[Tecolote]

I've usually only bought new but lately I've been giving SIG Certified Pre-Owned models a hard look. They cost hundreds less than new and come with a warranty. Any reason why you would buy new when you can get used for a lot less?

[Lennyjoe]

Depends on the funds available. I have purchased new and used weapons. Just be sure that the used one your buying is up to par. Inspect it inside and out.

Somewhere here or at TFL I remember a post on what to look for in used pistols and revolvers. Good read too. Covered everything from cylinder shake to forcing cones in revolvers and slides, triggers and such on semi auto's.

[HSMITH]

Both, but most of my guns were bought used.

[whm1974]

Both of mine are used. You can save quite a bit of money if you know what to look for in used guns.

-Bill

[Tman]

All but one of my purchases have been new guns. The one used pistol was a delta elite and had a lot of FTE's until I took it to a pistolsmith to get it right. Next used pistol is going to have to be pristine or I'll have to take a knowledgeable friend with me.

[orangeninja]

All of the ones I have in possesion now are used. There are a lot of good deals out there for the educated consumer. ;)

P.S. the Sig Certified guns? Worth every red cent.

[GreenFurniture]

We sell a TON of "certified" Sigs! And we have yet to get one single complaint.

[10-Ring]

Both ;)

[Bear Gulch]

Both and have enjoyed both. Careful research can yield bargins for shoppers.

[sfhogman]

Both. Plus, they're not making new 38/44s any more..... :D

[trickyasafox]

i buy mainly new, but thats not cause im a snob, i just cant find what i want used. :rolleyes: i'd really like to find a 9mm revo used. . . .i'd snatch that up in a heartbeat. same with one in 45acp. that being said, there isnt a tremendous used gun market by me, so ill prolly end up ordering me up a pair of taurus revos and calling it a day.

[DSRUPTV]

Used guns so far and I haven't had any problems. One of these was my S&W 686 that a brokered a deal with my Dad for.

[38SnubFan]

I buy both, depends on the funds available and what kind of deal I find.

I bought my first gun, an EAA .38 snubbie revolver, from a co-worker who only put 20 rounds through it and decided to get rid of it. Only thing wrong with it was that it needed a good thorough cleaning. Still works fine with over 1500 rounds through it, and I still occasionally carry it.

I had an offer to buy my second gun (my first autoloader) from another "gun nut" co-worker (see a pattern in the workplace here?), a Browning Hi-Power in .40. A little to large for me to conceal comfortably, plus the design just wasn't modern enough for me, so I bought my Bersa .45 new. Wish I had the money, I would have bought both! (Kinda kickin' myself in the butt for turning down that purchase, but eventually I'm goin for a full-size 1911 or Browning Hi-Power Practical).

-38SnubFan

[WhoKnowsWho]

I've never had a problem with any used gun, and I originally tried to read everything about buying something used before I actually did it. Considering the guns are going to last for so long if taken care of, I don't really worry about it much.

[Old Dog]

Both. I tend to prefer older S&W revolvers, so I'm always on the lookout for a good deal on any used Smith wheelgun, no matter the caliber.

Made a couple bad choices on used autopistols, but I too have been looking hard at the certified "pre-owned" SIGs (I need a couple for my collection and have used 'em a little on duty and like 'em).

[Snake Eyes]

I buy Colts pretty much exclusively, and typically only collectable Colts. So, Used.

Of course, I love to find a nice, 40 year old NIB Colt....is that considered buying new??

[RoyG]

Revolvers used\new. I think I have only one new one.

Semis new. Just haven't found a good deal on a used one that was worth it. Most people want almost new prices for a used semi-auto.

[deputy tom]

If I'm looking for a particular firearm and find one,I'm buying it new or used as long as the price and condition seem right .tom. :)

[Vern Humphrey]

I admit to having a bias toward older guns -- Colt Revolvers, pre-'64 Model 70 Winchesters, Lefever s-by-sides,and so on, so I mostly buy used. I've bought some NEW guns that were dogs, and occasionally you will get used gun that isn't what you thought it was.

