I've been doing some research lately to decide what I should get for my first gun. I've decided I'd like to look at some used guns, but I don't know where the best place to look is. What do you guys think? I tried a gun show and some local shops, but they mostly had new weapons.
Cheap used guns?
- Thread starter Geech
- Start date
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H
Handy
Guest
Try the "internet".
You'll need to find a local dealer that will do a transfer for a nominal fee ($25 or less). Places like gunsamerica, gunbroker, auction arms this site are all good places to shop.
For in person buying, find out if your town has a classified only paper. These are usually free or a buck at 7-11 and the like. There might also be a local web for sale board.
Otherwise, pawn shops. Don't pay what they're asking.
Handgun recommendations? You're kidding, right? That's like asking "what kind of food should I have" and not even starting off with a designated meal, desert, type, etc.
You're going to have to narrow that down, some.
You'll need to find a local dealer that will do a transfer for a nominal fee ($25 or less). Places like gunsamerica, gunbroker, auction arms this site are all good places to shop.
For in person buying, find out if your town has a classified only paper. These are usually free or a buck at 7-11 and the like. There might also be a local web for sale board.
Otherwise, pawn shops. Don't pay what they're asking.
Handgun recommendations? You're kidding, right? That's like asking "what kind of food should I have" and not even starting off with a designated meal, desert, type, etc.
You're going to have to narrow that down, some.
Jim March
Member
In my opinion, with RARE exceptions, handguns that cost less than $300 and are reliable, potent and worth owning are revolvers. Period. Spend $400+ and that changes but down around $200 - $250, you've got any number of good 38Spl basic DA wheelguns that aren't flashy, but WORK.
Yes, the Makarovs can be an exception. Yes, the KelTec P11 can work if you hand-tweak it with the detailed directions posted by the KTOG folks. But I have a roommate right now who gets jams with his P11 when rapid-fired.
I spent $186 on a basic 38 snubbie. It's never jammed or failed to fire. It was hand-selected via a checkout procedure I've posted on the revolver forum:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1430
The "checkout" suggested that either the gun was done on a VERY good day at the factory, or it was hand-tweaked by some gunsmith, pro or otherwise, who knew his stuff. Lockup was (and remains) as tight as a Python in good shape, timing is spot-on, gap is minimal.
I had a chance to do outdoor firing once, at a torso-sized metal garbage can 50 yards out. I hit it five for five with that thing, firing SA. A guy next to me with a full-size Glock 40 was only able to bat .500 at the same range and target. Maybe it was him, dunno, I have no beef with Glocks and consider them fine guns for the money (which is a hell of a lot more than $186). What I do know is that I'm not all that good a shot, and I strongly doubt a Makarov or any other low-end slidegun could have made those five shots. I also know that with the right ammo, I can rely on that gun for defensive purposes.
NOTE: Charter Arms/Charco/Charter 2000s are a good design, but execution (read: quality control) varied all over the map. I don't generally recommend these unless you know what you're looking at, even though that's what I own. Any number of S&W Model 10s, Ruger Security/Service series, Colt Police Positive Special or scads of other used 38s/357s could have done as well or better, if hand-picked with the checkout.
If you're on a budget, the wheelgun isn't flashy but it gets the job done. WAY too many newbies ignore this, esp. if they're living life on the cheap at the moment
. (As I am now, don't take that as a slur!)
Yes, the Makarovs can be an exception. Yes, the KelTec P11 can work if you hand-tweak it with the detailed directions posted by the KTOG folks. But I have a roommate right now who gets jams with his P11 when rapid-fired.
I spent $186 on a basic 38 snubbie. It's never jammed or failed to fire. It was hand-selected via a checkout procedure I've posted on the revolver forum:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1430
The "checkout" suggested that either the gun was done on a VERY good day at the factory, or it was hand-tweaked by some gunsmith, pro or otherwise, who knew his stuff. Lockup was (and remains) as tight as a Python in good shape, timing is spot-on, gap is minimal.
