Pre-buying inspection

[gesundheit]

What are the things I need to look for when putting a new pistol in jail (and compare them afterwards) to make sure I am not buying a lemon. I am looking to buy a Glock 17.

Things like
- sloppy trigger
- fitment between parts
- dry firing
- confirming front and rear sites alignment
- barrel grooves

What other things one needs to keep in mind?

P.S. I did a search but didn't find a dedicated thread on this topic. I did find some threads where people were surprised by the condition of the pistol when they went to pick it up. Just trying to avoid that kind of surprise

[Mr. Beretta]

What brand / model of pistol are you thinking of buying?

[ClarenceBoddicker]

Make sure the serial number does not look altered & matches the slide & barrel.

Breach or bolt face for primer rings.

Wear on the hammer & firing pin rear.

Wear on the slide to barrel locking interface or grooves.

Wear on the barrel to frame locking lug.

Wear or corrosion in the barrel bore.

Wear or damage on the frame or slide rails.

Wear or damage in the frame pin holes.

Cracks in the frame or slide.

Wear or damage to the barrel bushing in the slide.

Function of all the controls.

Condition of the magazines.

Finish & grips.

[gesundheit]

What brand / model of pistol are you thinking of buying?

I am looking at Glocks at the moment.

[SilverTauron]

Bring a number 2 pencil with a healthy eraser and a snap cap.

After appropriate safety precautions are accomplished, point the pistol at the ceiling and drop the pencil eraser first down the barrel.After pressing the trigger the pencil should fly out of the barrel. Next, load your snap cap into the magazine, lock the slide to the rear, and simulate a reload by sending the slide forward. Rack the slide and observe what happens-does the slide lock to the rear or does it stay forward? Does the snap cap fly out at a heathy speed, or does it hang up or get stuck in the chamber? Note that some problems with ejection may still happen to a gun that passes this test, but if the ejection parts are beyond shot you'll discover it through this test.

This last part won't apply to a Glock, but on a handgun equipped with a manual safety perform the pencil test with the safety engaged and pull the trigger. If the pencil flies out of the barrel with the safety engaged,the weapon needs immediate repair.

[Fjold]

If it's a "new" pistol, look and see if it looks new.

[jlock]

Bring a number 2 pencil with a healthy eraser and a snap cap.

After appropriate safety precautions are accomplished, point the pistol at the ceiling and drop the pencil eraser first down the barrel.After pressing the trigger the pencil should fly out of the barrel. Next, load your snap cap into the magazine, lock the slide to the rear, and simulate a reload by sending the slide forward. Rack the slide and observe what happens-does the slide lock to the rear or does it stay forward? Does the snap cap fly out at a heathy speed, or does it hang up or get stuck in the chamber? Note that some problems with ejection may still happen to a gun that passes this test, but if the ejection parts are beyond shot you'll discover it through this test.

This last part won't apply to a Glock, but on a handgun equipped with a manual safety perform the pencil test with the safety engaged and pull the trigger. If the pencil flies out of the barrel with the safety engaged,the weapon needs immediate repair.

cool....But would the store actually let me do this?

[ICONIC]

Many stores have snap caps already ask to borrow one to check the function. If you are buying new chances are the gun is in new condition, especially glocks. I would do a quick field strip on the Glock, if you see the cooper colored stuff on the slide rails and metal parts that means the gun is brand new.

[Oceanbob]

Glock replacement parts are so inexpensive I wouldn't worry about it.

Glocks run without issues for aout 40,000 rounds, then only require about $20 worth of springs and parts to get going again.

[Whatisthis?]

Glock replacement parts are so inexpensive I wouldn't worry about it.

Glocks run without issues for aout 40,000 rounds, then only require about $20 worth of springs and parts to get going again.

This. I just bought a used glock. The people at the lgs knew him as a regular and he was very familiar with Glocks as was apparent once we talked a little. I wasn't worried at all. I broke it down quickly to make sure nothing was blatantly wrong and gave it a single dry fire and rack and called it good. Takes all of 30 seconds with a glock. If the person is obviously somewhat new to shooting or the process, I typically will be a little more cautious.

[gesundheit]

Thanks for the advice, folks.

[greybeard]

Here is an article on buying a used Glock

http://www.gundigest.com/handgun-reviews-articles/tips-for-buying-a-used-glock

[jlock]

My first gun was a glock but i didnt check anything except dry fire and visual. i will definitely to it on my next purchase. thanks guys

[Sniper3142]

Check to see if there are any wear marks or excessive dirt or carbon indicating it's been used before.

Check the general fit and finish of all parts.

Verify and write down the serial number on all parts.

Check the general function.

If possible, disassemble to also check internals.

Doing these things will hopefully prevent another of those "I think my gun was used while it was in jail" threads.

[jsipe007]

In order to make sure youre not buying a Lemon, dont buy a Glock! JK Im not trying to start a debate here

Im a 1911 guy myself, but glocks are exceptionally reliable pistols. As others have stated, check for rattles, tight fitting parts, and wear. If everything is worn but the guide rod or other part looks new, ask why it was replaced. Consistency is key here.

Also check trigger pull. If the trigger has a very light pull, it could be it was worked on, or more likely it could be that springs are wearing out. Like others mentioned, glock springs rarely need replacing so if springs are wearing out, then the gun must have had many rounds through it.