Used Dept. of Corrections revolver??

If the price was acceptable, would you consider buying one?

Click to expand...

Without hesitation !

You have to hunt pretty hard to find a lemon wheelgun.

What's the website??!!!

Is this from that Summit handguns site (can't recall the exact name or url at the moment)?

I looked at them, and for the price of under $300, have thought about giving it a shot. But I decided that I rather spend another $100 or so and buy one I can see in person and I know the quality of it.

The website you're referring to is http://www.summitgunbroker.com/ or more specifically the model 65 here http://www.summitgunbroker.com/1252018.html

Given the example pictured, NO I would not buy one of these guns. Not at that price anyway. $50 to $100 more can get you a fairly minty M66, instead of one of these which are scratched up, showing signs of rust(that's bad), and who knows where the action and lockup are at. The rust I would really worry about, though not so much as the function. Considering that the one pictured on the site is most likely the best of the bunch. I might buy one of these if they cost.. say.. $130.
You'd be far better off just saving an extra $50 and going to a shop that sells used firearms and having the opportunity to both visually and manually inspect the gun and its action/lockup/finish/etc.

Also, don't forget FFL Transfer and shipping , so tack on whatever that will cost you from a local FFL. $35 is the cheapest around here, you might find a slightly better deal in your area. Plus $15 shipping ( stated on the site) Now the gun is $305. Not such a good deal anymore...

I forgot how to quote, so here is my feeble attempt:

The above poster mentioned, "Given the example pictured, NO I would not buy one of these guns. Not at that price anyway. $50 to $100 more can get you a fairly minty M66, instead of one of these which are scratched up, showing signs of rust(that's bad), and who knows where the action and lockup are at. The rust I would really worry about, though not so much as the function. Considering that the one pictured on the site is most likely the best of the bunch. I might buy one of these if they cost.. say.. $130."

He's exactly right. That rust would turn me off immediately. I know that there are some who might take a chance on it and try to restore it, but you're probably better off looking elsewhere. Also, if this used gun turns out to be a problem, it will sour you on used deals.

Prison guns

I have an ex-prison S&W M19. Shows lots of holster wear, very little firing, nice and tight. On the other hand I bought it from a dealer so had a chance to look it over before I bought. Expect the department ownership and number to be stamped on it.

I'm in a little different situation than the OP. Most of the guns I've ever bought have been used. I would consider one of these guns, but here's my reasoning.

All of my S&Ws are older K frames, pre MIM. The guns pictured are pinned bbl with hammer mounted firing pins, meaning they're older guns. The older K frames are getting harder to find, and prices are going up. Those guns were carried in Texas prisons, so the rust is likely a result of the gun riding in a leather (most likely material) holster in high humidity - even though they're stainless they could be alot worse. The increasing difficulty of finding old pinned bbl K Frames would make those M65s worht it to me even if I had to get a smith to tune it up for timing and/or tighten it up. I've already got a nice M66 (no dash) so I wouldn't miss the M65 while it was getting tuned if it needed it. At $255 you're still looking at right around $300 out the door. That's not a great price, but I think it's fair.

Pfgrone, in your situation I would look at local dealers for a S&W M65 or M66 and see if you can find one in the $300 - $400 range. Go to the Revolvers sub forum here on THR. Look for the thread "Jim March's Used Revolver Checkout" which is stickied at the top. Print it out and take it with you. Using that anyone can evaluate a used revolver. Give yourself some time. Get to where you've bought two or three used guns, are comfortable with it, and know what to expect. Find your preferences. You may end up a K Frame fan like me, and be willing to accept minor flaws to get the right guns at fair prices. You may end up liking other guns, but the thing is you've gotta feel it out find your own methods and tolerances when buying used. I think you'll enjoy though. You can get some great buys on used guns, and many (like old pinned bbl S&Ws) are better than what's being sold new. Enjoy the revolver search, and welcome to the used gun buyers club.

Well I followed the link....

I didn't see the rust that some mentioned, but my monitor isn't particularly good. If there is some rust it's a minor matter, but here are other issues. In the close up of the TDC serial number I noticed that the cylinder stop notches are a bit battered, and the cylinder is deeply ringed. These revolvers have been well used. That in itself isn't bad. The cosmetic dings and scratches can be worked out without having to refinish - which would be the case with a blued gun. But I suspect they will have cylinder end-shake, and possibly a sprung yoke here and there. I didn't notice if they offer any kind of warrantee or not.

By the time the revolver arrived I'd expect that somewhere between $275 to $300 would have been spent. If you if you paid a COMPETENT gunsmith to take care of the possible internal ills you might have to add another $25.00 to $75.00. The cosmetic work you could probably do yourself.

There is some risk to buying the revolver sight unseen, so you might offer the seller something above his asking price to, "pick out a better (best?) one."

There is some truth to the fact that the prices of there guns are going up, and new ones aren't going to be less espensive. I'm sure that dealers either have, or will soon be gettin new 2007 price lists from all the manufacturers. The price of used guns is often based on what a similar new one costs.

All you can do is weigh the circumstances, pro and con, and then decide. The bottom line is, "how much is this gun worth too you?"

I've bought lots of used guns, sight unseen - and usually been well satisfied. The trick is to deal with sellers that will take back the gun if you find it has been misrepresented. Sometimes these guns cost a little more, but the extra security is worth it. I also make a practice to deal with individuals or companies that I delt with before and gotten good service.

The trouble I have now is that some blabbermouth named Fuff has been going around telling people how good these old guns are, and that's driving up the prices...