There is a .45 ACP S&W in the display case at the local gunstore. They have a 'sold as is' policy.

Please give some pointers on evaluating such a handgun for problems/goodthings.

Edit to reply: Thanks, RHINOWSO, that's a good article!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RichardC,

I would add that you should check that the barrel is centered in the frame, is clocked correctly, and there is no angle to the barrel. I would also take a close look at the firing pin bushing.

I will add, especially for 45 acp Smiths: Take a new bullet of the proper diameter, and see how close it fits in the forcing cone, and the front of the cylinder. I had one of these, and the cylinder front holes went from .443 to .446, when they should have been at least .450-.453. This squeezed the bullet down way too small, and the leading, from gas cutting, was huge. Accuracy was , of course, terrible. It got traded off at the next gunshow. Be careful.....

At least you can have an undersized cylinder throat reamed, if you get an oversized throat you are just out of luck.

Thanks for the replies, y'all.

That revolver looked so good in the display case, I think I'll just let it stay right there. I'm just sure it used to be Watergoat's lemon.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RichardC,