What should I check for on a used .44 Redhawk

[bigoledude]

I mentioned this possible purchase on another post concerning another issue .  My friend runs a pawn shop and has a Redhawk in .44mag.  They hold them for 28 days to ensure the gun is not reported stolen.  I cannot even view it until October 13th.  I believe it has a 7 1/2 inch barrel.  There may be a Super Redhawk available if the owner doesn't show up soon.

My question is; What should I check for?  I'm assuming cylinder gap?  What should the max be?  Is there a minimum?

If I am gonna check the cylinder for movement, please explain in as much detail as you like.  Thanks!

What else?  What tools should I bring.  There is no danger of me making him mad or anything, he will just sell it to someone else.

[gunblade]

Other than overall condition, the timing on a revolver is the most important thing to check.  When you cock the hammer, make sure the cylinder locks into position before or at exactly the same time as the hammer does.  While in the locked position, check the cylinder for excessive end shake or side to side play...it should lock up tightly.   Redhawks are stout...if you do discover a problem after the purchase, Ruger will most likely fix it for free if you send it in and tell them you bought it used, has such and such a problem, and to please return it to factory specs.  I once bought a used one that had a bad trigger job done on it...I sent it in and they fixed for free and had it back in my hands inside of three weeks. 

[SHOOTALL]

to add Abuse , tinkering , frame cutting , muzzle damage .

[irold]

As already stated , Rugers are pretty stout.....that being said....when I check a used revolver, first , I check for cylinder gap....most Rugers seem to fall in the .003-6 range.  The smaller the better to a point.  If its too small, it may bind when it gets really fouled.  Too large ....ya loose a lot of gas , and fps.  I really don't know what Rugers specs are....I know I've check my "new rugers" , and some are as large as .006.......My 4" redhawk was .0035 OTB.
My SRH 454 was .006.......seems to shoot fine.   Secondly , I'll cock the hammer.....keeping my thumb on the hammer , pull the trigger and hold it back while easing the hammer down...keep the trigger back.  This will lock everything up...or it should.  Now while holding the trigger back , check the cylinder for various movements....in an ideal world , there shouldn't be any.  Take a bore light....check for flame cutting under the strap....check the forcing cone ...check for leading , though mostly that can be cleaned out.  Also if the dealer will let ya....drop a live round in the cylinder, make sure it will chamber....as in 357s or 44s,this will be sure there is no issues like ridges or cutting from someone using "specials" and not proper cleaning.  (more than likely a gunshop will not permit a live round and the revolver to be together ! )    Thats the way I do it....pretty much like others have said....only tools I take is a bore lite and feeler guages.

Good luck.....regards  IROLD

[madcratebuilder]

Barrel gap should be between .004” and .008” with .006” being optimum.
Cylinder end play or end shake should be .001 to .004
Head space should measure .008 -.012” with .010” as optimum.
Cylinder to bore alignment.
Cylinder lock up.
Timing, SA, DA, initial and carry up.
Trigger pull
Firing pin protrusion.
push off

[1sourdough]

 I usually would check out the owner & gun's history, may not apply in your case. Many of those are not shot much. Do you have an expected price range yet?

[SHOOTALL]

I traded a gun once and the dealer showed me a trick - drop a pencil erraser first down the bbl. ( 9mm and larger ) so it rest aginst the breach face and pull the trigger to see if the fireing pin hits hard enough . The gun i was trading didn't move it much and he would not deal . I traded to another dealer who later told me some one had butchered the springs trying to get a good trigger pull . I had not shot the gun and got it used from the dealer i had traded it back to .

[S.B.]

Personally, I've never seen a Redhawk that was out of time or needed major work(unless some kitchen table gunsmith has been inside of it)? They're really a tank and built like a brick feceshouse. I'm not a big fan of Rugers but, don't see myself ever selling the one I own?

Steve