I had a chance to do outdoor firing once, at a torso-sized metal garbage can 50 yards out. I hit it five for five with that thing, firing SA. A guy next to me with a full-size Glock 40 was only able to bat .500 at the same range and target. Maybe it was him, dunno, I have no beef with Glocks and consider them fine guns for the money (which is a hell of a lot more than $186). What I do know is that I'm not all that good a shot, and I strongly doubt a Makarov or any other low-end slidegun could have made those five shots. I also know that with the right ammo, I can rely on that gun for defensive purposes.
NOTE: Charter Arms/Charco/Charter 2000s are a good design, but execution (read: quality control) varied all over the map. I don't generally recommend these unless you know what you're looking at, even though that's what I own. Any number of S&W Model 10s, Ruger Security/Service series, Colt Police Positive Special or scads of other used 38s/357s could have done as well or better, if hand-picked with the checkout.
If you're on a budget, the wheelgun isn't flashy but it gets the job done. WAY too many newbies ignore this, esp. if they're living life on the cheap at the moment
. (As I am now, don't take that as a slur!)WonderNine
member
Sorry, but I disagree. I think it mostly depends on the shooter. Makarovs are good, fairly accurate guns. They have a pretty short barrel, so it's not really fair to scold them for poor to decent groups at 50 yards. I shot one and I was able to hit what I was aiming at just as well as most other guns.
I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that will hit a garbage can at 50 yards out with a snubby short of world champion IPDA shooters. Even then I'd be wanting to see that.
Geech:
"Maybe 2-300 tops"
To get the most bang for your buck (pun intended) you should probably get a revolver. For around $250 you can get a big caliber double action revolver that will serve you the rest of your life. How about: Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum (also shoots cheaper 38 special). I've had one for decades. I will never sell it. It's a keeper. Or just about any used Ruger revolver. Make sure you get a double action. Get one with a six inch barrel and you can kick some major but with accuracy. You will see lots of expensive ones and a few good deals in your price range.
Try: Ruger Double Action Pistols at GunsAmerica Auctions
I just saw about 6 in your price range. You can probably do just as good at pawn shops, gun stores that carry used guns, or post a wanted ad in your local for-sale newsgroup.
If you want an automatic I have the perfect gun for you. I just bought one myself and they are beautiful!
Sistema Colt 1911-A1 .45 . (See halfway down).
It is a Argentine gun. However, the gun was made on Colt equipment by Colt trained technicians. It is a 100% G.I. compatible 1911-A1. It 's exactly like the GI's had in WWII. Most of these guns were made in the late 50's or early 60's and have just recently been refurbished. Mine looks brand new and shoots great!
Don't think for moment that a 45 is too big (I used to). These shoot sweet! At least read the ad on the above page. I think it's what you'll end up buying! At $299.00 they can't be beat.
Add shipping and FFL transfer about $25 more.
Also, see the 1911 Forum to see what they think of them. Mostly very nice reviews.
Also, here is a Review of Sistema Colt .45 .
Don't forget to come back in a week or two and tell us what you bought!
"Maybe 2-300 tops"
To get the most bang for your buck (pun intended) you should probably get a revolver. For around $250 you can get a big caliber double action revolver that will serve you the rest of your life. How about: Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum (also shoots cheaper 38 special). I've had one for decades. I will never sell it. It's a keeper. Or just about any used Ruger revolver. Make sure you get a double action. Get one with a six inch barrel and you can kick some major but with accuracy. You will see lots of expensive ones and a few good deals in your price range.
Try: Ruger Double Action Pistols at GunsAmerica Auctions
I just saw about 6 in your price range. You can probably do just as good at pawn shops, gun stores that carry used guns, or post a wanted ad in your local for-sale newsgroup.
If you want an automatic I have the perfect gun for you. I just bought one myself and they are beautiful!
Sistema Colt 1911-A1 .45 . (See halfway down).
