New or Used guns?

[TWeatherford]

What do you all think about buying new guns vs. used guns. Price I guess is the determining factor for a lot of people. But unless the price is unbelieveable better, is it wise to buy new guns or just an unnecessary extra expense? I guess it depends on how used it is, so lets assume its from a pawnshop or some other middleman store and for all you know its been shot more than 2,000 rounds. Of course it depends on the type of gun, I'm considering a semi auto handgun or a pump shotgun. But opininons on everything would be great.

 

[kfranz]

2000 rounds is nothing

 

[SuperNaut]

Agreed, buying a gun with 2,000 rounds already through it means you just saved money.

Or so I tell my wife...

 

[atlctyslkr]

It's kind of like cars, newer isn't necessarily better. If a gun is well taken care of it will outlast you. Most parts can be replaced when they wear out. It just depends. I'd rather have well taken care of used gun than a new one from a crappy manufacturer. Best advice is to read and do your homework before you buy anything. Read Read Read.

 

[Justin]

Firearms, unlike many other consumer products, don't have built-in obsolescence.

Buying used is a good way to save some money.

 

[jamz]

Most of my guns are used.

 

[Ala Dan]

Heck, I have some of both. The way I see it, USED but not ABUSED
is the best way to save money for lots of ammo or other accessory's.

 

[ArmedBear]

IMHO

2000 rounds through a quality pump shotgun is nothing.

2000 rounds through a decent .22 is nothing.

2000 rounds through a semiauto pistol is not a problem unless the gun was abused somehow in the process.

2000 rounds through a magnum caliber bolt-action sporter rifle is probably a red flag.

 

[AirForceShooter]

if you buy used and from a manufacturer that offers a lifetime guarentee there's no risk.
most used guns really haven't been shot all that much. The one's that were look it.
I buy used all the time..

AFS

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Most of my guns are used. Obviously the milsurps, but also all of my Smith & Wesson wheelguns were bought used. With few exceptions, as long as a quality firearm is cared for it's not a problem.

Concur with Armed Bear re ammo, btw.

 

[bpisler]

90% of the time buying used is the only way i
can add to my small collection.

 

[MechAg94]

I have some of both, but most were new. Much of the time I was hunting something specific when I had money together. I did not have a very good feel for evaluating used guns and most dealers or people at guns shows down here often ask way to much for used and beat up guns. The used guns I have were mostly impulse buys or deals that caught my eye when I had money available. I do a much better job of keeping cash available these days.

If you can find what you want, used guns can be a great way to go.

 

[Thor67]

Definitely do your homework. I have both new and used. I have to say I have more issues with the new ones!

What are you considering buying?

Used, factory reconditioned (or from a reputable owner) Glocks or SIGs (especially the SIGs) are great deals. Glocks are just getting broken in at 2000 rounds. Don't know if buying a used pump gun is worth the money saved though as they're so inexpensive new, and you don't seem to get much of a discount on a used pump gun.

I'm personally leary about buying from a pawn shop, only because I'm not convinced all of them know guns well enough to know there is or is not a problem.

 

[rbernie]

I've bought probably a hundred firearms if I've bought one. Less than ten of 'em were bought new.

 

[mp510]

It is very possible to get some wonderful deals by purchasing used, which also opens up models and features that may be duiscontinued. As long as a weapon was well cared for, it should prove a good purchase. However you definetely may want to be leary about a gun that looks like it was dredged from the dirtiest river you can think of. Also, police surplus weapons can be descent buys. Many were carried a lot and fired little (a few times per year).

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I buy used and new. But generally, I prefer to buy revolver used, and new autos.

I am always a little leary of buying a used automatic for fear I might be buying someone else's lemon. I figure its easier to tell that a revolver will work than an automatic.

Anyone else feel this way?

 

[shooter94]

It depends on experience too...if you're buying used check that firearm out well. That's the cool thing about forums like this one, you can check with someone who has knowledge in the area your looking at. If you dont have the experience, if the seller gives consent...take it to a gunsmith. A "kaboom" in the face is not worth the money you're trying to save...

 

[XavierBreath]

I doubt I will ever buy another new gun.

after you have been trading and swapping guns a while, you learn how to cut your losses. Buying used at a fair market price is the best way.

 

[evan price]

A gun is a piece of precision machinery designed and engineered to do its job a million times before a serious problem develops, as long as it is kept clean and oiled occaisionally. It has been my experience that a lot of people buy guns and then decide they were not the right gun for them, or else like t otrade stuff off to sample new things. If you keep a lookout for guns that are well kept you can get some killer deals. This way you can get a "quality" weapon for the same price as less expensive new guns. Police trades usually have a lot of cosmetic wear but are fired little. If you can get a Sig for the price of a Ruger P89 why not?

 

[pittspilot]

I still like buying new. There's something about touching off the first round. (Yes, I know it's not really the first round) However, now I tend to be very picky about what I buy new.

Doesn't mean that used isn't good. I own plenty of those too.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Nothing wrong with used. My collection is comprised of roughly half used guns. Many of those are out of production models that could not be bought new. The market for used guns is huge for this reason. My last used aquisition was a 95% S&W model 19 that I had been on the prowl for. Those haven't been made for awhile.

 

[TeachMe]

I say buy used and spend the cash you saved on ammo or other firearm accessories. This is of course assuming that you can find the firearm you want used for a decent price. If you want something in particular, and can only find it new, buy new instead of trying to get "the next best thing."

 

[ball3006]

I don't have a C&R for nothing.....

on the civilian side, blued steel and walnut rules.......chris3

 

[Deanimator]

I HAVE to buy used. I love fine S&W K and N frame revolvers, and they don't MAKE fine ones anymore!

 

[Roadwild17]

As said above, as long as its in good shape (mechanically not cosmetically) there should be nothing wrong with buying used. Just take your time and examine the gun before you buy.