Just keep an eye open for refinish marks under the grips, obvious refinishing signs on the exterior of the gun like over polishing of stampings, and rounded edges that should otherwise be sharp, etc.
Any -2 or -3 gun will be fine with factory full power loads or equivalent handloads, though -5 and later guns have all the endurance package upgrades and will handle a steady, day in and day out diet of the full power stuff much better.
Last edited by Gun 4 Fun; 01-25-2011 at 09:27 PM.
Reason: sp
If you have been looking at -2 and -3 models, they are probably not really considered early models. But at least be looking for pin and recessed models (usually -2 and earlier).
Look over -2/3's very well and try to arrange a shoot before you buy if you can. They WILL NOT hold up to alot of factory 44 mag ammo before loosening up, ask me how I know. If it looks well used I'd look for a less used model personally.