Used versus new, in a Smith and Wesson revolver?

[His lordship.]

I once bought a nice Smith Model 28 (N frame) used, did a trigger job, replaced the grips on it and it served me well for 18 years before trading it off.  I recently bought a new Airweight and am thinking of getting a larger framed Smith for target use, casual plinking, etc.  The price on the new Smiths has gotten awfully high these days and I am thinking of a used one again.

Some models, like the K frames (Model 19s) do not tolerate lots of hot loads (.357 magnum), and this is also true in the earlier model 29s in .44 magnum.  Also some people liked to bang the cylinder shut from watching TV and the movies, which damages the cylinder crane.  I would have no problem buying a used Ruger as they are overbuilt.  Would I be better off going used or new with the more fragile Smith and Wesson revolvers?   

Thanks

[SM Bob]

Chris,
I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I used to have a model 27 Smith
back in the 80's. I used it for target and casual blasting. I shot 1000's
& 1000's of full house 158 gr/H110 reloads through that gun. It was
the most accurate handgun I have ever owned. Like a knucklehead,
I sold it because I thought I needed a stainless Dan Wesson 44 Mag.
The D.W was a nice piece, but way too heavy to be practical. I have
wanted to get another model 27 for a long time. Unfortunately I
live in the People's Republik Of Kalifornia. I am not able to buy a
Model 27 here unless it is a used gun from a dealer here and they
are mighty hard to come by. I found a pretty good deal recently
on a 686 + 6" barrel 357 from a local shop and decided to jump
on it. I still miss my model 27 though. That N frame Smith has
got to be one of the best shooting, best handling handguns
that has ever been produced in my opinion. I think the 686
will be a nice shooting gun, but it is no model 27, that's for
sure. I never owned a model 28, but I have seen a few of them.
In my opinion the model 27 and model 28 are almost the same gun.
The 27 had a little more fancy finish and the target grips. They are
both nice guns in my opinion. If I ever get a chance to get another
27 or even a 28 I won't hesitate.

                  Robert

[mcwoodduck]

Chris,
Most of my revolvers are used.
I have a 28 that I needed to do a little repair to but of the 8 used S&W's and two colts I own or have owned none have been a problem. Most used guns are just pre-owned and have really not been shot a whole lot.  If you look at some of the police trade ins there is lots of external wear but the guns are new inside.
Here are a few steps in picking out a used revolver.
1 Look at the crane from the front if there is a gap of any kind pass on it.
2 Pull the trigger 12 times dry firing the gun.  If one or more chamber is harder than others pass. The crane is bent. 
3 play with the cylinder a little.  There should be a little play in it but should not turn or be overly loose.
As far as the 19 or 29 being weak.  I don't buy it.  I have been looking for a good 19 4" for a while but am not willing to spend as much as most shops want for one.  How heavy of a load do you want to shoot?  180 grain?
I found that most of the time it's 38's being run in any 357mag with a few mags every so often to get proficient or show off the power.
If you want a Ruger get one.  I like the sleeker lines of the S&W's.  After having had quite a few I don't think my hands would open the cylinder when needed.  I had problems with my Dan Wesson in competition.

Robert,
Do you want to go to the range this weekend if it doesn't rain Sunday?  I think the road will be a mess for Saturday and the running deer will be canceled.  The shoot Sunday in the morning is a steel shoot and you can use my 686 till you get yours if you like.  Bring a belt I'll show up with the gun speed loaders, speed loader holder, Ammo, and the holster.  Fun shoot.  The targets are not hard at all till the clock is sitting on your shoulder yelling faster.
Bring what you want for after.  I want to work with my handi after seeing what you were able to do with your 22 Hornet.  One is now on my list.  Not sure what caliber yet.
Brian.

[SM Bob]

Brian,
I sent you an E-mail.

   Robert