Used vs. New ?

[gnad]

sorry if I am bringing up a subject that has been posted about a million times already....

So I am thinking about getting a 629. The reading I have done about the ILS system ( not trying to start a debate about ILS ) makes me think I should go for a used one pre-ILS. So I am looking at 629-4's.

I read somewhere online that I have to be careful with used guns that may have been overshot/overloaded and somebody trying to dump their "broke down turkey". So here are my concerns:

Do I need to worry about on my first trigger pull the thing blowing up in my hand if I go used?
If I buy from one of the many online auction/broker places from somebody who has over 500 transactions with all good reviews, can I assume that they know what they are doing and not unloading a turkey?
If they claim "very low" shot count on a gun, do I believe them? Can somebody tell if a gun has a low shot count?

when I get the gun, can I tell if the gun has been overused or a turkey? Can a local g-smith tell me? Can a g-smith tell if the gun is good or about to crumble apart from having a lifetime of hot loads shot through it?

My gut is telling me that if I have this many questions/concerns, I should just go with new and not deal with potential used problems.

As a newbie to the world of guns though I would still like to learn as much as I can though.. . So would welcome any/all info/opinions!

Thanks!

 

[H Richard]

I don't know if anyone can look at a used revolver and tell it it has had "X" thousands of Hot loads through it for sure. Some guns will show very little wear as they were handled very well. You should be familiar with all the checks for mechanical use/abuse, and it it shows it, don't buy it.

I have bought a few dozen revolvers over the internet and luckily, I have never had a problem. I have looked at a few at gun shows that I put down and walked away from. Too loose, signs of abuse, etc.

Most used guns are sold because the owner wanted to trade up to something else, or needed to raise money. Neither case is a cause for concern as most times the owner would rather keep the gun but needs the money.

Then there is the Part time dealer that constantly buys and sells, and never actually shoots any of the guns he buys.

95% of the guns I buy are used, because the guns I like are no longer manufactured.

Just use good judgement, and if on line, ask for as many good clear pictures as you can.

 

[BE Mike]

I bought a few losers when I first started buying guns. I was pretty ignorant in those days. After realizing how badly I had been burned, I decided that I would learn as much about guns as I could. I started my educational process. I joined the NRA and started reading, "The American Rifleman". I also bought some other good gun books. It was most enjoyable and enhanced my hobby. That was all long before the internet. Now, on the internet you can find out a ton of information for free. I buy most of my guns used and haven't been taken. Of course, now I know how to make some repairs on certain firearms.

I wouldn't trust a gunsmith or person who has a vested interest in selling guns to give unbiased advice. If you join a gun club, you can make some friends and some of the old hands may be able to guide you. Caution though, some are old "horse traders" and may still not give you good advice.

Buying a gun without seeing it first hand is a real gamble, unless it is a new gun, bought from a dealer. I usually can get an idea about the gun and person selling it from the how the seller answers questions...some seem like they are trying to hide something and offer few photos. Even a well-established FFL will unknowingly sell a dog once in a great while. Reputable dealers will offer an inspection period, but hey if you aren't knowledgeable, you don't know what to look for and might still end up with a boat anchor.

My advice to you is to stick with guns from your reputable local gun store, until you feel confident in your knowledge. You might pay twenty bucks or more than online, but you can have a knowledgeable buddy go along and look over the piece. Although most gun shops won't give you a guarantee or warranty on a used gun, they will try to work with you if there is a problem, either trying to repair the gun or allowing it in trade on another gun.

 

[arjay]

Just use caution when buying over the net.Lot's of good clear photos and a good description from a reputable dealer.Odds are on a 629,it hasn't been shot loose.Most haven't had that many rounds through them.

 

[jaykellogg]

I have bought and sold a lot of used guns. When I was buying a lot, computers weren't in peoples homes, so I bought using written descriptions out of The Shotgun News. There are two concerns buying sight unseen. First, is sellers who just aren't competent to accurately describe a weapon and the second is those dishonest people.

Regarding the Model 29, quite a few years ago some left the S&W factory that quickly developed timing issues. I had a Model 27 at the time that had timing issues. It was 3 years old at the time, but S&W agreed to repair it free of charge. Another issue that can affect any powerful pistol is gas gutting of the top strap. You should get assurances that the underside of the top strap where the barrel/cylinder gap is does not have gas cutting issues. Another issue that can affect any revolver is wear between the crane and cylinder. This allows the cylinder to move froward and close up the gap. Upon firing the gun will feel like it is binding up. This won't happen when you dry fire. Other than this look for burred screw slots, and battered notches where the gun locks. Good luck.

 

[vytoland]

i have bought several used S&W revolvers at the internet auctions and they have all been winners.

as others have mentioned it is important to check the sellers feedback
read the descriptions CAREFULLY….note any issues left unsaid.
study the pictures. I will magnify the computer screen from 100% to 400% to detect any flaws.
I will send the seller an email asking the condition of….
bore , lock up, timing, forcing cone, flame cutting, extractor rod, rust/pitting under grips or anywhere.
the condition of the forcing cone and flaming cutting above the forcing cone is critical on magnum revolvers.
I note what kind of response I receive. Detailed and helpful…good. Short and indifferent……I lose interest real quick.
most important…don’t think that any one item for sale is the only one in the world.
if you miss one bus….another will be along soon and maybe charging a lower fare.

 

[amazingflapjack]

educate yourself so you can buy older S&W revolvers. Read-browse auction sights-especially Gun broker. Ask questions, compare. Eventually you will start to build some knowledge. Focusing on one model is OK to help you learn, as much of the info is applicable to other models. Having said that, a no dash through -4 would be a good choice in my view.

 

[Rule3]

If you are new to buying, it is always good to try to find a gun locally rather than online ,that you can actually see and feel. Overall first impression sure helps a lot. There are many things to look for but do not let that intimate you, it's not hard and if you find a good dealer he should sell you a gun in good condition.

Do a Google search on buying a used revolver. There is lots and lots of good articles. Here are some:

Revolver Checkout Procedure

Buying a Used Handgun

Handgun Buying Guide

Complete Guide To Buying Used Handguns

 

[A10]

I've only bought two new ones in the past 5 years, one of them a Springfield I traded off, and one the 442 that goes everywhere with me. All others have been bought (or traded) face to face. There is some good information on this forum about checking out revolvers and semis.

 

[feralmerril]

I have had hundreds of guns go through my hands. I cant remember buying even one bad one. I have only bought two guns off the internet. The rest were all face to face. I would say roughly over 2/3 of the guns I bought were sold as used. I havent ever used a gunsmith except for customising ideas of mine, well mabe twice at the most.
Just dont buy junk!

 

[Onomea]

Out of an accumulation of a coupla dozen handguns, only two were bought new. A lot of collectors believe, and rightly so in my opinion, that the revolvers from the first part of the 20th century, maybe to include the 50s and 60s, are superior to those from later times anyway.

 

[gnad]

thanks for all info!

hey all, great info and all very much appreciated!!!

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum.

Those are great questions!

My experience is: I've only ever bought used Smiths. If you follow the links posted above, you should be fine. The only 'dud's' I've ever bought were when I made the HUGE mistake of buying NEW Rossi's (2) and (a) Taurus - but that's a different story. (these were all revolvers, I can't comment on their SAs). My semi-autos are all Rugers and Berettas - never a problem. I'm told that some of the older Rossii and Taurii were ok - but I personally would never take the chance because the ones I bought were just awful.

Stick with S&W's, follow the guidelines. You'll spend about 50% to 75% vs. the price of new (of course I also don't even want most of the new ones, but that is also a different story).