Advice on buying a used revolver

[JCS]

Long story short: a local gun range just went out of business and is auctioning off all their inventory. I have been eying a small revolver as a "rule 1" / BUG.

They have for auction:
S&W 642
Ruger LCR
Both in 38 special

I know that both of these guns were used as rental guns but don't know any round counts.

I know next to nothing about what I should look for.

At what price point would you buy these?

Or should I stay away?

I can go check them out in person the day before the auction but as I mentioned, I don't know what to look for.

Thanks P-F!!

[Sherman A. House DDS]

I'd go no higher than $275 OTD on the 442 or $250 on the LCR.

New, 442's can go for $320, and LCR's in .38, they can be $299.

[Willard]

Personally, I'd just buy either of these new, as they can be found cheaply as Dr. House indicated. If these are rental guns, you could wind up paying a lot more than you initially "saved" on any "deal."

Here is a decent guide to inspection should you elect to proceed with the auction. http://www.friedmanhandguntraining.com/Gun_Maintenance/S&W_revolver_inspection.pdf

[Totem Polar]

Dr. House has it.

Conjecture time: of the two, I'd expect the LCR to have the higher round count, because the novelty of J frames wore off before the advent of range rental programs. every time I go to a range, I see someone trying the LCR, the Shield and the G42/43, but aside from the 340PD (trial of which typically lasts 1-2 cylinders), I can't remember the last time I saw someone renting a centennial. JMO, OMMV, etc.

ETA: I get Willard's concern, but I've had good CS out of both companies before. I'd do the 442 for maybe $250-275, myself, barring something obvious upon inspection. Like a lock... ;)

[41magfan]

Personally, I wouldn't buy much of anything used with the market this soft:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-2953
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-5496860
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-82

[Sherman A. House DDS]

Jeez. I confess I have little experience buying guns online.

AND, I have been radically overpaying for J frames, I see!


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[FPS]

Personally, I wouldn't buy much of anything used with the market this soft:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-2953
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-5496860
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-82

Sorry for the offtopic but that site has M&P 15 Sport IIs for $499! - https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-5310

[OlongJohnson]

Whittaker is a first class operation.

[JCS]

I'd go no higher than $275 OTD on the 442 or $250 on the LCR.

New, 442's can go for $320, and LCR's in .38, they can be $299.

Awesome thank you! That gives me a good baseline.


Personally, I'd just buy either of these new, as they can be found cheaply as Dr. House indicated. If these are rental guns, you could wind up paying a lot more than you initially "saved" on any "deal."

Here is a decent guide to inspection should you elect to proceed with the auction. http://www.friedmanhandguntraining.com/Gun_Maintenance/S&W_revolver_inspection.pdf

Paying more for maintenance/repairs than I saved is a concern for me. That is a very thorough link thank you! I think I shall proceed with caution and only pounce if it's a smoking deal.


Personally, I wouldn't buy much of anything used with the market this soft:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-2953
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-5496860
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-82

Wow that's a great deal!

[JCS]

Dr. House has it.

Conjecture time: of the two, I'd expect the LCR to have the higher round count, because the novelty of J frames wore off before the advent of range rental programs. every time I go to a range, I see someone trying the LCR, the Shield and the G42/43, but aside from the 340PD (trial of which typically lasts 1-2 cylinders), I can't remember the last time I saw someone renting a centennial. JMO, OMMV, etc.

ETA: I get Willard's concern, but I've had good CS out of both companies before. I'd do the 442 for maybe $250-275, myself, barring something obvious upon inspection. Like a lock... ;)

Okay, maybe you can help me on the lock. I understand why they have them but is there a difference in the guns outside of the lock?

[Totem Polar]

^^^briefly, there are some documented instances of the lock self-engaging on recoil. My own view is that this is a rare occurrence, but once would clearly be way more than enough. Some people don't care; I don't own any S&Ws with locks.

S&W has been quietly selling a lot of 442s without the lock, ever since a large PD declined to authorize 442s with the lock for their officers. I've bought 3 to date from my LGS, and I have no special in with S&W.

JMO.

ETA: so far as I am aware, there is no other difference, besides the added complexity and slight possible risk of failure.

[Willard]

so far as I am aware, there is no other difference, besides the added complexity and slight possible risk of failure.

Why chance it when you don't have to. Get the no lock or a pre-lock. Not like they are unavailable or cost prohibitive. Plus, that slight risk may occur at an inopportune and life ending moment for you or someone you care for.

[OlongJohnson]

Just a note: As far as I have been able to determine, the Airlite models with different-colored pivot pins visible on the left side of the frame have stainless steel pins. If there are not several round dots of lighter colored metal visible, the pins are aluminum. Still pressed in. It's possible this could lead to differences in performance/smoothness or durability, though I haven't seen it quantified other than in significantly higher prices for the steel pin models. There is enough variation in S&W production that I would hesitate to take subtle differences observed between two individual samples as conclusive of anything.

[LSP972]

There is enough variation in S&W production that I would hesitate to take subtle differences observed between two individual samples as conclusive of anything.

Yes. But... generally, not that much of an issue, depending upon ammunition. I have shot all sorts of various .38 Special, factory and reloads, since 2001 in my M-360PD AirLite, with simply no issues. ALWAYS carry CCI 135 +P. I'm looking seriously now for a NIB M-340PD no-lock to complete my "departure" group; I'll need something if the old M-360PD gets taken, whatever, and my M-342 will be the absolute last to get away. You got time to think about that sort of thing now, when one's whole situation has changed.

.

[JCS]

Thanks for all the input! I researched the auction a little more and it seems that they charge a fee and taxes on top of what I buy it for. Unless I can get it for $200 +fees I don't know if it will be worth it. I found out S&w has a first responder program so I might be able to grab one of those.