It is a Argentine gun. However, the gun was made on Colt equipment by Colt trained technicians. It is a 100% G.I. compatible 1911-A1. It 's exactly like the GI's had in WWII. Most of these guns were made in the late 50's or early 60's and have just recently been refurbished. Mine looks brand new and shoots great!
Don't think for moment that a 45 is too big (I used to). These shoot sweet! At least read the ad on the above page. I think it's what you'll end up buying! At $299.00 they can't be beat.
Add shipping and FFL transfer about $25 more.
Also, see the 1911 Forum to see what they think of them. Mostly very nice reviews.
Also, here is a Review of Sistema Colt .45 .
Don't forget to come back in a week or two and tell us what you bought!
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H
Handy
Guest
Geech,
If you want an auto, find a decent 9mm Luger pistol in excellent shape. Ruger P89 or P95, Taurus PT92s, CZ-75s, EAA Witness's and Baby Eagles could all be found lightly used in that price range and are all tough as nails.
The other good possibility is a new FEG P9M (which is mostly like a Browning Hi-power pistol) for $250 to $300.
There's nothing wrong with a cheap 9x18 Makarov, but you might enjoy the larger, more complex guns listed above, more.
Otherwise, police turn-in .357 or .38 Ruger and S&W revolvers are excellent values.
If you want an auto, find a decent 9mm Luger pistol in excellent shape. Ruger P89 or P95, Taurus PT92s, CZ-75s, EAA Witness's and Baby Eagles could all be found lightly used in that price range and are all tough as nails.
The other good possibility is a new FEG P9M (which is mostly like a Browning Hi-power pistol) for $250 to $300.
There's nothing wrong with a cheap 9x18 Makarov, but you might enjoy the larger, more complex guns listed above, more.
Otherwise, police turn-in .357 or .38 Ruger and S&W revolvers are excellent values.
Try your local pawn shops, many have a nice selection of good, old firearms. On the cheap side but good at $200 or less, look for some of the following: .38 Specials, S&W Model 10-Colt Police Positive, Savage .32 auto's, a great many used .22lr pistols. Surplus CZ 70 & 50 in 32 acp and the CZ52 in 7.62X25mm Mauser, the Makarov's in .380 or 9mm Makarov are outstanding values as are the FEG 9mm's (every bit as good as my Browning Hi-power). My choice of all would be the FEG 9mm or the Makarov in an auto pistol and the Smith or Colt in revolvers. In each case you will still have your "first" pistol when you are buying your last pistol years from now. My Makarov .380 out-performs my $500 West German PPK/S hands down, the better finish of the PPK doesn't impress the target one bit!
chaim
Member
For a first gun I strongly recommend a revolver for several reasons. It is simple, easy to use, no safeties to deal with and easier to tell if it is loaded, so less opportunity for a potentially tragic mistake (esp. important for newbies). Most have both SA and DA capabilities and it is pretty obvious which you are using (and you have to change between them pretty deliberately) so you can get a better feel faster for some handgunning basics that do transfer over to autos. They are much less money than a comprable quality auto. They are generally more accurate (due to the fixed barrel I guess). Also, with Jim March's checkout they are easy for anyone, experienced or newbie, to determine if there is anything wrong (otherwise, auto or revolver it takes some experience to see if it is a good one and either way the revolver is IMHO easier to check).
I don't know your budget but I assume that is why you want to go used, though keep in mind there are a few good new guns that might fit in a tight budget.
