Used Revolvers What to look for

[Line Rider]

I'm looking at a Model 36 at the LGS. The price is $400. The bluing is in good condition.

What do I need to check on this gun before buying it?

Also, when was this gun make? Serial number is 631*** This gun does have a pinned barrel.

Thanks

 

[Jimmyjones]

Here's a couple of links

Revolver checkout: how to tell if a particular specimen is any good - THR

Revolver Checkout Procedure

The SN is from the late 60's

 

[Rpg]

That's a decent price for a M36 in good condition.

Ask the seller if you can have it checked by your gunsmith (eg 3 day inspection).

Be sure your gunsmith can examine the piece in your 3 day I section period, of course.

 

[Line Rider]

I'm hoping to find a very good pre mims gun that I can have an action job done on, and Magna Port. Guess you could said a customed up EDC gun.

 

[Hapworth]

Good links from Jimmyjones; I'll add one more:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6F...hLWE4YzMtOTdmN2YwNmY4NzM2/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1

 

[gkitch]

Keep in mind that any action work that reduces the spring tension also reduces the reliability. One wants a solid hit on those hard primers. The J-frames I always leave alone as mine are not for competition nor long range work.

Magnaporting can be a benefit for big magnums but, again, it would not occur to me to have it done to a 38 as it reduces the power of an already controlable load.

For my J-frames, changing the grips are the only modifications. Tyler-Ts or Craig Spegel's wood boot grips are the favorites.

 

[Old cop]

One more suggestion, do a Youtube search. There are some good videos on this topic.

 

[H Richard]

A magnaport on a 38 Special is a waste of money. The revolver does not develope enough pressure to benefit the magnaport.

 

[LMWIS]

So...,
How many guys read the replies to this thread, and went to the safe to check out their own guns?

 

[sandspur6]

All Magnaporting does for a .38 is make it a LOT louder.

 

[jtcarm]

Try googling C.E. Harris buying a used revolver. He had a great detailed guide on how to inspect one.

P.S. If you find it, post the link here. I haven't been able to locate it recently.

 

[sellersm]

Skeeter has an old article covering this: Complete How To Guide For Buying Used Handguns