Guessing Age/Condition of Used Arms

[Guest forklift]

I thought i'd ask the gunsmithing community these questions rather than just in the general forums.

When buying a used gun, what are things I should look for (barrel, action, etc) that would be a dead giveaway if it was abused? *edit* (other than rust and heavy scratches, etc)

Also, how can i approximate the number of rounds that the gun has fired? For instance, would I be able to tell if a gun was barely used or if it had been fired 10,000 times? If so, what would tell me that difference?

Thanks!

[Guest beefcakeb0]

in autos i always check the feed ramp, muzzle, and grooves.

[Guest forklift]

...and you look for... what?

[Guest beefcakeb0]

wear, pitting, gouges, if you 1make sure twice it is unloaded, 2 look at the muzzle and see if it tapers or if it looks like the barrel has been worn, old old guns the grooves will start to disappear, i think. but im no gunsmith by any means at all. if you can compare to a new gun youl know instantly what differences to look at.... if you can examine the entire outside of the metal, look for places where the blue, or finish is fading, and/or if there are any dimples in the metal (pitting).it all depends on what kind of firearm you are looking at. check to see if the inside of the barrel is shiny ord dark. if you can run a patch through it you should be able to find out how well whoever has it takes care of it. if it is very old you will want to have the headspace measured, and possibly the firing pin protrusion. i hope this helps

[glockster157]

I thought i'd ask the gunsmithing community these questions rather than just in the general forums.

When buying a used gun, what are things I should look for (barrel, action, etc) that would be a dead giveaway if it was abused? *edit* (other than rust and heavy scratches, etc)

Also, how can i approximate the number of rounds that the gun has fired? For instance, would I be able to tell if a gun was barely used or if it had been fired 10,000 times? If so, what would tell me that difference?

Thanks!

You have to specify what gun. There is so many different things to look for. Like on a revolver, I check timing on each chamber, the barrel cylinder gap, end shake, hammer push off, I look for buggered screws to see if hase been gone into, I like to take the grips off and check the main spring and strain screw if it has one and of course check the condition of the barrel, rifling, chambers and crown of the muzzle.

On autos, it really depends on the type. A Glock needs very little inspection. Do the numbers match on the barrel, slide and frame? Look at the barrel and ramp, check to make sure it has not been dropped...never had a bad Glock. 1911's, a lot more complicated, same kinda thing, I would suggest reading articles just on the 1911 as it is too much to cover here. Most other autos, it is like previous poster stated, Check barrel ramp, overall wear, most modern guns are carried a lot and shot very little, I have rarely had a bad one.

[TnShooter83]

Be sure the firearm is unloaded for ALL the following procedures

This should help with revolvers.

Revolver Checkout Procedure

Be sure the firearm is unloaded for ALL the following procedures

With Autos I'll give you my not so scientific inspection.

Check feed ramp for any premature groove lines. This COULD indicate

round count. Check outside barrel for slide rings. This is the ring that is usually caused by the slide rubbing the barrel. More prevalent on Browning Tilting barrel designs.

Be sure the firearm is unloaded for ALL the following procedures

(make sure it is unload/safe direction)

Hold pistol straight up in the air, Muzzle up. Pull Trigger.

Pull slide fully back, and EASE slide forward. Just before the slide / barrel lock up, let the slide go. It should go into battery on its own. No need for help/bump it forward to close. Do this with the Mag out.

Put the mag in and rack. Does it stay back if it has a slide lock?

Check ALL mags to see if the slide catches. Again this in only for pistols with a slide catch.

Ask if they Mags are the ones that came with the pistol. If so, check the followers for wear. If there is a lot of wear then the pistol most likely has a good few rounds through it.

Check the slide rails for wear. That is if you are allow permission to field strip the pistol. Check the slide grooves for wear.

Then do a basic function check.

Do a quick search for "Function Test" on Google.

There all all kind, but bssically all the same with a few minor changes for different models.

Edited August 11, 2009 by TnShooter83

[Guest forklift]

thanks everyone!