Some recommendations (by no means is this comprehensive, only a few that come to mind offhand), based on price ranges here- your area may be cheaper or more more expensive (though it isn't likely to be more expensive, most areas are less than here):
$200-250:
-used S&W .38spl revolver (you may be able to go .357 in this range but it is rare to find a good one for this here)
-used Taurus revolver (either .38 or .357)
-new Bersa Thunder (.380, great gun)
$250-300:
-new FEG Hi-Power clone
-new Taurus 82 or 65 (the 65 will probably be about $10 more than $300, the 82 a few bucks less)
-used S&W .357 K-frame
-used CZ 40B (top of the range)
-used S&W auto (they start at the top of the range)
-used S&W J-frame .38spl
$300-400 (gets over stated range but in many other areas some of these will be in your range and the others are close enough they may be worth considering):
-used S&W auto
-Makarov
-new CZ 40B (at the top of this range)
-new CZ 75B (start at or just above top of range)
-new CZ 83 (.380)
-new CZ 100
-used S&W .357 L-frame (could easily go into next price range)
-used Ruger .357
-new FM Hi-Power clone
$400-450 (yes I know that is above your stated range):
-new CZ 75/85B (most 75/85 models are w/in this price)
-new S&W 910 or 908
-new Taurus PT911/PT940/PT945
-new Ruger GP100 .357
-new S&W M10 (most other new S&W revolvers are more by $20-100 here)
-Ruger auto
I don't know your budget but I assume that is why you want to go used, though keep in mind there are a few good new guns that might fit in a tight budget.
Some recommendations (by no means is this comprehensive, only a few that come to mind offhand), based on price ranges here- your area may be cheaper or more more expensive (though it isn't likely to be more expensive, most areas are less than here):
$200-250:
-used S&W .38spl revolver (you may be able to go .357 in this range but it is rare to find a good one for this here)
-used Taurus revolver (either .38 or .357)
-new Bersa Thunder (.380, great gun)
$250-300:
-new FEG Hi-Power clone
-new Taurus 82 or 65 (the 65 will probably be about $10 more than $300, the 82 a few bucks less)
-used S&W .357 K-frame
-used CZ 40B (top of the range)
-used S&W auto (they start at the top of the range)
-used S&W J-frame .38spl
$300-400 (gets over stated range but in many other areas some of these will be in your range and the others are close enough they may be worth considering):
-used S&W auto
-Makarov
-new CZ 40B (at the top of this range)
-new CZ 75B (start at or just above top of range)
-new CZ 83 (.380)
-new CZ 100
-used S&W .357 L-frame (could easily go into next price range)
-used Ruger .357
-new FM Hi-Power clone
$400-450 (yes I know that is above your stated range):
-new CZ 75/85B (most 75/85 models are w/in this price)
-new S&W 910 or 908
-new Taurus PT911/PT940/PT945
-new Ruger GP100 .357
-new S&W M10 (most other new S&W revolvers are more by $20-100 here)
-Ruger auto
Bersa .380 is perhaps one of my best buys evers. 175$ and its a wonderful piece. It is something to write home about. And .380 ammo is pretty cheap, too.
But if its a "first gun." There is a plethora of .22s available. Taurus 9-shot .22 is in your range as well as an occassional Ruger Mark II. If 200-300 was my range, that's what I would get. Decision would be made depending on whether or not I wanted a semi-auto or a revolver.
But if its a "first gun." There is a plethora of .22s available. Taurus 9-shot .22 is in your range as well as an occassional Ruger Mark II. If 200-300 was my range, that's what I would get. Decision would be made depending on whether or not I wanted a semi-auto or a revolver.
Gerald McDonald
Member
What Handy said, to add that I picked up a S&W M 15 a few years ago for $225.00 that had the smoothest action and was the most accurate handgun I have ever owned
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
You don't always get what you pay for, but you never get what you don't pay for.
Wildalaska
member
Your berst value would be a new CZ75..they are $349
Jim March
Member
Geech: the Ruger Security/Service Six series were GREAT guns, about the same size and heft as the S&W K-Frame series (model 10/13/15/19/65/66 types) but the Rugers were a bit tougher.
Both those Ruger families shared the same basic frame; they can eat out of speedloaders made for K-Frame S&Ws. Security Sixes were the adjustable sight variant, Service Sixes are fixed.
