[Yunus]

A friend is looking at buying a used 1911. I have never bought a used handgun before, what advice can I provide him about buying the gun. It's a S&W 1911 model 108282 and it's from a reputable FFL.

Specifically, are there any trouble areas that he should be aware of or anything he can take a look at in the shop and quickly determine if it truly is a "lightly used" gun?

[canebrake]

Yunus, use our resources;

Choosing Your First 1911

[Yunus]

I did read that but I didn't see anything specific on wear and tear. I know I've read before about other guns having specific areas to to look for in a used gun, like a spot that is hard to clean and might show a lack of pride of ownership in the previous owner.

[danf_fl]

First look for the "Idiot mark".
Check the rails for minute cracks.
Check barrel to see if there is a bulge.

Follow our resource!

If your friend purchases it, change all springs. Recoil, firing pin and main spring.

Most 1911's will show any defects in an obvious manner if it has not been covered in Cane's referenced area.