things to check for on a used S&W rev ??

[ricka2]

I am looking at a used sw model 629 in .44 mag this week the owner is not the original and has no idea of the round count.What should i be looking for ??
I was told the current owner has been shooting alot of full house .44 mag factory ammo.I have bought many semi autos but this will be my first wheel gun but dont want to get burned.Any advice ?

 

[RePete]

Check for flame cutting on the top strap.

Dry fire the gun, and with the trigger pulled all the way back, wiggle the cylinder, at the same time watch for excessive movement in the cylinder stop.

Look at the screw heads. Are they buggered up? If so, it could be an indication that a backyard mechanic worked on it.

 

[92FS Inox]

Open the cylinder and look at the small "lug" in the bottom of the cylinder window. This is the cylinder locking bolt.
#### the hammer, and watch as the bolt retracts into the frame and pops back out.
The bolt MUST begin to retract THE INSTANT the hammer begins to move.
There MUST be NO (ZERO) hammer movement possible before the bolt starts to retract.
The bolt should retract smoothly with no hesitation until it's fully retracted, then it MUST pop back out with a clean "snap".
There should be no hesitation, and no amount of "creeping" back out.