Standard operating procedures and selling points on these classic self defense firearms.

by RK Campbell

Working for gun shops sometimes requires patience. When a firearm finds its way from their shop to yours it’s because a mistake was made in the “kicking the tires” process. It needs to be fixed and they want it done cheap! A steady source of income is appreciated but we must be paid in accordance with our work. In another life, I worked on vehicles for used car dealers. I am a glutton for punishment!

A few weeks ago I ran across a typical assignment from a gun shop that turned out well for all concerned. A Smith & Wesson Model 36 two-inch barrel .38 Special had been taken in on trade. The owner declared that not only had his associate salesperson allowed too much trade-in on the handgun, he has missed a broken hammer spur. The spur was sharp and had a ragged edge. This reputable shop keep points out defects to potential customers and had to fix the hammer spur as it was making the otherwise decent revolver non-salable. While honesty has its own rewards, customers were passing on this revolver as the broken hammer spur was sharp. There had already been a sale and a return with the complaint being the revolver kicked like mad and the cartridges were sticking in the cylinder. All were legitimate complaints. While no collector’s item, it was a solid defensive handgun in need of TLC and a knowledgeable hand.

A word on gunsmithing and increasing the usefulness of handguns.

Read more in our April 2015 issue. Back issues are available.

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