They share a minor weakness with their K-frame S&W cousins: a steady diet of very hot 125grain 357 loads will beat 'em up. S&W's answer was the L-Frame (686 and such) while Ruger later switched to the GP100 - but Ruger's abandonment of the Security/Service family was in LARGE part because they were expensive to make; the GP100 was designed from the get-go to be simpler to manufacture (and a bit tougher).
But if you do most of your practice with 38Spl/38+p and shoot modest amounts of "hot stuff", OR you shoot a lot of the increasingly well respected 158grain 357 loads, you'll be fine with a Security/Service type.
Both those Ruger families shared the same basic frame; they can eat out of speedloaders made for K-Frame S&Ws. Security Sixes were the adjustable sight variant, Service Sixes are fixed.
They share a minor weakness with their K-frame S&W cousins: a steady diet of very hot 125grain 357 loads will beat 'em up. S&W's answer was the L-Frame (686 and such) while Ruger later switched to the GP100 - but Ruger's abandonment of the Security/Service family was in LARGE part because they were expensive to make; the GP100 was designed from the get-go to be simpler to manufacture (and a bit tougher).
But if you do most of your practice with 38Spl/38+p and shoot modest amounts of "hot stuff", OR you shoot a lot of the increasingly well respected 158grain 357 loads, you'll be fine with a Security/Service type.
Clark
Member
I went to an indoor range and rented all the 9mm pistols for one fee [$5~$7].
You have to find out what you like and what you can use.
I did that a couple times before I settled on the Kel-Tec P11 9mm for carry.
You have to find out what you like and what you can use.
I did that a couple times before I settled on the Kel-Tec P11 9mm for carry.
caz223
Member
CZ's website lists retail. That's like sticker price on a car.
You don't pay that.
I bought 2 last year, at $369.00 each.
That's a little on the high side, but they both had high caps, and the local guy is a really good guy, takes care of his customers.
Don't believe any manufacturer's website, go to dealer websites for prices.
Manufacturers websites are to check out what's new, what some dealers don't carry, etc.
You don't pay that.
I bought 2 last year, at $369.00 each.
That's a little on the high side, but they both had high caps, and the local guy is a really good guy, takes care of his customers.
Don't believe any manufacturer's website, go to dealer websites for prices.
Manufacturers websites are to check out what's new, what some dealers don't carry, etc.
The Sistema is an awsome choice if thats what you decide!
Tips:
1. JDL is a very good company. They will probably call you when it ships. Freaked me out because they actually did call! I got it the next day! (My FFL did).
2. It might take 2 weeks once they get your order. They get alot of orders.
3. Go ahead and pay the $299 for handpicked. Why take a chance just to save $10 and get it for $289?
4. I don't know this for sure, but it seems to me that I see many more positive reviews from people who buy the Sistema from JDL as opposed to the one or two other places that sell them. I think JDL is the actual importer and probably has the best ones.
5. Clean and lube it before shooting. Mine had alot of oil on it when received, but I like a little grease on the rails also. Besides, inspection is important before firing any gun.
6. And this is probably the most important: Have fun! It's a great weapon. You will be suprised how easy and accurate it is to shoot. It's my first 1911 and a real dream machine!
Glad to see another possible 1911 convert!
Tips:
1. JDL is a very good company. They will probably call you when it ships. Freaked me out because they actually did call! I got it the next day! (My FFL did).
2. It might take 2 weeks once they get your order. They get alot of orders.
3. Go ahead and pay the $299 for handpicked. Why take a chance just to save $10 and get it for $289?
4. I don't know this for sure, but it seems to me that I see many more positive reviews from people who buy the Sistema from JDL as opposed to the one or two other places that sell them. I think JDL is the actual importer and probably has the best ones.
5. Clean and lube it before shooting. Mine had alot of oil on it when received, but I like a little grease on the rails also. Besides, inspection is important before firing any gun.
6. And this is probably the most important: Have fun! It's a great weapon. You will be suprised how easy and accurate it is to shoot. It's my first 1911 and a real dream machine!
Glad to see another possible 1911 convert!
