Author Topic: Guns, New or Used? (Read 197 times)

Halo · « **on:** November 03, 2006, 07:44:06 PM »

Do you firearm enthusiasts prefer to buy your guns new or used? Where (e.g., gun shows, individuals, gun stores) and why (price, warranty, what)?

Through the Internet and talking with gun shop guys and customers, I'm getting the idea a lot of shooters prefer to buy used, mostly for price. Rental guns being retired without excessive use and newer guns returned after being refurbished seem particularly attractive.

What's your experience along these lines?

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2006, 08:05:28 PM »

Both. It depends on the gun, and who is selling it. You shouldn't buy used unless you are well versed in that particular gun or type of gun. Unless you buy it from a dealer and get some sort of warranty. However, some desireable guns are no longer available new so you have to buy used.

Buying semi auto guns of any type is somewhat risky even for the educated buyer, because unless you can fire it before you buy it, you can't be sure it will function.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2006, 08:08:25 PM »

Used. Nearly all the guns I buy are WW2 guns.

They are all used.

Except for the french guns. But they were only dropped once.

Masherbrum · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2006, 08:32:49 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Captain Virgil Hilts
Both. It depends on the gun, and who is selling it. You shouldn't buy used unless you are well versed in that particular gun or type of gun. Unless you buy it from a dealer and get some sort of warranty. However, some desireable guns are no longer available new so you have to buy used.

Buying semi auto guns of any type is somewhat risky even for the educated buyer, because unless you can fire it before you buy it, you can't be sure it will function.

Yep. I bought my USP 45 off of my Uncle in 1999. It wasn't yet 3 years old and came with 3 fact. mags for $500. I wouldn't have bought it, had I NOT KNOWN who owned it.

Be very choosy when perusing used firearms.

Maverick · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2006, 11:07:24 PM »

I've shopped for both new and used. I have a minor battle rifle collection and those were certainly used. I bought a couple retired Police guns but one of them was my old revolver so no risk there.

I agree that shooting one before you lay out a significant amount of cash would be a good idea. If you are pretty experianced you can spot the ones to stay away from fairly easily. Things I have seen in a used gun are ringed barrels, split forcing cones, cylinders out of time, badly reamed chambers in autos, excessive headspace, bulged barrels and pitted bores in really old guns.

Take your time, if the seller seems to be wanting to push you into the deal, walk away from it. Don't be in a hurry and look it over very carefully. If at all possible try to shoot the gun and make sure it shoot somewhere close to point of aim. That can be a problem even with a new gun. I have a S&W 645 I bought new in the box that shoots a foot low at 30 feet. It has fixed sights and is an auto so after market stocks won't be much help so there's not much I can do about it. I'll eventually sell it but right now it's in storage.