Hold on there, don't scrap the aircraft just yet!
Most Lycomings driving a fixed pitch prop with a max rpm of 2700 will only pull 2200-2300 static.
Engines turning variable pitch props (a la Aztec) should reach red line when static.
Whilst a poorly engine may well result in a lower static rpm achieved, a knackered prop may also cause a discrepancy between two similar aircraft. An old prop with the tips clipped to the minimum allowable diameter normally revs higher (on the ground and in the air) than a new thick and long one.
Remember that with mechanically driven tacho, at 2300 rpm, a 10% error (often seen on car speedos) will mean a 230 rpm mis-read!
On the CofA flight test the static rpm is carried out (and should be recorded by any decent engineer on a ground run after any servicing). This is normally carried out crosswind to prevent the wind effecting the results.
As for checking it, pre-flight, why not check it as you begin the take off run and still have time to abort.
At 2500ft you are unlikely to see max rpm unless the prop is a low drag one - clipped and thin through age normally. The POH should tell you what power setting/altitude will give what rpm.
Hope that helps.