What to look for in a used autoloader??

[22luvr]

I've used Jim March's "what to look for in a used revolver" to buy a couple of creampuff examples and now I'm wondering if there is a counterpoint to it regarding used autoloaders.

I get sticker-shock every time I check out a new autoloader and would rather buy a good used specimen for about half the price.

Perhaps there is a thread buried in here somewhere that I'm not aware of.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any suggestions and I'll bet a good number of you would also.

 

[XavierBreath]

Specific things to check on used semi-automatic pistols

1. See that all of the controls work smoothly and with a reasonable amount of pressure. The safety should prevent the gun from firing (check by setting the safety and pulling the trigger normally). The slide lock should hold the slide open. The magazine release should release the magazine easily and yet hold it securely in place until it is pushed. If there is a grip safety the gun should not fire unless the grip safety fully depressed. If there is a magazine safety the gun should not fire unless the magazine is in place. Also, pulling the trigger should not fire the gun when the slide is held slightly out of battery.

2. Cycle an autoloader to verify that it operates smoothly and properly. See that the slide is tight and reasonably free of slop when closed and the pistol is cocked. (There is ordinarily some play or the gun will not function.) Verify that the pistol fieldstrips and reassembles correctly. Also see that the action has been kept reasonably clean for proper functioning.

3. Examine the slide (especially at the front and at the ejection port) and frame for excessive wear or cracks. Aluminum alloy frames are particularly susceptible to developing hairline cracks (and eventually failing) from extended use.

4. The cocked hammer or striker of a SA auto pistol should not drop when the slide is closed smartly. If you can make the hammer drop by letting the slide slam closed the gun is unsafe.

5. Check the magazine(s) for wear and condition. A proper magazine is very important to the functioning of an autoloading pistol. You want the original, name brand, magazine(s) in good condition. Inspect the feed lips for bends, cracks and wear, and insure that the seam at the back of the magazine is tight.

Also check the bottom of the magazine to insure that it has not been ejected from the pistol and allowed to fall to the ground. This looks great on TV or at action matches, but in real life it is very hard on magazines. Magazines are not expendable.



http://www.chuckhawks.com/used_handgun.htm

 

[22luvr]

Thanks, Xavierbreath...........

Ya done good! That's a big help. I suppose a lot of it is just plain common sense.

 

[Kenneth Lew]

No dremel marks.

 

[Ian11]

Does it have SIG, Glock, Colt, or Browning marked on the slide? If not forget it.

Glad I could help

 

[PCRCCW]

"Does it have SIG, Glock, Colt, or Browning marked on the slide? If not forget it."

Ya? Ok.........how about Kahr, CZ, Taurus (steel framed autos), Beretta, S&W 3rd gen, Kimber, LB, Wilson, EB, SA, EAA, Ruger, FN...etc.



Colts: overpriced, overrated and soft metal (according to my smith)
Glock: Ya whatever............ba ha ha ha ha
Sig: Great gun but not "the" gun........
Browning:....OK...Ill go for this one........

Flame away........suit on...............duct taped to a chair so I cant run!

Shoot well

 

[9x19]

Buying Used:

Pistols:

In addition to looking down the bore to make sure it's not dark and murky, look at the muzzle and feed ramp areas for any burrs, or roughness.

Check the slide/bolt face for roughness and the extractor for burrs.

Cock the gun and put it on "safe". Pull the trigger with moderate pressure then take your finger off the trigger and release the safety. If the firing pin drops, it will need work to make it safe. *Ask the owner if you can dry-fire his gun before doing the next test.* With the gun cocked, pull the trigger to drop the firing pin, and hold it back while you rack the slide again to re-cock the pistol. Release the trigger and pull it again. You should hear the firing pin drop, if not the disconnector is not functioning correctly.

Check that the magazine locks in place easily. If it has a last shot hold open feature, test it by racking the slide with an empty magazine in place.

Remove the magazine and look closely at it's top to be sure the feed lips (the MAJOR source of feeding problems) don't show any signs of "adjusting". They should be smooth and evenly spaced.

Look at the screws and sights, any buggering here may be a bad sign of kitchen table 'smithing by the less than capable. Not always the case, but if you have another option for the model you're looking at...

HTH