Buying a used gun.

[Smoke]

My father used to say "People don't sell off guns that they like and shoot frequently. They sell off the guns that see little use and have been sitting in their safe gathering dust."

I predominately buy used guns and for the most part I find this to be true.

 

[Arik]

I typically buy used service guns. I'm not too worried about recalls and beta testing.

 

[moralem]

I mix it up. I buy used SW revolvers because I am not a real fan of the new and I am old enough to be nostalgic. I buy new Colt 1911s in all shapes and sizes because if I bought those used I would be priced out of the market. Try finding ,let alone getting a reasonable price on a super 38 from a while back. So instead I grab a blue and stainless modern versions from Colt for still several hundred dollars less than one used one. For me it is all about the math.

 

[SWM&P15AOP]

I try to buy most of my guns used. I've been very lucky with price and condition. My attitude is that as soon as you take the transfer it's used anyway whether you shoot it or not.

 

[SWM&P15AOP]

Not enough difference in price. Personally I'd go the new route

There are exceptions like this when the guns are deep discounted and not that expensive to start with.

I did buy a used Shield-9 not long ago for $299 but that was because I had a $200 gift card from the LGS that I'd been carrying around for 2 years. The savings weren't that great over new but I had that gift card to make it painless.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I buy mostly used guns that are out of production.........

I'm leery of newer guns that have been rolled over quickly by the previous owner....... that said my LGS has 3 or 4 guys who buy new guns.... and roll them over for something new in 6 to 12 months..... sometimes unfired.


TTSH's rule is a good one....... if the gun is great shape offer $250 out the door........the guy was lucky if he got $200 on trade.......nothing to lose.

 

[Arik]

I buy mostly used guns that are out of production.........

I'm leery of newer guns that have been rolled over quickly by the previous owner....... that said my LGS has 3 or 4 guys who buy new guns.... and roll them over for something new in 6 to 12 months..... sometimes unfired.


TTSH's rule is a good one....... if the gun is great shape offer $250 out the door........the guy was luck if he got $200 on trade.......nothing to lose.

Yep....there's no set rule as to trades. I've bought guns before because in the store they seem to fit what I want but after shooting it or trying to carry it I realize that it's not for me and trade it in. This is why I now buy mainly used guns. Less of a loss and I'm at the point now where I know what works and what doesnt so I tend to buy what I already know.

Yesterday I bought my first new gun in a long time. It is a S&W 442. I wanted something to slip into my pocket while walking my dog or making a run to the store.

 

[mauser9]

When it comes to long guns I will certainly consider used before new these days. Models like Ruger 77, Rem. 700s, and Rem. 1100s and 870 Wingmasters are harder to find these days but well worth the effort. Good quality with walnut and a decent bluing.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

Is there any downside to it?

I don't mind if the gun's had a previous owner, but I keep thinking it may be a defect.

I'm I being silly?

There is some risk involved of course. However, if you buy quality guns from respected manufacturers such as S&W, Ruger, etc. that stand behind their products and deliver excellent customer service the risk is small.

The majority of my purchases have been pre-owned. Here's a personal experience I had:

About five years ago I picked up a used stainless Charter Arms hammerless snubby from my LGS. It's original owner only ran a couple of cylinders threw it (it came with the rest of the box of shells) then decided to trade it back to the dealer toward an AR. I've bought a couple of other guns from this dealer prior to this so he let me take it home at a great price.

However, after I did some shooting with it I noticed the extractor seemed to bind on it some making quick reloads difficult. Looked to me like the hole in the crane that the ejector rod passes thru was oversize allowing the ejector rod to twist and bind a little when rushed. Not a big problem but an annoyance. So I contacted CA and told them of the situation and informed them that I was the second owner. CA sent my dealer a prepaid shipping label so that he could sent it back to them. In about three weeks the gun was delivered back to my door with a new crane and ejector assembly installed at no cost out of my pocket.

Now I will admit that CA has had it's ups and downs over the years but this particular gun has been great after this inicial problem was resolved and I certainly can't complain about the service I received. This gun ended up being my wife's EDC by the way.

 

[Mister X]

I generally only buy new guns. They could have sold/traded it because it had problems, they may have tinkered with the internals and often lifetime warranty only apply to the original owner. Unless I know it's history/owner and get a really good deal, I stay clear of used guns, but all of my guns are for defensive purposes, so I don't want to take any chances. If I was a collector simply wanting to acquire a rare or out of production model etc., I would probably look at it differently.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

I'm sure some guns do get traded off because they have issues and some may have been tinkered with by kitchen table gun smiths. However, It's my belief that the vast majority of guns are perfectly good and traded because the owner either needs or wants fast cash for something else whether it's to pay the rent or buy a different "toy". Guns move fast and generally bring better money than say used tools or jewelry.

