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I have posted similar commentary about purchasing a new or used gun before, however for the sake of the new guys here I'd like to post it once again. There are many here who might be bored reading this but judging from all the issues and problems I read about lately, there are still many who need to learn. While sometimes you get a brand new gun Factory fresh that's a "stinker", at least you have some recourse because of the Factory Warranty - assuming they Factory is having a "good day". 
I have always opted to purchase older versions as that is my personal preference. When doing so, thorough and knowledgable inspections are an absolute must! If you are new to this game or not a mechanical type of person - bring someone with you that is a "pro" at it.
Buying a new gun is an exiting event and just as when buying other items it can make you overlook the obvious. I constantly read posts here on this Forum about how many have just bought a new gun or a vintage model new to them. Then we start to hear all the issue with them. Loose parts, excessive Barrel Cylinder gaps, canted barrels, broken sights, bent ejector rods, cracked or chipped grips, cracked forcing cones, Revolvers out of time, failures to carry up properly, gritty actions, and on and on and on. Some have bought guns with known issues such as poor finishes, worn grips etc. that they think is an easy & inexpensive fix. NOTE: I'm not referring to knowledgable guys here looking for a donor for a project gun.
I am not going to list every single item that needs to be checked (even when buying a brand new gun from a Dealer) as the list is long, but I will mention some of he more important and easy to check items on Revolvers.
Timing, Barrel Cylinder Gap (I always carry a feeler gauge when in the market for a vintage Revolver) action - smooth or gritty, carry up, straightness of the Ejector Rod, end shake, Forcing Cone, condition of Hammer Nose (if applicable) excessive Cylinder play, excessive turn line, chips in the frame where the Hammer fits, modifications done by previous owners, after market parts, scratched up or nicked muzzle Crown, Excessively light or heavy trigger pull, buggered up screws (a tell tale sign Bubba has been in there), re-blued or refinished parts, and very important are the stories and excuses that sellers give you. Original box, paperwork and accoutrements if applicable when purchasing a Revolver. There are more items but at least these are the major ones.
These are GUNS and with all the rules, restrictions & expenses with returns, shipping, repairs, etc. it's certainly not like getting a pair of shoes repaired and refurbished. To find competent Gunsmiths these days is extremely difficult, expensive and all the top notch GS's have long long wait times. Firearm finished are NOT the same as they used to be due to more stringent rules and environmental concerns so don't think you can just have it retouched or spot finished. Refinishing is a long and expensive process with high shipping costs. More than likely, finishes will be different and almost never look exactly like Factory.
My intent here is not to scare Newbies away from purchasing vintage Revolvers but it is to purchase them with knowledge, foresight and the reality of what is an easy fix and what is a major issue. You are way better off most of the time just walking away from a Revolver with any major issues or excuses rather than to save $100 bucks thinking you can fix it back up on the cheap. Maybe the "pro's" and old timers here can, but this commentary is main geared towards new guys. IMHO you're better to have walked away from a "cursed" gun and continue the hunt - just like in the Maltese Falcon - LOL! There are still plenty out there and there is a constant supply of vintage Revolvers that are becoming available as the older folks pass on or just give them up.
Well, sorry if I bored the older more experienced crowd here, but hopefully I have helped some new-comers to the hobby. Enjoyment of your newly purchased Revolver is what to strive for - you don't want a boat anchor around your neck and wallet.
Regards and happy & successful purchasing!!
I have always opted to purchase older versions as that is my personal preference. When doing so, thorough and knowledgable inspections are an absolute must! If you are new to this game or not a mechanical type of person - bring someone with you that is a "pro" at it. Buying a new gun is an exiting event and just as when buying other items it can make you overlook the obvious. I constantly read posts here on this Forum about how many have just bought a new gun or a vintage model new to them. Then we start to hear all the issue with them. Loose parts, excessive Barrel Cylinder gaps, canted barrels, broken sights, bent ejector rods, cracked or chipped grips, cracked forcing cones, Revolvers out of time, failures to carry up properly, gritty actions, and on and on and on. Some have bought guns with known issues such as poor finishes, worn grips etc. that they think is an easy & inexpensive fix. NOTE: I'm not referring to knowledgable guys here looking for a donor for a project gun.
I am not going to list every single item that needs to be checked (even when buying a brand new gun from a Dealer) as the list is long, but I will mention some of he more important and easy to check items on Revolvers.
Timing, Barrel Cylinder Gap (I always carry a feeler gauge when in the market for a vintage Revolver) action - smooth or gritty, carry up, straightness of the Ejector Rod, end shake, Forcing Cone, condition of Hammer Nose (if applicable) excessive Cylinder play, excessive turn line, chips in the frame where the Hammer fits, modifications done by previous owners, after market parts, scratched up or nicked muzzle Crown, Excessively light or heavy trigger pull, buggered up screws (a tell tale sign Bubba has been in there), re-blued or refinished parts, and very important are the stories and excuses that sellers give you. Original box, paperwork and accoutrements if applicable when purchasing a Revolver. There are more items but at least these are the major ones.
These are GUNS and with all the rules, restrictions & expenses with returns, shipping, repairs, etc. it's certainly not like getting a pair of shoes repaired and refurbished. To find competent Gunsmiths these days is extremely difficult, expensive and all the top notch GS's have long long wait times. Firearm finished are NOT the same as they used to be due to more stringent rules and environmental concerns so don't think you can just have it retouched or spot finished. Refinishing is a long and expensive process with high shipping costs. More than likely, finishes will be different and almost never look exactly like Factory.
My intent here is not to scare Newbies away from purchasing vintage Revolvers but it is to purchase them with knowledge, foresight and the reality of what is an easy fix and what is a major issue. You are way better off most of the time just walking away from a Revolver with any major issues or excuses rather than to save $100 bucks thinking you can fix it back up on the cheap. Maybe the "pro's" and old timers here can, but this commentary is main geared towards new guys. IMHO you're better to have walked away from a "cursed" gun and continue the hunt - just like in the Maltese Falcon - LOL! There are still plenty out there and there is a constant supply of vintage Revolvers that are becoming available as the older folks pass on or just give them up.
Well, sorry if I bored the older more experienced crowd here, but hopefully I have helped some new-comers to the hobby. Enjoyment of your newly purchased Revolver is what to strive for - you don't want a boat anchor around your neck and wallet.
Regards and happy & successful purchasing!!
