Pawnshop crawling

[Panzercat]

This will probably come across as a silly and noobish question, but other posts have certainly highlighted the value of scouring local pawn shops for firearms and my wife appreciates me not killing the budget.

When shopping for firearms at pawnshops, is there anything I should be looking for? I mean, obviously a firearm in working order and not some rusted pos, but does one bargain? Do you have to sign for the firearm like a normal store? Is there ediquette I should observe handling the firearm, asking questions, bargaining, etc? Things to avoid in a pawn?

Yeah, that's all pretty noobish reading it back myself. Thanks
Oh, I'm in AZ if it makes any difference.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

When you purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer you fill out the approprtiate paperwork no matter what type of establishment you are in.

Rules of etiquette are the same as they are for dealing with any person. Operate within the safety rules for handling a firearm, and treat the store owner with respect.

Look for guns that interest you, grade it's condition, and decide if the asking price is within what you are willing to pay. I can't stand haggling back and forth on the price. Yeah, I know it is sometimes part of the process, but I'm not going to squabble about a few bucks. It really isn't any different than going to the supermarket and picking out a loaf of bread.

 

[SaxonPig]

IME most pawnshops are high on prices. Some will deal, some won't. They are more likely to negotiate on something that's been setting around for a while. If you find something you like check back from time to time and if it stays in the display case for a month then make an offer.

The one time you might really score on a pawn shop deal is when they have something rare and don't realize it. I know a guy who went into a pawn shop and bought a pre-war "Registered Magnum" for $600. The shop had it tagged as a Model 27. Gun is actually worth about $2,500. They didn't know what they had. Nor did the fool who sold it to them for $200, apparently.

 

[mustang_steve]

I've bought a handgun and a shotgun from pawn shops. The prices are high on some items, but fine on others. Handguns tend to be overpriced, while long guns are more moderately priced.

 

[Mike J]

Ask permission before dry firing. If you are looking at a semi-automatic pistol & it is at slidelock don't let it slam shut-ride the slide to ease it's closing. If you want to inspect a barrel open the action. Place something white (business card, paper, patch cloth etc.) in the opening if you shine a flashlight on it you can look through the end of the barrel to see it's condition. There is a sticky in the revolver subforum on how to check out a used revolver before purchase.

 

[atlctyslkr]

Good a good deal a few years ago on a NIB revolver from a shop that did not specialize in guns.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Around here the pawn shops usually don't have that good of prices on guns. That said, there are deals to be made. Start with a thorough inspection of the gun. There are threads here on what to inspect. You will need your own bore light. When it comes to dealing, have a roll of cash to buy the gun with. And let them know you are paying cash. Using plastic costs the store a couple of percentage points. Know your prices. When you go shopping carry a copy of the Blue Book or the Standard Catalog of Firearms in your car. Don't be afraid to make sure you know what you are buying. Also, if the price is way off, simply pass on the gun. Don't insult them with a lowball offer.

 

[X-Rap]

When making an offer remember that pawn shops pay maybe .25-.30 cents on the dollar when they buy or pawn something, rarely 50 cents. Let them make some money but don't be afraid to make what seems like a low offer.

 

[BigMustard]

Handguns tend to be overpriced, while long guns are more moderately priced.

That seems to have been my experience also. Some pawn shops in my area have upwards of 50-60 firearms. While others may only have a couple.

 

[Bill B.]

is there anything I should be looking for?

.......................any 38/44 S&W, any early S&W 44 Special, original grips that have been taken off handguns & original boxes. It unreal what some of these things can be worth that are firearms related.

 

[fireman 9731]

I have bought most of my guns, and gotten my best deals at pawn shops.

I like to buy guns that aren't perfect, give them a little TLC in my spare time, and end up with great shooters for cheap.

Treat the guns and employees just like you would any other gun shop. Remember that most customers they deal with in the pawn industry may not be the most polite. Being friendly goes a long way. Deal in cash, and make "out the door" offers. You can save quite a bit when the shop eats they sales tax. I have gotten up to 66% of the sticker price before just by asking and being friendly.

Have you ever tried selling at a pawn shop before? Unless you are desperate, don't do it. They buy things for a fraction of what its worth, so they have huge profit margins. They may be screwing some people over but its good for us because that means they have more room to come down on the sticker price.

Most pawn shops don't clean anything that comes in, so don't let a dirty gun turn you off.

Also look for mis-labeled stuff. I have seem Mosins marked as Mausers, and Mausers marked as Mosins. If they have a $300 price on a $100 gun, politely let them know, and offer them cash. If they turn you down, come back in a few weeks and try again. Nobody wants to keep inventory on the shelf, they want to sell stuff and make room for the new stuff coming in. Pawning is a transaction heavy business, they want lots of stuffing coming in and out of the store, thats how they turn a profit.

I have about a dozen pawn shops that I frequent. All of them will come down from the sticker prices and Its where you are most likely to see any older or oddball guns. Whats not to like?

 

[potmetal]

I actually enjoy going to most pawn shops around here. The economy has kept them busy and many of them have full shelves right now. Most will dicker with you on prices, and once they get to know you the deals will be better. One shop I go to,, I always ask about any room to dicker on prices first because I know he's got a soft heart and he sometimes over pays on a gun if he knows the guy he's buying it from is going through a hard time.
This is actually a good time to check shops out, they have had a bunch of stuff pawned by folks needing Christmas money. As soon as income tax refunds start coming in, lots of that stuff will be bought back. I've seen some pretty nice old guns show up this time of year.

