I've never handled a revolver before but would like to purchase one. Unfortunately I only know one person whom shoots and he's a Glock fan so I come to you fine folks with my queries. When looking over a revolver for the first time, at a shop or show, are there any signs of damage that should send up a red flag? Y'know, other than something obvious like a cracked frame. On the opposite hand what indicates a good used revolver that has been well taken care of?
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Revolver wear and tear
- Thread starter Ale GOlem
- Start date
You ask about inspections for damage and this indicates you’re looking at used guns.
I buy used guns because it’s a better deal, usually, than new.
However, and I’ll give an example, I bought a revolver at an estate auction. By visual inspection it passed all the checks. Not much chance to try out a gun at an auction; crowd was too thick and no one there whom I hated.
Got it home and it had some FTF. Took it to a smith and he fixed it.
Total cost is still not bad but one must be aware that some repair might be needed and the price paid at sale should allow for some more expense.
.
I buy used guns because it’s a better deal, usually, than new.
However, and I’ll give an example, I bought a revolver at an estate auction. By visual inspection it passed all the checks. Not much chance to try out a gun at an auction; crowd was too thick and no one there whom I hated.
Got it home and it had some FTF. Took it to a smith and he fixed it.
Total cost is still not bad but one must be aware that some repair might be needed and the price paid at sale should allow for some more expense.
.
read and understand the link here on the forum...
beyond that ...general appearance ( if its dirty - pass on it), buy a good name ( S&W, Ruger - are your best values)...and do some research on the models that each mfg makes in the caliber you like ( like S&W's in .357 mag ....are in K, L and N frames primarily --- K frames model 19's, 66's - L frames are mod 686's ...N frames are mod 27's and 28's ...) so do some general research on them /figure out what you like in terms of grip size, weight, barrel length, etc.../ there are some other models of S&W out there in .357mag ....but those are the common ones / usually most desireable ....and make some notes / so you know, if you go to a shop or a gunshow...what you thought you might like .../ what you're looking at.
Make the search part of the fun ....and learn / don't be in a hurry to buy...
There are lots of good used revolvers out there...and good values...
beyond that ...general appearance ( if its dirty - pass on it), buy a good name ( S&W, Ruger - are your best values)...and do some research on the models that each mfg makes in the caliber you like ( like S&W's in .357 mag ....are in K, L and N frames primarily --- K frames model 19's, 66's - L frames are mod 686's ...N frames are mod 27's and 28's ...) so do some general research on them /figure out what you like in terms of grip size, weight, barrel length, etc.../ there are some other models of S&W out there in .357mag ....but those are the common ones / usually most desireable ....and make some notes / so you know, if you go to a shop or a gunshow...what you thought you might like .../ what you're looking at.
Make the search part of the fun ....and learn / don't be in a hurry to buy...
There are lots of good used revolvers out there...and good values...