what to look for in a revolver

C

chink

New member
I was at a gun store this weekend and they were having a big Ruger Sale. And I almost bought a Gp101 in 357 mag. for 359 NIB 6" stainless steel. But I held back. But it got me thinking. Then I friends said that there was a pawn shop in the area that had some revolvers. So I'm gonna go to the pawn shop tomorrow morning (Tuesday). And I'm gonna look at the revolvers, along with the shotguns and rifles they have there. Primarily in the revolvers, what should I look for in terms of wear and stuff like that. Also, are there any manf. I should stay away from? Thanks.

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It ain't mah fault. did I do dat?
 
I'm not too big on revolvers but I'll give you a first tip.

Avoid Smith & Wesson...

CMOS ;)

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GOA, TSRA, LEAA, NRA, SAF and I vote!
 
I am no expert but would suggest that you stay with as high quality as you can afford. All the BS about S&W aside, they have always made a fine revolver and are worthy of your consideration. After making sure the revolver is unloaded, check for excessive movment in the cylinder when it is locked for firing. Also check the barrel cylinder gap for proper spacing. Cock the hammer and lightly push the hammer forward with you thumb. It should not fall with pressure until the trigger is pulled. You can get a good idea about how much use the gun has had by looking at the topstrap, looking for flame cutting above the forcing cone. Hpoe thsi helps but unless you know what a normal revoplver is supposed to be, yuo will have difficulty judging the condition of used ones. As in most things, you have to pay for quality!!
 
With all due respect there is nothing insignificant about what Smith and Wesson is doing to WE THE PEOPLE. If you care at all about our RKBA, go with a Taurus, Rossi or Ruger SP 101. The Ruger SP 101 is the finest production snubby-----hands down. I prefer the 3" barrel in .357 Magnum which can also shoot .38 Special making it versatile. The three incher is easier to control, has better ejection with the longer cylinder rod and gives the round chambered more velocity among other advantages.



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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
 
That new Ruger sounds like a good deal to me and you know exactly what you're getting.

As far as S&W goes, I think if you buy used or buy a new gun that the gun shop had before Smith announced their agreement you don't have to feel bad about your purchase. Just make sure they realize you won't buy Smith's that they order in the future because you are boycotting the company as far as purchases go.

Just remember to keep in mind what you will be using the revolver for. If it's for your own hunting/recreational/defensive use then it's your call. If you were going to shoot competitively you want to make sure your gun will fit the criteria (for example: if you were going to shoot IDPA you would have to go with a 4-inch barrel or shorter in a Ruger because they allow a barrel length of 5-inches maximum).

What Stubby said for checking a used gun pretty much covers what to look for. I would also take a good look at the barrel both interior and exterior in case it is bulged(It's rare but I have seen used ones like that). Another way of checking lockup is to let the hammer go to the fully forward position and checking that there isn't execessive play in the cylinder(You'll have to have the trigger in the rearmost position for this so make sure the gun is EMPTY and pointed in a SAFE DIRECTION to do this, put the hammer down manually if possible as opposed to just letting it fly forward).

Hope this helps, good luck......
 
stick with rugers and smiths. it's a pawn shop so the smiths will be pre-sell outs. rugers would have to be really old to be pre-sell outs (ruger sold out much earlier than smith).
 
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