how you buy used firearms

[hokiemojo]

Hey everyone. I've never actually bought a used firearm before, but I'm wondering how you guys find deals. Right now, I see prices are super low for new stuff, but I'm interested in some models that have been around for a while (like a M&P9 1.0). I see that I could buy new for $400 and that would probably have 4 mags, a mag charger and a couple boxes of hornady SD ammo. Is it fair to assume that a used pistol, maybe with just 2 mags, would cost about 1/2 that? When i check online classifieds, many are asking $500, so more than what i can buy new. Can you guys help me with what I am missing?

 

[RPZ]

Some folk like to buy sans 4473s. Hence sometimes you might find a used gun selling over what you can buy the same gun new.

Best way to buy used is not to be in a hurry. Save up, have cash on hand. Search, watch, listen, ask around. When something you want comes your way at the right price, hopefully some domestic financial crisis hasn't drained your gun fund and you get to buy it.

 

[Poper]

Some folk like to buy sans 4473s. Hence sometimes you might find a used gun selling over what you can buy the same gun new.

Best way to buy used is not to be in a hurry. Save up, have cash on hand. Search, watch, listen, ask around. When something you want comes your way at the right price, hopefully some domestic financial crisis hasn't drained your gun fund and you get to buy it.

Yup.
I second the motion.

 

[grampajack]

Some people are just nuts, and too far gone to ever realize they're nuts. I just had the misfortune of dealing with one such creature. He contacted me on a want to buy ad, and after making a fair deal he up and decides a few days later that his gun is worth 1400 despite the fact that they could be had brand new for 1050 and used all day for 800. Needless to say I had something come up and wasn't able to meet him to make the deal.

If you're looking for a good price, forget about Gunbroker altogether (aka "gunjoker"). You want to be looking on Armslist and the forums. Use the search engines, put up want to buy ads, and always figure in shipping, FFL fees, and taxes when comparing apples. You might pay more than internet for a used gun, but if you're buying a new gun then you will incur tax or shipping/FFL fees. So if the gun is in good shape and only 10 bucks over the new prices then you're going to save money.

The big thing is to be safe. Only meet people in busy places during daylight. Don't go to someone's house, and don't let them come to your house. Ideally you will meet them at a gun range or gun show, and preferably inside rather than out in some parking lot. Many local PDs will also facilitate gun deals in their parking lots, and if you befriend a local officer he will likely be willing to run serial numbers for you. Just be sure you ask them in advance. I doubt they would take kindly to people showing up in their parking lot with guns.

And if you're unsure about a deal, post a link here and ask the group. That's what I do, and it's never steered me wrong. Collective knowledge is a powerful thing when it comes to detecting scams.

 

[jmr40]

I don't find many deals on used guns anymore. I used to be able to find a few at pawn shops, but that rarely happens anymore. Same with gun shows. They used to be a great place to find used guns at pretty decent prices. The online sources have always been, and still are the most expensive.

Many times I'd just walk into a gun show or pawn shop with a fist full of money looking for nothing in particular and I'd run across a screaming deal on something I could use. If I were looking for something specific I rarely found it, or if I did it wasn't a deal. Most of my favorite guns were bought that way.

About 10 years ago when the economy tanked there were some decent deals in local news paper ads and many were in some local gun shops being sold on consignment. That was the last time I can remember getting a good deal on a used gun.

 

[Klint Beastwood]

Hey everyone. I've never actually bought a used firearm before, but I'm wondering how you guys find deals. Right now, I see prices are super low for new stuff, but I'm interested in some models that have been around for a while (like a M&P9 1.0). I see that I could buy new for $400 and that would probably have 4 mags, a mag charger and a couple boxes of hornady SD ammo. Is it fair to assume that a used pistol, maybe with just 2 mags, would cost about 1/2 that? When i check online classifieds, many are asking $500, so more than what i can buy new. Can you guys help me with what I am missing?

budsguns every once and awhile...sometimes they got alright used prices. never had luck on gunbroker..cant recommend that site..other than that...i just walk into a store..or PPT usually the best bet. Armslist once use to be good...a bunch of scams started taking place and i kind of lost interest there.

 

[Walkalong]

All of the above, the used gun market just isn't so great anymore. That said, be patient and deals show up. Even on Gunbroker deals are there for those who are patient. now.

But yea, some great deals on new stuff out there right

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I buy a lot of guns at pawn shops. That is why others cant fins good deals at them.
I would have to guess that those that can't find good deals at pawn shops don't stop in weekly. Good deals don't sit around long.
If you have one or two local pawn shops in your area, start stopping by once or twice a week just to have a look. Shoot the bull a little with the clerks, get to know them and them know you. Don't waste their time having them pull out a bunch of guns. The reason for this is that you tend to get better deals when they know you. Also you will have a better chance at seeing the new items come out.
If you know more about a gun then the guy at the shop, don't educate them.

 

[BSA1]

The Classified Ad Forum on THR is a good place to start.

