Buying a revolver, what do I need to know?

[ManrisFrack]

So I was killing some time in the gun store today and I saw a used S&W 66-2 for $590. Seems to be a decent price from what I was able to Google afterward.

I've been thinking about picking up a revolver for awhile now but I just don't know much about them. If I happen to find myself back in that shop soon, what am I looking for?

I'm liking the 357 to start with because it'll deer hunt in a pinch and 38s should be good to learn with and for the wife if she wants to give it a go. Definitely not looking for a carry or competition gun. That's about it for the "why".

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Check for cylinder gap (too much space between the cylinder face and the forcing cone). Also check the forcing cone for damage ie, cracks. Check the cylinder lock up. Is there a lot of play with the cylinder or does it seem pretty solid. Check timing. Does it advance properly? Definitely check the the cylinder ejector rod. Is jt bent?

 

[Darth]

I turned down an out of time revolver because I had watched that video before.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Revolvers are great and as long as you check for all the usual issues with used ones, you won't be disappointed. I bought a Ruger gp100 used and I love it.

 

[Criticalt]

Ruger does make a great revolver.
I have a GP100 and an SP101.
Both are great guns.

 

[ManrisFrack]

Thanks @ArmedCorgi that was exactly what I was looking for.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Thanks @ArmedCorgi that was exactly what I was looking for.

Glad to hear it! Sometimes, every once in a great while, I can be helpful, lol. Let us know what you end up doing with this.

 

[BuffNiag]

New one with rebate isn't much more than that.

 

[ManrisFrack]

New one with rebate isn't much more than that.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the rebate and that might come in handy if I try to talk 'em down a bit. All I did was look at the Gunbroker auctions.

So -2 would be early 80's right?

 

[HighlandLofts]

There are lots of good used revolvers out there, for general use stick with a decent quality revolver and make sure it is large enough to be comfortable to shoot.
I have lots of revolvers and my very favorite to shoot in the stainless Ruger GP100 in 357. I load light 38 special ammo for it for plinking.
I did buy a stainless Ruger Redhawk in 357 magnum a short while back and love shooting it, But GP100 is my pet revolver.

Have fun with what ever you buy, and getting one in stainless is an added benefit

 

[ManrisFrack]

Glad to hear it! Sometimes, every once in a great while, I can be helpful, lol. Let us know what you end up doing with this.

Well I bought it. All he'd give me was $20 as a Vet discount. Recoil shield had a ding, had replacement Hogue grips and there was still a little fouling left in the cylinders from shooting 38. The rest seemed good to me. I'll post up a couple pics when I pick it up.

 

[Acer-m14]

they don't take magazines or clips

 

[S&W Fan]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the rebate and that might come in handy if I try to talk 'em down a bit. All I did was look at the Gunbroker auctions.

So -2 would be early 80's right?

Yes, the -2’s started in 1982

 

[S&W Fan]

Well I bought it. All he'd give me was $20 as a Vet discount. Recoil shield had a ding, had replacement Hogue grips and there was still a little fouling left in the cylinders from shooting 38. The rest seemed good to me. I'll post up a couple pics when I pick it up.

Post some photos in the Handgun pictures gallery. Everybody loves gun porn!

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Post some photos in the Handgun pictures gallery. Everybody loves gun porn!

On this thread too though. I take my gun porn where I can get it.

 

[Morts]

I got a S&W Model 19-5 6" barrel and if you plan on teaching the wife you are on the right track. I load 38 special target rounds and its literally like shooting a 22. Its my wives favorite handgun to shoot. She was a little intimidated at first because of the size but now loves it. You cant go wrong with a wheel gun.

 

[HighlandLofts]

I LOOOOOOOOVE WHEEL GUNS, Stainless is an added BONUS.

Any wheel gun is an added BONUS.

I'm HAPPY for YOU.

 

[ManrisFrack]

The gun shop just called. They wanted $30 for the original grips, and two holsters. I guess the previous owner brought them in. One's an Uncle Mike's Sidekick and the other is a leather holster whose name I don't recognize. I guess it pays to drag your feet on getting all the accessories sometimes.

