Hi Everyone
I've been trying to put together a summary of what someone may need to look for when inspecting a Used Revolver for sale. I include myself as being the first "dummie" as when I started the list, it was just something I was going to use myself. Now, I'm looking at putting it into a Word document and distributing it amongst my Pistol Club members.
Feedback welcomed and appreciated. If anyone has photograph I could use as examples (apart from on-line images), that would be great too (eg. Cracked forcing cone)
Research
(When you know what you are looking for - As opposed to sudden unexpected Gun Show find)
• History of the Make and Model
• Serial Numbers
• Fakes – Eg “Wells Fargo” S&W No. 3’s
• Recalls – Eg “M” on 586 and 686 No Dash and Dash 1.
On-line finds
• Ask for additional photographs
• Ask about History of the Revolver
• Ask about additional items like box, tools, manuals, etc.
• Additional magazines (10 round V/S High Capacity)
Cosmetics (Ask to Inspect – Take Glasses and Flashlight)
• Inspect overall outside appearance – Rust etc
• Original finish V/S Rebluing? EG, Shallow Engraving
• Case Colour – Trigger and Hammer
• Matching Serial Numbers?
• Side plate screws condition – Clean V/S Scratched Up – Bubba?
• Seam of Side Plate – tight V/S gaps.
• Barrel – Rings and Bulges, Sharp Rifling? Bright Bore?
• Barrel Crown – Damaged?
• Cylinder Turn Line – indicates wear.
• Cylinder Charge Holes – Rings and Bulges
• Ejector Rod Wear
• Ejector Rod Straight
• Forcing Cone Gap
• Forcing Cone wear or cracks
• End Shake
• Trigger – OEM V/S After Market – Trigger Stop?
• Sights – Are they correct or have they been modified?
• Rattles?
• Firing Pin on hammer - Condition
• Top Strap flame cutting
• Recoil Shield condition
• Period correct Stocks/Grips?
• Condition of Grips – Loose? Cracks etc?
• Ask to remove stocks/grips – check for rust, recalls, factory returns. Eg “M” (686 ND) or “N” (Factory Nickel)
Action (Ask to dry-fire first)
• Obviously check that the Revolver is empty and point in Safe Direction
• Trigger (Both DA and SA) – Gritty? Smooth? Action Job?
• Hammer Push-off
• Timing
Live Fire - Where possible, ask to shoot.
Purchase / Negotiation
• Original V/S Modified
I've been trying to put together a summary of what someone may need to look for when inspecting a Used Revolver for sale. I include myself as being the first "dummie" as when I started the list, it was just something I was going to use myself. Now, I'm looking at putting it into a Word document and distributing it amongst my Pistol Club members.
Feedback welcomed and appreciated. If anyone has photograph I could use as examples (apart from on-line images), that would be great too (eg. Cracked forcing cone)
Research
(When you know what you are looking for - As opposed to sudden unexpected Gun Show find)
• History of the Make and Model
• Serial Numbers
• Fakes – Eg “Wells Fargo” S&W No. 3’s
• Recalls – Eg “M” on 586 and 686 No Dash and Dash 1.
On-line finds
• Ask for additional photographs
• Ask about History of the Revolver
• Ask about additional items like box, tools, manuals, etc.
• Additional magazines (10 round V/S High Capacity)
Cosmetics (Ask to Inspect – Take Glasses and Flashlight)
• Inspect overall outside appearance – Rust etc
• Original finish V/S Rebluing? EG, Shallow Engraving
• Case Colour – Trigger and Hammer
• Matching Serial Numbers?
• Side plate screws condition – Clean V/S Scratched Up – Bubba?
• Seam of Side Plate – tight V/S gaps.
• Barrel – Rings and Bulges, Sharp Rifling? Bright Bore?
• Barrel Crown – Damaged?
• Cylinder Turn Line – indicates wear.
• Cylinder Charge Holes – Rings and Bulges
• Ejector Rod Wear
• Ejector Rod Straight
• Forcing Cone Gap
• Forcing Cone wear or cracks
• End Shake
• Trigger – OEM V/S After Market – Trigger Stop?
• Sights – Are they correct or have they been modified?
• Rattles?
• Firing Pin on hammer - Condition
• Top Strap flame cutting
• Recoil Shield condition
• Period correct Stocks/Grips?
• Condition of Grips – Loose? Cracks etc?
• Ask to remove stocks/grips – check for rust, recalls, factory returns. Eg “M” (686 ND) or “N” (Factory Nickel)
Action (Ask to dry-fire first)
• Obviously check that the Revolver is empty and point in Safe Direction
• Trigger (Both DA and SA) – Gritty? Smooth? Action Job?
• Hammer Push-off
• Timing
Live Fire - Where possible, ask to shoot.
Purchase / Negotiation
• Original V/S Modified
