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.c...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.c...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?