340 SC for $350, should I do it?

[HarrishMasher]

I have the opportunity to pick up a well used 340 SC for $350. It is a rental gun at My local LGS/Indoor Range. The finish is VERY rough and it has seen an unknown amount of rounds through it. It is also very dirty from use and needs a good cleaning. My buddy who works there snapped some pics for me (see below). The backstrap is brutal! Kind of looks like someone has been using it as a hockey puck!

Their rental guns are usually guns they pick up in trade and are a little rough looking to begin with.

On the positive side the range does not allow .357 mags at all. And certainly not on their .357 rentals. Only factory .38s that you must buy from them. They have been selling Federal AE 130gr FMJ for the last bunch of months for their rentals.

I picked up my 65 Lady Smith the same way. It was a rental and I asked if they would sell it to me. I got it for $330. There was a big thread on here about it a few weeks back.

So should I do it?

 

[BrianE]

Perfect for a little pocket gun. I'd buy it (lowest price possible), clean it, shoot it. Ain't gotta worry about it getting ugly... [emoji6]

 

[JohnRippert]

I'd personally be leery just because of the unknown round count. That said, it would make a great glovebox, tacklebox, toolbox gun in that shape. I would offer $300 cash and see what they say.

 

[Macinaw]

Buy it and have it Cerakoted?

 

[adwjc]

Where's the range and shop?

I'll check it out and let you know...

 

[usm1rifle]

I'd buy it for that...

 

[307-Niner]

I'd buy it.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Buy it and have it Cerakoted?

My initial thoughts as well but the added cost of the work kills the bargain.
Mmm. I say skip it.
You seem like you will have another chance at a better gun in the near future.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn OP

A gun in that condition should really be examined by a gunsmith, no matter what price. Reportedly only .38s were put through the gun; I wonder what those chambers look like. I've always had trouble cleaning chamber fouling in that .10" ahead of the .38 case. And this gun has had 1000s of .38s through it? Must be a reason they're dumping it for that price; I'd like to know what that reason is.

If I needed a gun really badly to save life and limb and that was the only one available, yeah, I'd buy it. But the stores are full of guns in better condition than that with known track records. I'd pass.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[HarrishMasher]

A gun in that condition should really be examined by a gunsmith, no matter what price. Reportedly only .38s were put through the gun; I wonder what those chambers look like. I've always had trouble cleaning chamber fouling in that .10" ahead of the .38 case. And this gun has had 1000s of .38s through it? Must be a reason they're dumping it for that price; I'd like to know what that reason is.

If I needed a gun really badly to save life and limb and that was the only one available, yeah, I'd buy it. But the stores are full of guns in better condition than that with known track records. I'd pass.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

They are not looking to dump it. I'm friends with them and I asked if they would sell it to me and for how much. I did the same thing with the 65 Lady Smith I bought from them a few weeks ago for $330.

I have been looking for a 342sc in .38 for a few weeks and to no avail. I found a couple but they were over $700. I was also bidding on a couple on GB that I lost for similar prices. I started looking at 340s, but they are all over $700. I'm looking to spend $600 or less, hence I was considering the local rental 340sc and asked if they would sell it. I will probably pass and just wait until a better one comes along at a reasonable price.

Good point on the chambers. Wasn't an issue at all with the 65 Lady Smith. I will have to take a close look.

 

[snowman.45]

I got one back that I originally purchased new a while back. It looked rough. I cleaned up the surface finish with grey Scotchbrite pad and used titanium KG Gunkote to refinish it. I then added an XS Big Dot front sight.

 

[307-Niner]

That turned out really nice snowman.

 

[snowman.45]

That turned out really nice snowman.

Thanks, 307-miner. It's my favorite pocket carry.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn snowman .45

You got the touch, partner. Am interested in your words: I got one back originally purchased new. Had you sold it? Stay safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[HarrishMasher]

You got the touch, partner. Am interested in your words: I got one back originally purchased new. Had you sold it? Stay safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I couldn't understand that either.

 

[Bajadoc]

It's probably worth buying. I would spend a little more and get a nicer one if it were me. If you like it buy it.

 

[mc5aw]

Rental guns are treated worse than rental cars, and the one shown has been treated horribly. I wouldn't take that revolver for free unless I wanted a paperweight.

Though the Airlite finishes are far less durable than stainless revolvers, the photos tell me that SC has been seriously abused and neglected.

 

[regalsc]

To me $350 is a lot to spend on what I consider a worthless used up gun. $350 would buy a lot of ammo to shoot up in the guns I already own. Just my opinion since op asked.

 

[TucsonMTB]

I know it's hard to do, but with the internal lock and all the finish damage, were I you . . . I would walk away.

On the other hand, if you don't care about the lock and don't care about the beat up appearance, or are willing to spend two or three hundred to have it refinished . . . that is a very nice model.

Disclaimer: I may be addicted to J-frames equipped with Titanium cylinders.

 

[bananaman]

I have always been fussy about gun appearance. I have bought challenged guns before (looks) Unfortunately if I can't get them to look the way I want, end up getting rid of them. That is just me. Would rather spend a little more to get better instead of buying cheap & investing more. Suppose a glove box gun, etc. only needs to be reliable. Bob