 

[fdw]

I bought a used 40 M&P police from Buds over a year ago and no problems at all. Bought a storm lake 9mm conversion barrel for it and it's been great.

Shoots 9s or 40s, all is well

would do again...

 

[Muss Muggins]

Learn how to do function tests, or find a friend who knows, and you'll be fine. They're pretty simple, but important . . .

 

[hangnoose]

BUYING USED

Buying used from a lgs or pawn defeats much of the purpose IMO, first you are dealing with a pro that likely knows the true value of the gun, has overhead to meet & wants to buy low and sell high. Then there's tax and paperwork. YOU will have less risk if it's a reputable shop however. If you want the absolute lowest price then buying private is the way to go. The seller may know nothing, or everything about this gun & guns in general. Many things may come thrown in with a private sale & the more you buy from them the better the price. How about that holster, case, those, dies, that ammo etc. Multiple gun deals rock as well as "how much for everything, now you are finished selling and it is ALL my problem now & you can relax". Many people today are on hard times & need cash fast. You will assume more risk buying private and likely will never see the seller again. Doing your homework and knowing what to look for and to avoid lowers your risk. I've bought most of my new guns when younger and used guns privately when older. Don't forget guns from friends/relatives and the dearly departed. You may be able to easily take advantage of a widow, but that is lower than whale poo, leave it to the pawns & pro's for that. Some of them have no souls. You can be honest with a widow & still get a great deal with tons of extra's if you treat her right. My hands are getting tired, Gotta go.

 

[bluelund79]

I called a shop and they have a used bodyguard 380 for $299. He said if I pay cash, they'll knock off another 5%. Gander mountain has it brand new for $339.

Which would you guys go with?

I'd shop around before buying a gun from Gander. Their prices and customer service have been suspect at best. New, I buy from my FFL or Gunbroker. Just have to be patient sometimes. Good luck in your search, and if your username shows your location, there are plenty of good shops in Houston!

 

[JMichaelTX]

I'd shop around before buying a gun from Gander.

I agree with that. But then, I'd agree that one should shop around before buying from any one source.

prices and customer service have been suspect at best.

I have not seen any evidence of either.

While I have not bought a gun from Gander, I have shopped there often, and spent a lot of time at their gun counters. I have found the gun personnel to be friendly, helpful, and knowledgable. And even though I have not bought a gun, they have been willing to spend a lot of time with me, letting me handle and dry fire numerous guns, and answering all my questions.

I have found their gun prices to be about the same (sometimes a bit lower) as than other big retail stores (like Academy Sports) and my LGS. Their used guns prices are sometimes much less. For $30, they offer a lifetime extended warranty.

When I was looking to buy a Shield 40 with green CT laser, I did not find it cheaper at any other store. But I did save about $110 buy buying at a gun show.

 

[GKC]

p.s. S&W has a great warranty regardless of who was the first owner.

Well...according to the S&W website, their warranty policy is:

Lifetime Service Policy
We will repair any defect in material or workmanship without charge to the original purchaser for as long as you own the handgun. (I underlined the "original purchaser" for emphasis.)

However, I have read of numerous instances when someone called S&W with an issue on a used gun, and S&W didn't ask if they were the original purchaser or not...and they repaired the gun. I wouldn't count on that always happening, though...and with MY luck, I'd be the one they decided to ask.

 

[Indynick]

Nashouston, I have two BG's and have never had a problem, but some on the forum have. If the shop will let you shoot the used one, then that might help. If you can get thru 50-100 rounds with no failures, then you probably have a good one. I drought Gander Mt will let you do that.

 

[hangnoose]

INDY

I can't imagine anyone agreeing to that without an attached indoor range, a huge security deposit, & a re-stocking fee. If you found one congrats. Purchasing a former rental gun PERHAPS.

 

[NasHouston]

Hey guys,

Sorry for the late reply, I didn't think anyone else posted. Yes, I'm in Houston. The gun shop doesn't have a range, but they've been there a while. It's Fountain firearms, if it isn't appropriate for me to mention, please delete that part. I bought my shield from them. It's good, I've never had any type of jam. I bought it used like new in the box for $430 (yeah I know ) I didn't know much about guns (and still a newbie) and kinda wondered in there on whim. I also paid $22 for a box of american gunner JHP, when academy has them for $16. The guy was real nice and answered all my dumbass newbie question. lol Plus they're a small business so I'm not too hung up that I over paid.

The guys at gander have been very helpful too, I've bought ammo from them. If any of you know where to direct me, please either post here or PM me.