How do you check out a new revolver...

[Joebklyn]

When your looking to purchase a new revolver, what do you look out for so you don't get a lemon?

[blaiwayw]

My two cents:

With a revolver, I judge it first by the finish. If it looks good, it was probably taken care of one, and seldom shot.

Than, I look at the cylinder end play, by cocking the hammer and moving the cylinder back-forth and testing the rotation.

Cycle the revolver through all the cylinder stops. Feel for rough spots.

Look down the barrel. Use a light if you have one. I had a really nice looking S&W 586 that looked like a keeper, until I looked down the barrel and saw what was probably the result of a swib load that stayed too long in the barrel.

If you can, remove the grips and look for rust. I once received a model 59 that had a prior owners name dremeled under the grip panel.

That's the highlights for me.

[Dan.Tesch]

Removing the grips is a good piece of advice that I don't hear very often. It really is quite important, especially if it has rubber grips. Those Hogue monogrips and the Pachymyrs as well trap moisture underneath them and don't breathe, so corrosion is inevitable, even on stainless guns.

[bountyhunter]

Originally Posted by Joebklyn

When your looking to purchase a new revolver, what do you look out for so you don't get a lemon?

We should put up a sticky on checking new and/or used revos. I measure B/C gap and cylinder wobble in lockup as well as headspace. Trigger pull should be clean. Check carry up in both SA and DA pull mode o every cylinder tube. Eyeball the barrel to see if it is turned "square" to the frame so the sights are properly aligned. Probably other things I don't have on the top of my head.....

[MTS Cop]

Check the forcing cone for cracks too.

[pilgrim6a]

Even on factory new guns, check the forcing cone. I've seen some come out the box that will make you barf! I wonder about the QA at Smith these days. You pay a grand for a new revolver should be better than that.

[2hawk]

...but this article has proven to be the most comprehensive I've seen:
Revolver Checkout Procedure

Good Hunting!

[Sportsterguy]

Originally Posted by 2hawk

...but this article has proven to be the most comprehensive I've seen:
Revolver Checkout Procedure

Good Hunting!

Thanks 2hawk! This ones a keeper! You can always teach an old dog new tricks. I printed this for a future reference checklist.

[slowburninsteve]

Something that has not been mentioned is to pay particular attention to the barrel. Feel down both sides with your fingers, and look carefully at the barrel from the top and both sides. I once got stuck with a model 19 with a bulged barrel that I did not catch the first go around!

Steve

[Gunmeister]

Jim March's revolver check out procedure should be a sticky on this forum.

[47D]

Originally Posted by Gunmeister

Jim March's revolver check out procedure should be a sticky on this forum.

I agree. It taught me a lot and helped me in selecting my first used 686 no dash.

[5Wire]

Try this.

This procedure has been pasted and relinked in a lot of places.