Buying used?

[DRMMR02]

I'm not sure what to expect when buying a used pistol, specifically from Cabelas. So far I have only bought new pistols. I know it's probably different each time, but does anyone have any experiance buying used from Cabelas? I would think they wouldn't have anything shoddy being such a large dealer. The pistol I am looking at is a Ruger P345 for $419.
What should I look for when checking it out at the counter? What are some easy to see signs of wear and tear? What are the best ways to tell if a used gun is not worth it?

 

[psyopspec]

Ask if you can disassemble the pistol (if you don't know how ask them to do it for you). Look for significant areas of wear, cracks, and metal shavings in the slide and on the lower. Keep an eye open for rust. Lay the slide on the counter and push the firing pin block in and then press on the back to see if the firing pin peeks out on the other side. Look down the barrel for significant wear.

Follow all safety rules for these steps. When the pistol's assembled, pull back the slide with an empty mag and see if it locks back. Put the safety on and pull the trigger (hammer should not fall). Take the safety off and pull the trigger (hammer should fall).

Perhaps most importantly, make sure you know their return policy before walking out of the store with it. Good luck!

 

[hexidismal]

Keep in mind that if you do ask to disassemble the pistol and they allow you to do so , the p345 is a bit odd to field strip. It's VERY easy if you know how .. but I had to read the manual on mine to figure it out

 

[10-Ring]

Buying used shouldn't be so intimidating. Field strip it, check out the action, and a generally good fit & finish should indicate a well maintained piece. I don't pay much attention to finish wear only because I am more concerned w/ function...plus, signs of wear is a good place to start negotiating in your favor.

 

[hexidismal]

In regard to my last post .. I took some pics for p345 field strip assistance, let me know if you want them posted.

 

[gudel]

generally i like to buy new gun, the difference is not that much.
plus I get to know that my gun is new, no schmuck hillbilly was playing gunsmith on it. guns and dremels should never be used in the same sentence, which you will never know if it's used

 

[possum]

new or used dosen't bother me especially if it is a gun company with a good customer service in case something does go wrong later on but that is something i personally look for in a gun anyway, a company with a good reputation, one of my requirements i guess you would say. it sounds like you have a god bit of experience with handguns, so just check it out the best you can in the store, if they let you dissassemble it than thats cool if not you can do a good visual with out doing that though. I have no experience buying used from cabela's or buying a gun from them period, but i have been to the kc store a few times and the biggest problem i have seen is that there seems to be a good deal of rust on there weapons, especially the ones out on the floor, that everyone handles all the time, and i guess they don't wipe them down. I was looking at a kimber there that the guy behind the counter said was new that looked like it had been drug behind a truck for a ways. that and the fact that they didn't want to let me even hold a gun or see the handguns in the case because i look 12yrs old and have an out of state liscense, but the military id card allowed me to but they were still pretty hisatent about it. after the above i think i would buy from a local store, but cabela's is a great place that i like to go look at things, but that is about it.

 

[Seven High]

I've been stung a few times when buying used guns. I will not buy a used gun now without being able to shoot it first.

 

[duckjihad]

I've bought used from Cabela's and was very happy. I bought a used shotgun from them. It was kind of an upper grade gun (For me, anyway). Oddly enough, its ejectors weren't performing to standard. Cabelas had me ship it to the manufacturer who fixed it free of charge. Cabela's cut me a check for the shipping cost, which was a couple hundred bucks with the insurance. No hassle. Faxed them the receipt, they mailed me a check. They stand behind their stuff. I'll buy from them again.

All others: ???? I've bought several used guns. Some great deals, some I wish I'd passed on. Bought a 357 that a guy slicked up with cold blue. Looked like new, for the first year I carried it. Bought a anshutz 22 that had been fired so much it was worn out. Bought a 444 Marlin that wouldn't feed. My fault though. Use any of the "How to check out an auto or revolver" threads on THR and you should be okay.

 

[Onmilo]

Ruger P345s haven't been on the market for a great deal of time, maybe four years,,,,,
If there is one in the used gun cabinet there might be a very good reason for it being there if you understand my drift,,,,,

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

I've never dealt with Cabela's, but my surplus Star BM and Walther P1 came from (I think) Impactgun, while the Walther P5 came surplus from SOG.

All three of my surplus pistols have been excellent.

I should think the great majority of U.S. LE trade-in's would be in good shape. The larger le depts generally have, or should have, an onboard shop to keep the firearms in good working order. Smaller le dept's won't but I think other than for qualifying purposes most leo's simply don't shoot their sidearms that much.

You should be able to visually inspect a used pistol and get a good idea of it's condition. If you buy online or without seeing and shooting it first, then be sure a reasonable return policy is agreed upon.

Finally, unless the specific pistol is only available used, or surplus, try and buy new, even if you have to wait a bit longer.



JMOFO:

Best Wishes,

J.P.

P.S. And here's my free old fart tip of the day: When you get a firearm that you are well pleased with, DON'T sell it or trade it away for some new "flavor of the month/gun magazine firearm".. Never sell the good guns, never keep the bad guns.. (Words to live by, and it took me a longggg time to figure that out.)

 

[outofbattery]

New P345's are $399 at my local gun shop and they had a pair marked at $299 that looked spotless among the used pistols.I'd thought about picking one up to have another .45 plinker.Of course,supply and demand and regional tastes dictate pricing and often times,FFL transfers and shipping make bargains not so but Rugers should be plentiful enough everywhere that I think it might be priced a tad high.
People buy new guns and decide they don't like them,or what's all too common they or their wife doesn't like next month's credit card bill, all the time.Most of my guns are purchased used and I like it when someone else is willing to eat the depreciation and save me $150-200.

 

[duckjihad]

PX15: Good tip. Never sell a gun you can shoot well.

 

[JoeHatley]

The pistol I am looking at is a Ruger P345 for $419.

That's a little high for used. Most shops around this area sell them for $399 new.

www.budsgunshop.com has them for $373 new.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[cavman]

I agree. I bought mine new for $389 from Greentops Ashland,Va last year.

cavman

 

[hexidismal]

hmm, not around here. Everywhere Ive seen them they go for a bout $450 new , but that's in new york. And online sales dont count, you have to add shipping and transfer.

 

[Frog48]

The pistol I am looking at is a Ruger P345 for $419.

They're only $450 brand new, at most places. Once, I saw them on sale at Academy for $399, brand new. I still regret not jumping on that.

 

[brett30030]

Too high a price for that gun used. Keep looking if you are looking for a good price. If it is what you want and what you are willing to spend, then it is the right price for you