 

[LtShortcut]

I've gotten many great deals in pawn shops.

Just two months ago I stopped in a local pawn shop and found a PILE of great rifles and shotguns priced at less than a third of their value.

Turns out a guy was divorcing his wife and she took all his guns to the pawn shop and sold them for 50$ each.

I bought two.

 

[XD Fan]

Many years ago I had a friend that owned a pawn shop. As I got to see a little bit of the inside of that business, I was struck by how depressing the whole thing was, but he would sell me long guns at his cost. That was a nice deal. Too bad for me that he got out of the business.

 

[Cranky CJ]

Like some of the others, I am a fan of Pawn Shop shopping. there are some real honeys to be found in pawn shops. If you feel inclined to ask, 'is this the best price you can sell this gun for?' the go ahead and ask. Like somebody else said, I'm not one to haggle over just a few bucks, but I may ask the question just to see how firm they are.

follow all gun handling best practices, be polite and shoot the breeze with them about guns. I'd actually rather shop pawn shops than new merchants.

here is one I found in a local p shop, great shape for 400 bones.

 

[jcwit]

Like somebody else said, I'm not one to haggle over just a few bucks, but I may ask the question just to see how firm they are.

I always ask/haggle, $25.00 is a few bucks and $25.00 fills my gas tank.

Last pawn shop buy was a Kimber S/S Custom .45 ACP, started out at $600 bucks, ended at $400 out the door tax encluded. Ya I'll haggle for a "FEW" bucks.

BTW, that was with the box and all the papers complete. Didn't even look like it had been shot. Didn't eben have the dreaded take-down idiot scratch.

 

[Harley Quinn]

If you are going to haggle, with pawn shops be aware most of them realize all who haggle are not interested in buying...Sometimes it is best to come and go a few times, and convince them you are earnest...

Regards

 

[burley]

LOL, what do you drive, a moped? My car has a 15 gal tank and @ 3 bucks +. . . .

Just like any of life's lessons it's gonna cost ya a bit to learn, ya know? Hey, have fun with it and let us know how you do. Pics, prices and stuff are always cool too.

 

[jcwit]

Believe me, the Pawn Shops I frequent know I'm a potential buyer and treat me as such.

 

[Pigspitter]

I've gotten some great deals at pawnshops recently. There are some ones that specialize in guns around my area and they'll typically offer you quite the deal. Recently I picked up a NIB Rossi matched pair for $175 and before that I got a lightly used PSE Firestorm for $140.

 

[rondog]

I've never been a pawn shop diver, but I did stop in one on the other side of the state one day on a whim. I found this for $150, it's a genuine Enfield No.5 Mk1 jungle carbine in excellent condition. The real thing, not a copy.

The rear sight was missing, it had been D&T'd for the scope mount, had an old leather belt for a sling and it was filthy, but mechanically it was perfect. It cleaned up well, and I found a sight and sling for cheap.

It was one of those times where Ol' Man Opportunity took me by the arm and said, "looky here, I wanna show you something...." He can be a trickster, but sometimes he makes up for it!





All cleaned up. I'm thinking about putting the scope back on it, since it's already D&T'd and the scope/mount's in great shape.

 

[ROAshooter]

+1 on the shop not knowing what they had...I picked up a used.... not a scratch..not a blemish..not a spot of rust......absolutely clean......Ruger Old Army...for 99bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tomcat47]

I fully agree with Saxon on most pawn shops are high on prices...

However, with that said we all no that if a Pawn shop loans money on a gun, they have way less than what its worth. About 50% of dealer cost!

And that is why you can find good deals! As Saxon said some will deal with you, some wont! I always try to establish a relationship with the shop....I will swallow above what I feel is fair for a couple times....letting the shop know that if they want my business it is going to have to approve with each sale.

I have done so much business with a local shop that now they call me when certain items that are of interest to me come in store or are coming out of pawn and going into sales counter.

I get incredible deals on guns with them! They even sold me a NEW in box gun recently at a great deal because it had been in case so long. It was brand new Taurus PT99SS-HC with accessory rail....It had been handled a lot and was tarnished some.... I paid $370.00 for it...it was tagged $599.95...In box 2 clips 17 round. (anyone know dealer cost on this gun) it was a deal regardless..just curious.

Flitz made it shine like it new money. I told them flitz would clean it up..he said well today is your lucky day for buying so much from us. People in area just loved to play with...but bought or ordered model without acc. rail!

My rule is ...if they will not start dealing in a few transactions I wont go back to that shop..Pawn Shop or Gun Shop!

 

[gun addict]

ive gotten some incredible deals at pawnshops before. They will usually price firearms according to blue books so most of the "production" guns would be high priced. But i've picked up a Finnish M28/30 for $100, a German WWII 1943 Walther PP for $300.

Worst miss was me taking a look at an M1a for $1000 at local pawn, went home did a lil research and found out it's a NM model, went back with the cash and its gone

 

[jake48]

Around here pawn shops offer no gurantee a used gun works,unlike a gun shop with a range where you can try b4 you buy.