 

[Everready73]

I look at several classifieds on various forums and some local sites. If you are patient there are good deals to be had, but 90% of the time it is people asking retail or higher for a used gun. You might have better luck if you have a few models to search for rather than just one, as you have a better chance of a good deal popping up. Slick guns is a good website to search for the lowest new gun prices if used doesn't work out

 

[Hokkmike]

Bought and sold too many used guns. Don't make more of it than it is. Check the gun you want to buy very carefully - shooting it or at least field stripping it is a good idea. A thorough inspection - you get the idea. I have met people at the parking lot to Gander Mountain, a Chinese buffet, BBQ place, and etc. The price and right of refusal after inspection is always made clear well before we meet. The method of payment has, so far, been $$$$ up front. PA ID (driver's license) is required, since that is where I live, and a LTCF (license to carry firearm) is better. Handguns are always done at an FFL in full accordance with the law. It is, by the way, not the dealer's concern nor business to know the selling price - they need only collect their transfer fee. Unless it is a SCCY or other "lifetime for whoever owns it type of gun" I do prefer to buy new. I should add that I have usually established as much rapport with the buyer/seller as I can on line before meeting, often also calling and talking to them on the phone. I need to get the sense that they are a reputable person much as myself wanting to depart with another gun that they will eventually regret selling.

 

[bassjam]

Hey everyone. I've never actually bought a used firearm before, but I'm wondering how you guys find deals. Right now, I see prices are super low for new stuff, but I'm interested in some models that have been around for a while (like a M&P9 1.0). I see that I could buy new for $400 and that would probably have 4 mags, a mag charger and a couple boxes of hornady SD ammo. Is it fair to assume that a used pistol, maybe with just 2 mags, would cost about 1/2 that? When i check online classifieds, many are asking $500, so more than what i can buy new. Can you guys help me with what I am missing?

You won't find a used gun for half the new price, but you might find one for $350 if you're lucky. I think $400 for that new, with the magazine package, is a pretty good deal that would be hard to match used. It's not easy to find a used deal right now on a modern S&W with the rebates they'be been offering.

Like others have said, if you look on Armslist be patient. You're going to find overpriced guns listed all day. Some of those sellers will negotiate, some won't. But if/when you do find a gun you want listed at a good price, you'll probably have to move fast or someone else will get to it before you.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

The few times I've been looking for something specific, I've gone to the Tulsa gun show www.tulsaarmsshow.com. If it exists, it will be there. A few years ago, I was in the market for a 28 ga 870, and I had never even seen one locally. Took a friend who was an expert on 870s and there were 6 or 7 there. I got a decent deal on a like new, early 70s 870. The show is so large that the sellers know they have to have competitive prices to sell much.

 

[MedWheeler]

GunnyUSMC writes:

I buy a lot of guns at pawn shops. That is why others cant fins good deals at them.
I would have to guess that those that can't find good deals at pawn shops don't stop in weekly. Good deals don't sit around long.
If you have one or two local pawn shops in your area, start stopping by once or twice a week just to have a look. Shoot the bull a little with the clerks, get to know them and them know you. Don't waste their time having them pull out a bunch of guns. The reason for this is that you tend to get better deals when they know you. Also you will have a better chance at seeing the new items come out.
If you know more about a gun then the guy at the shop, don't educate them.

This is pretty much me, word for word... though I have also scored a few deals at the LGS from their used case as well. This was especially true during the .22LR ammo drought; I got quite a few guns in that caliber then.

 

[hdwhit]

hokiemojo wrote:
Is it fair to assume that a used pistol, maybe with just 2 mags, would cost about 1/2 that?

No.

The "value" of an object is what it will trade for between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither of which is required to engage in the transaction and both of whom are aware of all relevant facts.

If the market values a used gun at half what a new one sells for, then it would be worth half as much. If the market values it equal to a new one, then expect to pay what a new one would cost.

...I'm wondering how you guys find deals.

Become familiar with the marketplace (both on-line and local) for the used gun you are interested in buying. See what sellers are asking for the guns and realize that in the ensuing negotiation process the actual price at which the gun changes hand almost never goes up.

Learn how the gun you are interested in ages, what problems it develops and what accessories it should come with. From there you will be able to inspect the gun you are interested in and point out the things that make it less valuable to you and negotiate for a lower price.

Can you guys help me with what I am missing?

Psychology. If I bought an AR during the panic for $600 and today it is on the rack at Academy for $400, I may have a hard time psychologically and emotionally parting with it for less than $400. It is not a question of "value", but affection and nostalgia and you would be surprised how much value people can place on those intangibles that may be worthless to you.

Also, be aware that some sellers charge a lot for used guns because they plan to meet the buyer and transact the sale in person so that no background check or ATF paperwork is involves. The buyer may not be legally qualified to own a gun and so is willing to pay more an "off the books" gun than for a new one because he cannot buy a new one.

-------------

Finally, I should mention that there are people (like me) in the market that in the real estate would would be called "bottom feeders" who wait around sellers that are obviously distressed waiting for the chance to buy all or a segment of their inventory for a very advantageous price. The presence of "bottom feeders" in any market serves to put a floor under prices that might otherwise go lower. After all, if a seller knows all he/she has to do is pick up the phone and they can get 45-47 cents on the dollar for, say, all the revolvers in their inventory, they are unlikely to sell a lone gun to you for even 50 cents on the dollar since one big check is a lot easier than chasing after a bunch of little ones.

