Well FINALLY my "factory new old stock" 13-1 is being shipped to me. The shock of buying it has now worn off but there is a 3 day inspection period and I want to know what to look for. I'm still new to S&Ws having only been collecting them for about 2 months now, I turn to you guys to tell me what to look for.

The color cased trigger and hammer are advertised in "like new" condition so obviously I would look there for drag marks I'd think. Where else should I look to know if it has been fired before or not (by the owner, not factory)? Basically what do I look for to know if it is in fact unfired or if it's just been fired a box full of times?

Well typically a revolver that was only test fired at the factory will still have a carbon ring around every other chamber. That's the biggy. Of course I have known people to buy guns and immediately strip them apart for a good cleaning before setting them back.

I would say if there isnt what I mentioned you can figure it is not factory new. If that is the way you bought it, then that is what to look for. If you bought as new, then I would consider that as having been fired very little outside the factory. At this point you look for a noticeable turn line, blue loss on the blast shield, carbon between the top strap and the forcing cone (hard to clean), etc.

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C M Brier CPA, CIA, CFE

Yeah, what he said. That about covers it. There is no definitive way to prove that it is actually new and unfired, but following the above guidelines should give you a pretty good idea of its condition. Good luck.

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Retired Dep Sheriff & Armorer