[mcmoyer]

Mine are about 50/50. I've bought some darn nice used guns...most of them from folks I've met here or on other boards.

:D :D

[Biker]

Used, for the most part. It's kinda like another guy's ex wife - everything is already broken in and a lot cheaper than new, and with some careful checking, you can make sure that there are no worn out parts. :)
Biker

[Ky Larry]

Both. The people I work with know I'm into shooting sports so I often get first chance to buy from coworkers and their families. Many guns are abused and neglected but very few are worn out. Good deals are out there.

[Standing Wolf]

I prefer used: better quality of craftsmanship, on the whole.

[Vern Humphrey]

Quote:
----------------------------------
Used, for the most part. It's kinda like another guy's ex wife - everything is already broken in and a lot cheaper than new,
----------------------------------

I'd be careful with that approach. There's gotta be a reason the other guy divorced her, you know. :p

[Black Snowman]

Both, I buy new more than I would like just because the kinds of guns I get tend to be ones that people don't want to give up once they have them or are so bizzare that I have to special order them. ;)

[absolute0]

Tough to find a new python or detective special

some guys won't buy used....their loss I guess!

[pete f]

used mostly, they are not making any more model 71 winchesters or 99 savages or pre war colt SAA or matchtarget woodsmans, also if I buy a model 10HB S&W for $150 instead of a new one at $400, I have enough money left over to buy a model 39 and a case of ammo.

[Whatsit]

38snubfan -> "plus the design just wasn't modern enough for me"

So, the BHP isn't modern enough, yet the 1911, an older design, is?

[c_yeager]

It depends on the gun. A lot of modern guns dont seem to get as much of a price-break as I think they should (esp. plastic ones) so I tend to look at those new. Now for revolvers its a whole nuther story. A good condition older smith and wesson is every bit as good (if not better) as a new example and they sell at a huge discount.

[xv920j]

Both. I'm an "impulse buyer". I don't usually go shopping for anything in particular but rather buy what looks good at the moment.

Oddly enough, I have had fewer problems with used guns than I have with new ones. I've also run across some good deals in used guns.

[Mr Bangdango]

Mostly new here. I can never seem to find what I want used at a good price until after I buy it new. However, I did find a good deal on a S&W 686. Someone had spray painted it black. It also didn't have any grips on it. I got it super cheap becouse the lady i bought it from just wanted to get rid of it.

[cortez kid]

'Bout 50/50, but 100% happy.
Happy Easter
good shootin
kid

[Doug Add]

The only handguns I have bought new are a couple of .22s (Walther and Firestorm). All my centerfire handguns have been purchased used, most recently a SIG P228 and Springfield loaded 1911. I have never been disappointed with what I received, and have been pleased with the amount of money I have spent for such quality firearms.

[Pilot]

Now that I think of it, many of my handguns are used. I would say about 50/50. Good deals are out there on used quality firearms.

[jeff-10]

60% of my handguns have been bought used. I think that the vast majority of handguns are bought and then rarely fired so buying used is a usually a good idea. Only 1 rifle , a milsurp Mauser, I bought had been used.

[bpisler]

I like older S&W revolvers so 95% of
those are bought used.Semi-auto's
are closer to 50/50 as i tend to
like the newer designs better than
older ones but i'll make exceptions
for 1911's and hi powers.

[Zach S]

Both. Currently, I'm 50/50.

[Black Majik]

I buy both new and used. My first gun was bought new because I wanted the whole pretty finish deal without any holster wear and such. Now my first gun serves HD and lives a lot of time in a holster. :D

The last 2 guns I've bought used. There are a lot of guns that I want that are shot a little and I can buy at a cheaper price and save money just buy buying PPT. $30 vs. $70-80 for buying new! (Tax, DROS, etc etc....)

[Peter M. Eick]

Mostly used. Dang hard to find pre-numbered N frame Smiths anymore brand new (since they started numbering back in what 57?)

