New, Used or Both For You?

[Fishinfool]

Probably a 50/50 mix between new and used. About 40 years ago, I had all the guns I actually needed - Everything since then has been pretty much whatever caught my eye. If I can buy used and save some $, then why not. Sometimes, if its a new model like the S&W69, then new is your best reasonable option. Something like a Browning FN Mauser based rifle, and your only option is going to be used. If you know what to look for during inspection, you will seldom get burned on a used gun.

Larry

 

[LostintheOzone]

I buy handguns used and bolt rifles new. I'm a poor judge of bore condition which is all important in a rifle. Hand guns can have "good" bore condition and still be an acceptable shooter for me because I'm a poor pistol shooter at best and I know it. I like 1-2 MOA in a bolt rifle and I can tell the difference. I have rifles that shoot 3 MOA but they're semi-auto carbines, not bolt rifles. I've had a few carbines that were terrible shooters and I sold those.

 

[steelslaver]

I don't think my new purchase guns are more than 5%. of the total. But, a minor problem or 2 with a new one isn't what would stop me from getting them. If I should happen to get a used one with a problem I can probably fix that too.

 

[girvin02]

I haven't purchased a new S&W since before 2001. I have purchased new guns from other manufacturers, though.

 

[JohnRippert]

I have very few firearms that were NIB when bought.Probably only 5 or so. Definitely less than 10 total. Considering How many guns I have traded or sold over the years I would say 90 to 95% used to new.

 

[kraynky]

I bought a new Mountain Gun (625-6) in the mid to late 90's and two 638's all within the same year. It's been nothing but used ever since, until Monday, when a 351PD wouldn't let me sleep. It's the first new gun in about 25 years or so. Without trying to start anything or get dinged, the IL had a lot to do with that.

That, and the fact I just like a gun that I don't have to worry about putting the first scratch on. I think I'm even worse when it comes to rifles. That first safe ding or briar scratch just drives me nuts. Worrying about doing it is even worse.

So I typically go for something used. There's not a "collector" bone in my body, and I don't have any safe queens. I'm just happier that way.

I think I'll just put a big ole scratch in the 351 when it gets here and get it over with. (just kidding, it's going to be a "yard gun" and I expect it to get dirty and banged a little)

 

[gr7070]

I'll happily buy either.

However, far too often used guns are way, way too expensive. For modern, mass-produced firearms the only reason to buy used is for an appropriate discount on price. Too often that discount isn't big enough.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Both, I have had good luck with almost two dozen used Smiths and, money aside, do not hesitate to buy the first through third generation semiautomatics as well as S&W revolvers that I like. I particularly like police trade ins. My collection is made of "shooters'.

 

[68python]

No Smiths that interest me made since about 1980, nor Colt production level revolvers made since 1996.

Only things recent production that interest me are Colt AR's .

 

[KSDrifter]

The only thing used I took into my house was my wife. And look at what that got me!

 

[cremaley]

I have done both over the years but I do prefer new.

 

[Patrick L]

My problem is, very little of what is made now interests me.

Thinking back, these are the only guns I recall buying new
1. My very first, my 20 ga 870. Actually Dad bought that one, Xmas 1981. Thanks Dad!
2. My Ruger 10/22. @1983?
3. My 20 ga Citori 1988.(actually Dad again, college graduation. Thanks Dad!)
4. My 66-2, in 1989 (first handgun!)
5. My Ruger Mk II, in 1990
6. My Browning Hi Power, sometime around 1996-97??
7. My 16 ga Citori 2004
8. My 20 Ga Beretta OU 2016
9 . My Ruger American Rimfire 2018

So, less than 10, out of maybe 45 or 50 over the years. Just my likes I guess.

 

[ruger 22]

When my son turned 14, back in 1981, I bought him a Ruger 10-22, S&W Model 63, and Remington 1100---all new in boxes. Only guns I bought new for me was a Remington 3200 and Left hand 1100. Everything else and there are over 100 guns I have owned and traded were used. Today's crop of new are of no interest to me.

 

[Valmet]

Both, but used mostly. I have an affinity for older, pre-1980 S&Ws so I buy more used Smiths than new ones. Speaking for guns outside of S&Ws, I like pre-ban stuff so that's all technically used.

I can also echo Patrick L's sentiments, very little new stuff interests me anymore.

 

[BC38]

Pretty much all used for me.
I've bought a couple of really inexpensive 380acp pistols new, but everything else in my accumulation was bought used. A couple were LNIB, but weren't bought brand spanking new from a retail establishment.

 

[whitestang]

I have bought both new and used. I have never had any problems with any used gun I have bought.I did buy a new RIA 45acp a couple of years ago had to send it back due to some issues.

 

[BongoBoy]

The 3 used revolvers I now own, all in 44 Rem Mag, were all 'pre-owned' but none looked to have ever been fired. The auto pistols were purchased new, but I'd not hesitate to buy used there, either. I just never saw any significant reason to, as the auto pistols are all 'late model' guns and folks seem to want to sell them for 85% of what new ones cost.

Since I only buy online, I find it easy to compare dozens (or hundreds) of options...if a seller offers one photo of the gun, it's off my list. If the photos are crappy, off the list. There are far too many Smith & Wesson 1006s out there, as an example, to fuss over one offered by someone who can't take the time to publish useful pics, or to answer a simple question. I use number of sales and ratings of the seller as a guide, but nothing is guaranteed, of course.

So, I buy both and am completely comfortable with used, provided the photos show me what I think I need to see. I'd never buy a new car again no matter how much money I had, I don't think...can't think of one single reason to do that.

 

[Bladeswitcher]

The currently manufactured Smiths don't interest me.

Likewise, nothing Smith has offered since about 1982 has been of interest to me. . . .

So, if I buy a Smith, it's used.

I own five modern S&W handguns, three of them purchased brand new.

My 638 has been "corrected," filling the lock hole with The Plug. I consider it a functional tool, but one that is essentially disposable.

I bought a S&W M&P22 Compact because I wanted a cheap .22 "trainer" pistol and I liked the Smith better than the Ruger SR22.

I also have a first generation 9mm Shield and it became my go-to CCW gun. I think S&W hit it out of the park on this one. No, it doesn't have the panache of a 3913 (I own one of those, too), but it serves its intended role extremely well. It also falls into the disposable category. If you ever got into a defensive shooting situation and the cops took your gun and locked it up in an evidence locker, you wouldn't shed a tear for the loss of the gun. As cheap as they are, there's almost no excuse not to have one.

I didn't buy them new, but I also have two modern Smiths. I bought a surplus, ex-cop gun M&P40 simply because it was $230 and I didn't own anything to shoot .40 S&W. I liked that gun well enough that when I saw some ex-cop M&P 9mm pistols for $280, I picked one up . . . just because . . .

The new guns will never have the character, charm or intrinsic value of the old all-metal guns, but they do have a place. They are something you use and carry as a tool . . . something that works, and is inexpensive to replace.

 

[DR505]

Yesterday I picked up a new aUto and a used revolver. I like both new and used...depends on the firearm.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I have never bought a used firearm. I don't have anything against buying used, I've just never come across a good enough deal. Seems like buying new is just a few bucks more than the used ones. They hold their value so well. It's a blessing and curse.