1badmagnum
Member
visit your local shooting range
visit your local shooting range,try a few firearms from their rental case to see what you like.
most ranges handle used firearms for alot less than pawnshops.
the internet is not the place to buy used firearms,you want to be able to look the firearm over,and waiting for a gun which doesnt fullfill its expectations is a real bummer.
tax time is a great time to buy guns,my range is making a mint taking them in and selling them out.
it doesnt hurt to support your local range either,I have a ton of fun at mine.
visit your local shooting range,try a few firearms from their rental case to see what you like.
most ranges handle used firearms for alot less than pawnshops.
the internet is not the place to buy used firearms,you want to be able to look the firearm over,and waiting for a gun which doesnt fullfill its expectations is a real bummer.
tax time is a great time to buy guns,my range is making a mint taking them in and selling them out.
it doesnt hurt to support your local range either,I have a ton of fun at mine.
CZSteve
Member
Cheap & Reliable
I have and would recommend a CZ40B.
This is the pistol that began as the joint venture between Colt & CZ (Has a double stack style 1911 grip as far as angle/shape)
Nominated as G & A gun of the year.
I picked mine up 6 months ago from a local dealer in the Ft Worth area for $275.00 + tax (he even went to p/u personally @ RSR; therefore saving on any shipping)
Has been flawless after first 2 hiccups of FTF during 1st outing shooting Win White Box.
Only upgrade made was changing the recoil spring out for an 18#er - has smoothed the gun out quite a bit and is very accurate; much better than I'm capable of
I have and would recommend a CZ40B.
This is the pistol that began as the joint venture between Colt & CZ (Has a double stack style 1911 grip as far as angle/shape)
Nominated as G & A gun of the year.
I picked mine up 6 months ago from a local dealer in the Ft Worth area for $275.00 + tax (he even went to p/u personally @ RSR; therefore saving on any shipping)
Has been flawless after first 2 hiccups of FTF during 1st outing shooting Win White Box.
Only upgrade made was changing the recoil spring out for an 18#er - has smoothed the gun out quite a bit and is very accurate; much better than I'm capable of
1badmagnum:
"the internet is not the place to buy used firearms"
Sure it is! Unless your at a gun range where you can actually test a gun that you are buying it's always a crapshoot. And a gun-range/store is a very expensive place to buy weapons, or ammo for that matter. Have you ever seen a like-new 1911-A1 .45 for $299 at the gun store? I never have!!! I did my research and checked out JLD before I ever bought from them. You have to do your "due diligence" before you buy no matter where it is. I read dozens of posts from satisfied customers and only one that was so-so. And, I was not disappointed! The gun is like new. I couldn't have got a better deal anywhere.
There are many respected gun sale places on the internet. You just have to ask around. And, you can get stuff from them you simple can't locally. Many of these sites actually import the weapons they sell. Most local stores don't. Also, if you have a C&R license many of them will ship directly to your house. Your missing out brother!
Here are a few surplus gun sites that have a pretty good reputation:
L.C. Enterprises
JLD
SOG
"the internet is not the place to buy used firearms"
Sure it is! Unless your at a gun range where you can actually test a gun that you are buying it's always a crapshoot. And a gun-range/store is a very expensive place to buy weapons, or ammo for that matter. Have you ever seen a like-new 1911-A1 .45 for $299 at the gun store? I never have!!! I did my research and checked out JLD before I ever bought from them. You have to do your "due diligence" before you buy no matter where it is. I read dozens of posts from satisfied customers and only one that was so-so. And, I was not disappointed! The gun is like new. I couldn't have got a better deal anywhere.
There are many respected gun sale places on the internet. You just have to ask around. And, you can get stuff from them you simple can't locally. Many of these sites actually import the weapons they sell. Most local stores don't. Also, if you have a C&R license many of them will ship directly to your house. Your missing out brother!
Here are a few surplus gun sites that have a pretty good reputation:
L.C. Enterprises
JLD
SOG
- Status