[happy old sailor]

either, if i want it and it is in good shape, why not. new guns need to be checked out just like used ones. i have left a few new ones on the counter and asked to see another. used guns only come in ones so it is take it or leave it. so, either

[bean357]

a 686, spray painted black? Oh my. :(

Most of my purchases are used--S&W revolvers, and the majority of the other handguns, shotguns and rifles I have bought have been used, in excellent condition. A few new purchases, but not many. The price for "new" usually makes me want to shop for a nice used one

[38SnubFan]

So, the BHP isn't modern enough, yet the 1911, an older design, is? Mine is a DA/SA compact/subcompact, not a 1911 (Actually about the same size as a Glock 30). And anyways, didn't say I DIDN'T like the Browning's design, just said I like the Bersa's design/size better for my needs. Also, the Browning I was looking at was the Classic Model; I prefer the Practical Model.

-38SnubFan

[YodaVader]

All of the ones I have now are new with the exception of an old air rifle. Had some used in the past - some really good ones: a Smith 66 357 snub nose and a Ruger 10/22 Deluxe. A couple of not so good : Smith 19 and Colt Python - could not get either to shoot worth a hoot.

[MoeMentum]

Both, you can get some good deals on used guns.

[Guy B. Meredith]

New. I don't feel competent enough to shop for used. I would really prefer to buy used to be able to buy more toys on the same money.

[bigmike45]

I have bought both, but when I buy used you should see the looks when I disassemble the gun for inspection in front of the clerk. I had a guy freak and call the LEO's. When they arrived, they started laughing and just asked me if I could reassemble it. Of course I said yes, reassembled it and bought it at a deeply discounted price from the clerk that was stepping over himself to apoligize. The LEO's went outside with me and we all had a good laugh together. They said that that I reassembled the gun better than their armourer can. Oh well it was fun.

[Bobby Lee]

Are you saying this idiot called the cops on you and you still bought a gun from him?

I would have put his POS pistol back togather and told him exactly what he could do with it and he would never get a dime from me.

[W Turner]

Used whenever possible, unless I find a new gun that is exactly what I want at the price I want to pay for it. This is rare but happened recently when I bought my Springfield Lightweight Loaded Model. Great gun at a great price ($659 + tax).

I prefer used guns for a few reasons...1- if you're careful, you can get great deals, 2- some things I like aren't made anymore, a SW model 19 for example, 3- I think that used guns with honest wear have a story to tell, kinda like older country gents who sit at the coop/barbershop and shoot the bull all day.


W

[BryanP]

Yes. I currently have one more new gun than used. One turned out to be a mistake. One more needed a trigger job. The rest have been great. My used SIG P220 is my favorite pistol.

[BigG]

A mix. Mostly classics but occasionally a new one will come into my possession. As some above have noted, hard to find new guns that are decades old. ;)

[homeka45]

Mostly used, primarily mil-surps.

[Frandy]

It's a mix. Here's the lineup of my handgun purchases:

USED: :D

Beretta Couger 8000F
Dan Wesson Patriot
Sig Sauer 226
S&W K-22 Masterpiece, model 17


NEW: :D

Beretta Stampede
H&K USP 45C
Ruger GP-100
Ruger Super Single Six
Sig Sauer 228
Sig Sauer Trailside
S&W 642 alloy

[MikeIsaj]

Mostly used. It's worth a 50% discount if you are patient. Lots of hardly used handguns out there for a whole variety of reasons. Most are in excellent condition but dirty.

Here's the scenario; Boy thinks he's a man. Boy buys gun. Boy shoots gun. Boy finds out there is a lot more to shooting gun than he realized. Boy gets tired of feeling like s*#^ at range. Wife finds out boy spent $900.00 on a gun he can't shoot. You get a good deal on a dirty used gun!

[aguyindallas]

I buy both. I have to admit, probably more used than new. I just look for what I want, if its in good shape, I go for it.

That being said, I have purchased 4 different hand guns online, sight unseen. Well, I saw pics of two of them. Anyway, 4 guns purchased without seeing them in my hot little hands first. Some say risky, I say I got good deals. I wont ever forget the SW 5906 I got for $215.00 in VG condition.

[Mako25]

I've bought both in the past.
Right now I've got 1 new, 1 used and 1 'pre-owned-but never shot'.

