[techieguy]

I would like folks general thoughts on this.

If a new handgun is approximately $600 what would you pay for a very good condition used one? I guess I'm asking what is a new gun with warranty worth? Would you spend $500 or would you only pay less? I'm not talking about a collector's type, just a decent handgun.

Please don't take the $$$ values as absolutes, just give me your thoughts and reasons.

Thanks

Techieguy

[ewb45acp]

If your concern is over not getting a warrenty, don't worry too much. Most of the reputable gun makers will repair (free of charge) any defect in factory workmanship regardless of their stated warrenty. I for one will almost always look for a used model before I lay out the extra cash for a shiney new gun. I'm just gonna scratch it up anyway.

[XavierBreath]

It really depends on the gun. The used market is driven by demand as much as supply. If the gun is not a desirable one, I would expect to pay $350-400. If it is a desirable gun, $500. These prices apply for a gun that would rate excellent in condition.

[Shear_stress]

To me, a good gun is like a good car; neither should need warranty work until long, long after the warranty has expired. Fortunately, compared to cars, guns are pretty cheap to fix. For used guns, the lack of a warranty is pretty much a non-issue to me.

I've paid between $100 and $400 for good quality used guns. Of course, that range would grow a lot wider if I find a way to jump on that one nickel Python I've had my eye on.

[10-Ring]

Depends...if the gun comes w/ more mags, holster, ammo...you know, extra stuff, I'll pay more than just a bare bones gun...also depends on condition of the gun and who I'm dealing with ;)
My BHP, I paid $400 that came w/ extra grips, 4 mags, case, and manual

[XavierBreath]

One other thing..........There are many places, especially franchise pawn shops that give a 30 day 100% money back guarantee on anything they sell, including guns. That's better than a "fix it" warranty.

[JohnKSa]

It depends on the gun. I've actually paid essentially new price for a used handgun from someone I trust. It was pristine, not so easy to find at the time, had less than 2 boxes of ammo through it and the price he paid was pretty good to begin with. I paid him what he gave for it new, less the tax, of course.

[Majic]

As others have said it depends on the handgun. As an example take the new S&W revolvers. I don't care for the lock, but would pay what a new model would cost for certain used models in NIB or LNIB condition which don't have the lock

[wally]

Unless the gun in question is out of production, I prefer to buy new unless I personally know the seller or can shoot it first. Too paranoid about getting stuck with someone elses "problem child", Besides, I don't understand why someone would want to sell a good working gun unless they were in a bad need of cash.

--wally.

[outofbattery]

Quality guns are too well made these days for me to worry about a problem child.As has been said,all the decent manufacturers will stand behind their product regardless of ownership transfer or warranty period.

In the past 2 years,I have bought 22 handguns.Only the Walther P22 was brand new.None of them have given me a lick of trouble and the cost savings of,for example, a refurbed P226 over a brand new one allows me to pick up a used 3913,both of which I fully expect to work long after I do.I've bought 2 Glocks and used the $250 savings on each to send them to Glock for the $50 refurb and buy ammo.If it makes you feel better to buy new,go ahead - I'll be glad you're willing to eat the depreciation when you decide to exchange it for a different model:D

[possum]

i like buying used if i can find what i want some where used. i like to save the money, and spend the remainder on, ammo, mags and such. if i really want the gun i will pay a little more for it, but it has to be a pretty good deal for me to not be in the market for one,and to buy it and come home with it.
you know an impluse type of buy.

[MadMercS55]

I don't mind buying used so long as I can thoroughly inspect it prior to handing over my money. One local shop won't let you fieldstrip anything, no exceptions. I generally prefer to at least fieldstrip a used weapon to inspect the internals, rails, lockup point, etc. I do understand why some stores wouldn't want it, parts flyin everywhere and such. Around here there are alot of used guns with issues that people unloaded to the local shop in trade and there are some good deals that turn up too. Just have to be very picky. I always browse used SIGs since a new P220 here is around $749-799+tax and a nice used one can go $539-650. For instance I bought a used P229 .357 for $600 out the door and it was like new w/ night sights and 3 mags. Similar new one was $769+tax. And I love saving money whenever possible!

[techieguy]

Thanks for the insights. Any others??

[ugaarguy]

I'd not worry about a used gun. Lots of folks buy a gun, use it for a bit, find they don't like it as much as they thought they would, so they wanna try somethin else. Maybe someone started with 9mm, got comfortable with their pistol handling and wanted to move to a 40, or 45, or (insert pet caliber here). Sometimes you get folks that shoot a buddy's gun, realize that style of pistol is more fun/pleasant/whatever to them to shoot and want that type pistol. Others like to try new things, and just like a car, play with a gun at the range for a few months or a few years, then try out something new. Others yet are folks who've bought guns over the years then look into the safe and realize they've got more guns than they can shoot and look to thin down to the ones they actually shoot. You also get LE departments, Security Co, etc. that have guns that get carried alot, shot very little, and regulary upgraded every few years. All of those and many others are reasons that folks will sell or trade in a gun or several guns. There are tons of good used guns on the market at good prices. Even a gun that's been shot a whole bunch may only need a few dollars worth of springs, maybe a firing pin or a new frame pin here or there, and it's back up to speed because the frame is rock solid - it's kinda like getting worn rubber bushings, or new brake rotors, or that type of set interval maintenance done on a car.

You said you aren't a collector - other than collectables, guns depreciate like cars. As soon as new gun leaves the store, just like a new car leaving the lot after being sold, it becomes used without so much as a round being fired. Everyone drives a used car and shoots a used gun - might as well let someone else eat the heavy depreciation and buy their used guns ;) .