My Tip? Buy Ammo.
You might want to make sure there's not a chunk of granite in the barrel or chambers, but apart from that? You can reasonably expect a fantastic out-of-the-box shooter.
i just got back from the range with mine (about 4 months and a few hundred rounds old), and I will say this: shoot 158 gr. bullets. I've just figured out in the last couple of weeks how much difference the right ammo for the right gun makes (though the old hands around here have said it a grillion times). In my 4"686+, the best I can do with anything in 125 grains, including some pretty premium ammo (Pro-load, Golden Sabers, etc.), is 4 or 5" groups at 25 yards. Today I shot some reloaded 158 gr. JHPs .357 from Zero ammuniton in AL, and that group (7 shots) suddenly shrank to under 2" (that's rested on a sandbag--I can't do quite that well freehand!). Also, I've had excellent results (for cheaper and somewhat less rolicking shooting) with 158 gr. .38 LSWC (which is great, 'cause they're about the cheapest thing going. They shoot more accurately for me than full Wadcutters. SWCHP +Ps, a nice and somewhat mellower defensive load, shoot to just about as well). More info than you wanted? Well, just know you'll have a great time with this great revolver!
cw