 

[hdwhit]

RPZ wrote:
...have cash on hand.

Yep.

As the old saying goes, "Cash talks, all others walk".

 

[Poper]

If you know more about a gun then the guy at the shop, don't educate them.

^^^This in spades!^^^

 

[djont57]

I have bought a few guns on gunbroker; but, you have to be patient & know what used guns are going for locally. The few I bought were $50 - $100 less (including shipping) than I could get locally.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Right now there is a Star pistol at a local pawn shop for $299.95. For it's condition it's worth $250 to $275. It has been on the shelf for almost a month. I'm going to ask for a better price later this week. If he offers a lower price, I'll counter with a slightly lower offer. If they a tell me to make an offer, I'll low ball them, offering $225. For me it's a game.
I did get a new Beretta APX a few weeks ago for $475. Regular price is $529. The shop owner ordered it for me because I'm always in the show and they know me.
Hunting and buying used guns is like playing poker. Never get excited. Keep your poker face on. If you see a smoking deal, ask for a better price. If they won't drop the price, ask them to eat the tax.
I have walked out of local shops paying less then half the value on some guns. Like two years ago when I bought a clean S&W Mod. 10 for $250 out the door.
Do your homework, know what your looking at. If you find something you like but not sure if the price is good, pass on it. Go do your homework. Then decide if you want to buy it.

 

[Danoobie]

A few others have said be patient. Shop, shop, shop. On average I would say I look at
many thousands of guns before finding a pearl. Don't be afraid to negotiate the value or
price OTD (out the door). Also, while you're hanging in the cut, don't be surprised if you see two or more guns you have been looking for pop up, suddenly. Sometimes you can get a better deal on two or more guns than just one.

 

[Captcurt]

I have bought a few guns on gunbroker; but, you have to be patient & know what used guns are going for locally. The few I bought were $50 - $100 less (including shipping) than I could get locally.

I have bought new guns cheaper on Gun Broker than from some of my wholesale distributors. I have done well with purchasing used guns on Gun Auction and re-selling on Gun Broker. Many like to cruise the gun shows, but the dealers at our local shows are priced out of site. I saw a Kimber 84M Hunter priced $950. My LGS had them for $750.

 

[reddog81]

It does take some time to search and find good deals. Watching used markets online and in person will help you find a baseline, but you'll have to dedicate a couple hours to this. If you don't want to spend your time watching online auctions and visiting gun shows you'll probably spend $100 more than you otherwise would, but you 'll save the time it takes to get up to speed on the values of all the different models you might be interested in.

What makes you think you can get an M&P9 1.0 for $200? That’s about as crazy as the person who thinks a used one is worth $500. Each gun and transaction has to be evaluated individually. Some people are willing to let something go for a good deal in order to move a gun in a day. Some people over price their stuff hoping someone un-informed thinks its a good deal, but it will sit for weeks/months.

Manufacturers are slashing prices and offering rebates due to declining sales. There are probably people who bought something for $600 2 years ago that can be bought new for $400. When the person who paid $600 for their gun goes to sell the gun they've only put a box of ammo through it, they think they are letting it go at a great deal for $500 without realizing they are $150+ over priced.

If you think someone is over priced you can still make an offer. Don't be surprised when they say no or counter offer.

 

[boom boom]

Deals are out there--online via sellers and auctions sites and in person through mom and pop and pawn stores etc. Timing is everything and it takes time to find them. Unfashionable rifles, shotguns, and handguns, can often be a buy. Once you find them you can't wait to get them or they will be gone. Many pawn shops in particular like to move their merchandise as they are not really gun dealers but lenders and if you know the pawn code generally used, you know how much they have in them. Stuff that is sitting hurts their cash flow so if something is there for awhile--make an offer.

Regarding an M&P, got a deal on a barely used M&P Pro Long slide with box and all the trimmings with three mags for about $380 this year.
That particular store's customers primarily want shorter barrels and it was sitting for awhile. Right now, the cheap buys are in .40 caliber M&P's and Glocks with a lot of barely used police tradeins with night sights the like. A few years ago, it was S&W Third Generation firearms. The supply dried up and the prices went up. Same for S&W Model 10's and the like. But, you have to be willing to buy when the opportunity strikes or pay the going rate.

 

[JONWILL]

I have bought a few guns on gunbroker; but, you have to be patient & know what used guns are going for locally. The few I bought were $50 - $100 less (including shipping) than I could get locally.

This is what I do. Need to be patient.
I have gotten some great deals.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

For those that don't know Pawn Shop Math, here it is.
Loan 1/3 of what you can sell for.
Buy for 1/2 of what you can sell for.
If it is a fast seller, buy for no more the 2/3 of what you can sell for.
These were the simple guide lines when I worked for a pawn shop.
Put it to the test in your area. Bring in a gun and see what they are willing to loan, or buy it for. This will help you gage how much they have tied up in guns on the shelf.