[MikePGS]

Hello. A guy on another forum is selling a Stainless New Model Blackhawk for 350 or so. He says he hasn't shot it in five years, and I was just wondering what questions might save both of us some time. Ie what would be an indication that its not worth buying? Should I ask about barrel leading? How should it have been stored for 5 years or so? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

It is always tough buying sight unseen.

How about asking for pictures, lots of high quality, high resolution pictures from different angles showing barrel-cylinder gap, the bore etc.

There is no substitute for examining the gun in person, so you can perform the Jim March Revolver Checkout (sticky) and "feel" the action.

Many on-line sellers are honest (especially if they offer a guarantee or return policy). You do need to ask the right questions, and the answers to these questions coupled with the above mentioned pictures can help you decide.

I have only bought two guns online, both police surplus S&W 65s from the same seller at the same time. Both had "like-new" bores, very small topstrap flamecuts and were in excellent mechanical shape (lock-up, timing, DA and SA trigger), as I specifically requested the seller to inspect these points. One was excellent cosmetically as well, but one had the rear sight notch filed and had lots of scratches all over.

Overall a good deal for the price but I could do without the butchered rear sight and honestly, I doubt if the seller even noticed this problem.

[MikePGS]

Ahhh thank you easyrider. Actually this guy lives not too far away, but at this point I'm just talking to him via a local gun forum. I really don't want to waste either of our time, so aside from the revolver checkout (that applies to single-actions to?) just wondering what questions would be helpful to decide whether or not to go see it in person or not.

[kimbernut]

Up close and personal is the only way to know for sure. If it's not a ragged out boat anchor that's a great price and I would be surprised to see a ragged out Blackhawk- they are strong guns.

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

what questions would be helpful to decide whether or not to go see it in person or not.

Ask him how many shots through the gun and what kind of ammo (38 or 44 special, 357 or 44 magnum, reduced load magnum, lead or jacketed bullets ... you didn't mention caliber in your first post).

Blackhawks can take a lot of punishment so even a thousand full magnum rounds shouldn't hurt it, but you decide.

Revolver checkout sticky should apply to SA revolvers as well.

[S&W-Keeper]

Can I send it back if it is not as you say it is,