA/SA Trigger: Offers the versatility of a long, heavy double-action pull for safety or a crisp, lighter single-action pull for accuracy.
- Robust Construction: Built with a steel frame and cylinder, designed for durability and consistent performance. These guns were made to be used.
- Police Trade-In History: While showing cosmetic wear, these firearms are typically mechanically sound due to regular agency maintenance. It means they’ve been handled, but not necessarily abused.
- Fixed Sights: Simple and reliable, reducing potential snag points and offering a clear sight picture for practical use.
- Affordable Entry Point: Police trade-ins offer a cost-effective way to acquire a functional firearm from a reputable manufacturer.
Who is the Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special DA/SA Police Trade-In Revolver for?
This revolver is a practical tool. It’s not a showpiece, but it’s a working firearm that has a history of service. The .38 Special cartridge is a classic for a reason, and the DA/SA action gives you options. For someone looking for a reliable revolver for general purposes, this fits. It’s also a piece of history, having served in law enforcement.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- ✅ Reliable Action: The DA/SA mechanism is proven and robust for consistent firing.
- ✅ Durable Construction: Steel frame and cylinder mean it can handle regular use.
- ✅ Affordable Price Point: A solid option for those on a budget looking for a functional firearm.
- ✅ Common Ammunition: .38 Special is widely available and relatively inexpensive for practice.
- ✅ Simple to Operate: Revolvers are generally straightforward, making them accessible to new shooters.
- ❌ Cosmetic Wear: As a police trade-in, expect holster wear, scratches, and dings. If you want pristine, see our new firearms section.
- ❌ Older Design: Lacks modern features like accessory rails or advanced ergonomics found on newer models.
- ❌ Heavier Trigger Pull (DA): The double-action pull can be heavy for some, requiring practice. Consider a semi-automatic pistol if a lighter trigger is a priority.
Who should buy this revolver, and who should skip it?
Buy it if:
- You need a dependable, no-frills .38 Special revolver for self-defense or range use.
- You appreciate the history and character of a police trade-in firearm.
- You are looking for an affordable entry into revolver ownership.
- You want a robust backup gun or a reliable firearm for a vehicle or home.
- You understand and accept that a trade-in will have cosmetic imperfections.
Skip it if:
- You are looking for a brand-new, cosmetically perfect firearm. See our new firearm inventory.
- You require a lightweight, compact revolver for concealed carry. Consider our concealed carry options.
- You prefer a firearm with modern features, modularity, or optics compatibility. Check out our semi-automatic pistols.
- You are unwilling to deal with the potentially heavier double-action trigger pull.
How does the Ina FIE Tiger compare to other revolvers?
| Feature | Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special (Police Trade-In) | Generic .38 Special Revolver (e.g., Taurus 856) | Premium .38 Special Revolver (e.g., S&W Model 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel frame and cylinder | Steel or aluminum frame, steel cylinder | Forged steel frame and cylinder |
| Quality | Serviceable, robust, utilitarian (used condition) | Good, modern manufacturing, often lighter | Excellent, high fit and finish, refined action |
| Compatibility | Standard .38 Special ammo, some aftermarket grips | Standard .38 Special ammo, various grip options | Standard .38 Special ammo, wide array of aftermarket parts |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS (FFL required) | Varies by retailer (FFL required) | Varies by retailer (FFL required) |
| Lifespan/Durability | High, built for service, long-lasting with care | Good, designed for regular use | Very high, known for decades of reliable service |
| Price | $599.00 (used) | ~$350 - $500 (new) | ~$600 - $800+ (new) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special
What condition is this police trade-in revolver in?
As a police trade-in, this firearm is in good to very good mechanical condition, meaning it functions reliably. Cosmetically, expect signs of use such as holster wear, scratches, and dings consistent with a service weapon. We inspect all firearms for safety and function before listing.
Is the .38 Special cartridge suitable for self-defense?
Yes, the .38 Special, especially with modern defensive ammunition, remains a viable cartridge for self-defense. Its manageable recoil and proven track record make it a popular choice for many.
Can I use +P ammunition in the Ina FIE Tiger .38 Special?
While some older .38 Special revolvers are not rated for +P ammunition, many modern steel-framed revolvers can handle it. We recommend consulting a qualified gunsmith or the manufacturer if you intend to use +P loads regularly, especially with a police trade-in whose exact history of use is unknown. For general range use, standard pressure .38 Special is recommended.
What is the typical barrel length for this model?
Most Ina FIE Tiger .38 Special police trade-in revolvers feature a 4-inch barrel, which was a common standard for law enforcement service revolvers. This length provides a good balance of sight radius for accuracy and handling.
Are parts and accessories readily available for the Ina FIE Tiger?
Parts for older, less common firearms like the Ina FIE Tiger can be harder to source than for more popular current production models. Basic cleaning supplies and standard .38 Special ammunition are readily available. Aftermarket grips might be found if they share compatibility with more common revolver frames.
Does this revolver come with a warranty?
As a used police trade-in, this firearm does not come with a manufacturer's warranty. Kansas Gunshop inspects all used firearms for functionality and offers a 30-day return policy if the item is not as described.
Where can I buy revolvers online?
You can buy revolvers online, including this Ina FIE Tiger 38 Special DA/SA Police Trade-In Revolver, right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We ship firearms to your local FFL dealer for transfer.
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