Permit office tomorrow. I just hope it isn't as mobbed as the Erie county one.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Was it being sold on consignment? Why would the previous owner only now produce the original grips and the two holsters?

 

[ManrisFrack]

Was it being sold on consignment? Why would the previous owner only now produce the original grips and the two holsters?

Not sure anymore. I was originally told that they took it on a trade and that they had asked for original grips but didn't get them. Maybe the guy is a regular? I can't imagine they're being shady for $30. It's weird but not enough to make me nervous. I'd probably spend close to that on getting a single holster after the shipping and such.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Not sure anymore. I was originally told that they took it on a trade and that they had asked for original grips but didn't get them. Maybe the guy is a regular? I can't imagine they're being shady for $30. It's weird but not enough to make me nervous. I'd probably spend close to that on getting a single holster after the shipping and such.

How opportunistic of them. Or they were included with the gun when it was traded and then "misplaced" by the store, only to be found again. I know, you are probably right. It just seems greedy that they wouldn't include them with the sale since they were for that gun in particular and from the original owner. I could understand if they sourced them separately, but basically they are charging you $30 extra for items that should have been traded in with the gun. Like you said though, it's not a deal breaker, just opportunistic and odd. I don't mean to make you second guess your purchase.

 

[ManrisFrack]

Not second guessing it. I decided just the gun was worth the price when I bought it. Original target grips or a leather holster would probably ebay for $30 by themselves. I'm not worried about the value vs what I'm paying.

You're right though, they should've come with it from the get-go. I can't remember if I asked about holsters and the grips before or after he gave me the discount. Speaking of which, $20 doesn't come out to a clean percentage like you would expect from a standard veteran's discount. Definitely don't trust them quite as much as I did before this transaction. It'll be my 3rd gun from them.

 

[S&W Fan]

Standard original grips fo the model 66-2 square butt revolvers
Were Goncalo Alves wood target grips. If they are in excellent condition they are worth $30 all day long ! The two holster are a bonus. I do agree though that coming up with them after the fact and asking for more money is a little bogus. You should at least mention that since you have purchased multiple guns from them.
They may think twice about doing that in the future.

 

[HighlandLofts]

One last thing for the next gun purchase,
Buy two and give and to HighlandLofts.

Have fun with your recent purchase.

 

[wizrd]

Neither video tells you to slide your fingers up & down the barrel to check for bulging. -- Your touch will determine bulging that the eyes cannot see....just saying.

 

[ManrisFrack]

That's one thing I didn't do. The bore looked beautiful though.

Picked it up last night. I'll try to get pics soon. The original grips look good. A little green oxidation on the S&W medallion but no cracks or dings. The holster is a Krasne similar to the Lightning Strong Side, black with basketweave pattern.

ETA: Wayne County stopped the practice of having the judge sign off on every amendment. Walked out of the Clerk's office with a new second card and pick-up slip. That change was long overdue.

 

[Phauxtoe]

only two things...

1. Smith
2. wesson

 

[Patriot]

I have been following this thread because I’m also in the market for a used revolver. Still waiting for pics @ManrisFrack

 

[ManrisFrack]

I have been following this thread because I’m also in the market for a used revolver. Still waiting for pics @ManrisFrack

Yeah, I know. Busy, busy. I decided I was going to buy one brand of brass (Starline) and stick with it for this gun - something that's more trouble than it's work with semi's. Got dies, powder, primers and brass - bullets should be here tomorrow.

The original grips actually came in the Hogue grips package.


This is the Krasne holster. It has the original manufacturer's tag in the plastic bag too. Didn't bother to take a pic of the Uncle Mike's.



Close up of the original grips. Head of the screw shows slight deformation from the screwdriver.


Guess the guy brought the manual in with the grips.

 

[Bananabandit]

dont put your hands in front of cylinder when you shoot it...might burn