So you're thinking about picking up a used .38 Special revolver? Smart move. These classic wheelguns have been trusted for over a century, and there's a reason they're still one of the most popular choices for home defense, concealed carry, and range fun.
But here's the thing: buying used firearms isn't quite like buying a new one off the shelf. You need to know what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make sure you're getting solid value for your hard-earned cash.
Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for an affordable entry into revolver ownership or a seasoned collector hunting for that perfect addition to your safe, these 10 tips will help you make a confident, informed purchase.
Let's dive in.
Before you even start browsing, ask yourself: what do I need this gun for?
A .38 Special for home defense might look different from one you want for target shooting or concealed carry. If you're thinking about personal protection, you might lean toward a snub-nose revolver with a shorter barrel. Range shooters often prefer a longer barrel for better accuracy and reduced recoil.
Here's a pro tip: consider picking up a .357 Magnum revolver instead. Why? Because .357 Magnum revolvers can safely fire .38 Special ammunition, giving you incredible flexibility. You get the option of lighter .38 Special loads for practice and the punch of .357 Magnum when you need it.
Check out the Smith & Wesson 686 or browse our full selection of .357 Magnum revolvers to see what's in stock.
This is where a lot of problems hide. The barrel should sit perfectly square to the frame with no visible gaps between them. If you see any daylight or misalignment at this junction, walk away.
Take your time here. Look down the barrel and across the top strap to verify proper alignment. Pay close attention to the crease where the barrel meets the frame: any irregularities could indicate a serious problem that'll cost more to fix than the gun is worth.
Grab a flashlight and take a good look inside that barrel. The rifling edges should be sharp and square, not rounded or worn down. The rifling pattern should appear uniform throughout the entire length of the barrel.
What you're really looking for are internal bulges or rings: these indicate a damaged barrel, possibly from a squib load or other catastrophic event. A bulged barrel is a deal-breaker. No exceptions.
If you're not sure what healthy rifling looks like, ask someone at your local gun shop or bring along a buddy who knows their way around revolvers.
The forcing cone is that transition area between the cylinder gap and the actual rifling. It's a critical component, especially in older revolvers that have seen a lot of rounds.
Look for cracks, chips, or uneven erosion. The bevel should appear smooth and evenly centered without any visible steps. Damage here can affect accuracy and, in severe cases, safety.
This is one of those areas where older revolvers can show their age, so give it extra attention if you're looking at a vintage piece.
Pop open that cylinder and inspect each chamber individually. They should be glass-smooth with no scratches, wavy lines, dings, or burrs. You'll notice a slight bottleneck at the front of each chamber: that's normal.
Cylinder timing is crucial. When the trigger is pulled, the cylinder must rotate and lock into perfect alignment with the barrel before the hammer falls. Poor timing means unreliable ignition and potential safety issues.
Ask permission to dry-fire the revolver (with snap caps if possible) to verify the timing is correct. Watch how the cylinder locks up at each chamber position.
This one's especially important if you're looking at alloy or aluminum-framed revolvers. These lighter guns are fantastic for concealed carry, but they can develop cracks over time: particularly underneath the barrel.
Get the gun under good lighting and examine the frame closely, front to back. Look for hairline cracks, stress marks, or any signs of metal fatigue. A cracked frame is not repairable and makes the gun unsafe to shoot.
Steel-framed revolvers are generally more durable, but don't skip this inspection step regardless of the frame material.
Sights should be intact, not bent or dinged, and stand precisely vertical. Even minor damage to the front sight can throw off your point of aim significantly.
Check the firing pin hole in the frame (or on the hammer, depending on the design). It should be round with smooth edges. A distorted firing pin hole can cause misfires or light primer strikes.
If you're looking at a revolver with adjustable sights, make sure the adjustment screws move freely and hold their position.
A revolver's trigger should be smooth and consistent. Test both double-action (pulling the trigger to cock and fire) and single-action (manually cocking the hammer first) modes.
The trigger should return to its resting position reliably after each pull. Any sticking, grinding, or inconsistency is a red flag that could indicate internal wear or damage.
If the seller won't let you test the trigger function, that's a warning sign. Most reputable sellers: including us here at Wholesale Hunter: want you to be confident in your purchase.
Cosmetic wear tells a story. Holster wear on the muzzle and cylinder? That gun's been carried a lot. Heavy wear on the grip frame? Lots of shooting.
Some wear is perfectly fine and just means the gun has been used and loved. But watch out for rust, pitting, or signs of neglect. Check the backstrap and cylinder frame for metal fatigue from recoil.
Most importantly, make sure the lock-up remains tight. When the cylinder is closed and the hammer is cocked, there should be minimal wobble. A loose lock-up affects accuracy and can worsen over time.
That sticker price isn't the whole picture. Before you commit, add up:
Speaking of ammo, we've got you covered. Check out our .38 Special ammunition selection and take advantage of our bulk ammo discounts to save on your range sessions.
Need to spread out payments? We offer Sezzle payment plans so you can get the gear you need without breaking the bank all at once. Plus, don't forget to leave a review after your purchase: we reward customers who share their honest feedback!
When shopping for a used .38 Special, certain manufacturers have earned their reputation for quality:
Buying a used .38 Special can be one of the smartest moves you make: especially when you know what to look for. These revolvers are reliable, easy to maintain, and just plain fun to shoot.
At Wholesale Hunter, we make it easy to find quality firearms at competitive prices. Our inventory is always updated, and our team is here to answer any questions you have.
Browse our full firearms selection and find your next favorite wheelgun today. Don't forget to check out our current deals, flexible payment options with Sezzle, and rewards for customer reviews.
Happy hunting!
Hey there, I’m Jason Marsh, the owner of Wholesale Hunter. If you’ve spent any time…
Hey there, folks! Jason Marsh here from Wholesale Hunter. If you’ve spent any time around…
Hey there, fellow hunters and shooters! Jason Marsh here from Wholesale Hunter. If you’ve spent…
Hey there, fellow hunters and preppers! Jason Marsh here from Wholesale Hunter. If you’ve spent…
Hey there, folks! Jason Marsh here, owner of Wholesale Hunter. If there is one debate…
If you’re a deer hunter, there is nothing quite like the freedom of a climbing…
This website uses cookies.