Resources for Evaluating Older Revolvers

J

Jorah Lavin

New member
Still very new to shooting in general and handgun shooting in particular, so go easy on me.

I'm working slowly through the process of getting my concealed-carry permit here in NC and I plan to carry my Kimber Ultra-Carry as my primary defensive tool, but I keep thinking that there will be times that a stubby revolver would be more appropriate, and settled on the S&W 640/.357.

I've decided that I'd prefer to buy a used gun rather than a new S&W for a wide variety of reasons, but I don't feel confident about my skill in evaluating the wear and tear on a used gun.

I've got mostly second-handers now, and had luck with most of them, but got burned on a .30-30 which ended up costing more in repairs than a new gun would have, and want to avoid that joy in the future.

I know to look in the barrel for signs of excessive wear or corrosion, I know to test the "lockup" and generally look for busted parts. Anything else people can tell me about evaluating a shooting gun, not a collecting-quality gun? I don't particularly care what it looks like, just that it be 100% reliable or as close to it as you can get with a Smith revolver, which I suspect is pretty close to 100% ;-)

Sorry to ramble on...

-Moss
 
Check this site:
http://www.detnet.com/fuselier/

Look at the section titled "some thoughts on accuracy in revolvers."

Jack's a very competent gunsmith. Does refinishing. Is also a source for some quality guns at reasonable prices. (I've bought two from him, and probably will get a third after the first of the year...)
 
A point to check on a revolver, especially an S&W, is a "too smooth" action. S&Ws are a favorite of amateur gun tinkerers who read books on "how to" work over a double action revolver. When the "wannabee" gunsmith stones through the case hardening on the hammer and trigger, and things go to he*l very quickly, he unloads the gun.

Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top