[firesafety3]

I've bought new and used. Up until a year ago, I never bought a used gun I didn't shoot first.

Since then I've bought three guns from THR members and have been happy with every transaction. I don't care for the gun auctions, don't even browse them.

If I've made up my mind to buy a particular gun used, I'll start with the "Buy, Sell, Trade" forum here.

[nico]

I'm in school and live with my parents, so I often refer to my dad's guns as "mine." My two personal guns, a bolt rifle and a shotgun, were purchased new. My dad's S&W 910 was very gently used and had 4 factory 10 round mags.

I'm looking to buy a 1911 over the summer and will probably buy new, but if anyone has a good, lightly used Springfield Loaded or Series I Kimber Custom that they want to sell in 3 months or so I'd definitely consider it. When I was last looking at them at a local gun shop, the guy told me that they rarely get used Loaded Springfields or Kimbers.

[Duke of Lawnchair]

I've purchased all of my handguns, new. However, I am not opposed to a used purchase. In fact, my next buy might be a used item.

-Jim

[shoot870p]

like most of the others, I buy both.

[P5 Guy]

Most of my rifles are Military Surplus, so they are used some very used. Most of my handguns I bought new.

[Maddock]

Mostly used. Primarily because my main handgun interests are blued N frames and blued 1911s, though a 625 Mountain Gun is sure appealing.

[FPrice]

Just be sure that the used one your buying is up to par. Inspect it inside and out.

The same could be said for new guns also.

[Stratford Holdings]

I do both. I usually buy new if it's something that's going to be an investment. Also, there are some guns that are more difficult to find used, so new is the answer. Then there are those impulse buys where I just have to have it.

But used is fine in my opinion as I'm going to throw at least 500 rounds through it during the first week.

[sturmruger]

I prefer to buy used and save a few bucks, but it isn't that big of deal. It is fun to shoot a brand new gun occasionaly.

[Augustwest]

Never really thought about it before, but all but one of my handguns were purchased used, and all but one of my long guns were purchased new...

[swjr72]

Both

It depends on the deal

Sometimes just feels good to get something new and sometimes it feels good to find a used bargain

[Rick Blaine]

Most of my guns were bought used except for my P-3AT. Most things I buy for myself I buy used. Even my wife was a trade-in, but I got a really good deal on her. Rick

[goon]

I buy both. I prefer to buy used from "reputable" people. What I mean by that is that I wouldn't be too concerned with buying a used gun from a THR or AK-47.net member with 6000 posts who has been wheeling and dealing for three years.
I usually am a little more concerned with buying an automatic used at a shop than I am with a revolver. If you know what to look for on a revolver you can get a pretty good idea of whether or not you are getting a solid gun (I know a little about them). Maybe you can with an automatic too, but I don't really know what to look for.
Something else I look for is a no BS return/refund/repair policy at the gun store.

My last purchase was a used Security Six from a THR member and it positively rocks. :D

[Spieler]

When I was younger I always wanted my guns new and shiny. I didn't want someone else's used, abused and unwanted stuff. However, as I now have domestic responsibilities that have put a crimp on the gun fund, I have been buying more used guns - mostly handguns. They save on the $$ for sure, but now I find that I like the idea of a particular piece having some history behind it. This is especially true since I usually buy mil surp or LE trade-ins.

[klover]

New Winchester 70's in SS with polymer stocks might be better than the pre-64 ones?

Can you find the amazing blue on old Smiths on a new one?

Gotta love Model 10, 19, and recessed 29s!

Milsurp m38s as new for $75 bucks.

Many guns need to wear the fine machining burrs through use to become smooth. I'm perfectly happy to let someone else do this work.

Saw a new 629 with damn near perfect lockup and .003 cylinder gap. Only $650.
Told 'em I'll take the above Winchester for just a little more. :)

[Mastrogiacomo]

I buy both, though most of my guns are new. My 686 4" was used and I'll be getting a S&W model 10 Hong Kong Police model so, used again. If it's in good condition I go for it.

[hightech]

New for current production and new models coming out. Used for classics.