how to check a used handgun for quality

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dr.zorba

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hey gang!!

I need a little advice here if i was buying a motorcycle id check fork seals gear wear etc, but with a pistol i dont know what to look for as a sign of abuse! stear me straight so i dont buy a lemon( what do you call a bad handgun anyway?)
thanks
J
 
I'd look at any contact points, for signs of "irregular wear" meaning any deep pitting etc,

Then i'd check the berrel for land/grooves being intact/not jagged, pitting etc.

I'd also ask what ammunition was used (corrosive/non), how many rounds, what parts were changed out, maintenance done.

Then I'd also read some reviews on the gun in question and see any "problems" to check for.

Other then that... Im not too sure.

Luke
 
It really depends on the type of gun. I mean, we don't even know if you're looking at a revolver or an autoloader!

What're ya looking at?
 
dr.zorba said:
how to check a used handgun for quality
Click to expand...

If you do not know anything about guns, than you don't.
There are multiple aspects of it:
Wear and tear (are you technically inclined to judge)
Historical (do you have enough collector's passion and knowledge)
Functional (what is your general knowledge about mechanics of the guns)
Accuracy (are you experienced/educated shooter)

Each one of these have different sets of things you would be checking out. What is your interest in guns?
 
SIGP2101 said:
If you do not know anything about guns, than you don't.
There are multiple aspects of it:
Wear and tear (are you technically inclined to judge)
Historical (do you have enough collector's passion and knowledge)
Functional (what is your general knowledge about mechanics of the guns)
Accuracy (are you experienced/educated shooter)

Each one of these have different sets of things you would be checking out. What is your interest in guns?
Click to expand...

Correct! Best to have someone who really has the experience and knowledge check out the gun, while you observe. Understand that there is a learning curve to everything, more so with buying used guns.

Having said that, character of the seller is more important than the obvious condition of the gun. An honest seller will disclose hidden defects or problems. In the end, it is still up to you to learn how to buy used. BTW, luck also plays a prominent role when buying a used gun.
 
more info

very good point, i was looking for a few generalities if there are any, something typical of glocks ie 350 eat cams 305 eats crank bearing type of thing.
i am looking for a revolver double action in 357 and 44 a semi in 10 mm and 45 ( see starting a collection).
thanks for the quick responses and i look forward to learning more althigh im sure there are expensive mistakes/lessons to learn!!
thanks again
J
 
dr.zorba said:
very good point, i was looking for a few generalities if there are any, something typical of glocks ie 350 eat cams 305 eats crank bearing type of thing.
i am looking for a revolver double action in 357 and 44 a semi in 10 mm and 45 ( see starting a collection).
thanks for the quick responses and i look forward to learning more althigh im sure there are expensive mistakes/lessons to learn!!
thanks again
J
Click to expand...

J, read this link from another forum, it will tell you everything you need to know when buying revolvers....but again, bring an experienced revolver guy with you. Good luck!

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
 
Try to narrow it down to a particular model, as each has its peculiarities. Revolvers have a lot of similarities, and a lot of ways to go wrong. There are clearances, play, lockup and wear points to consider. It's fairly complex. There's also frames and cylinders that stretch and bulge from heavy loads and overloads. There are some good videos I've seen on some of the basic points to check on a S&W revolver.
 
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