Redhawk cylinder play - How much is too much?

JLarsson · Feb 28, 2014

I'm looking at a used .44 Mag Redhawk. It was made in 2011, and the owner says it has seen less than 200 rounds. I think it's been carried a bit, and it looks to me like the cylinder frame was given a Scotchbrite refinish, but I don't know what they look like from the factory.

Anyway, when the hammer is cocked, and equally on all chambers, there is a certain amount of rotational play. I'm just wondering how much is too much and how you can tell. Is there something I can look for or measure that will tell me that it's okay or not okay?

I know some pretty "loose" revolvers can be accurate. I just want to be sure it's "right".

Thanks!

WIL TERRY · Feb 28, 2014

THE ONLY CRITERIA for that is: How does it shoot ?

JLarsson · Feb 28, 2014

Then I better work on finding that out.

Thanks.

Jimbo357mag · Feb 28, 2014

JLarsson said:
Then I better work on finding that out.

Thanks.

Look at the cylinder stop bolt, the bolt window, and the notches on the cylinder. If they are damaged the gun might have been abused. If the bolt, the window, and the notches appear crisp and clean then rotation should not be a problem. A little bit of looseness is usually not a problem.