Second hand guns/Warranty?

[PlayboyPenguin]

In another thread I stated that I would rather buy used underwear than buy used firearms and that I like them to be virgins when I get them (actually I called them "trailer park virgins" since their "daddies" had fired them once or twice before sending them out into the world...which seemed to upset a couple people if the two emails I got are any indication). My main concern would be warranty or repair work by the manufacturer. Would they cover a gun for the second owner? Would they even know you are the second owner? Is it different for different brands?

 

[Chipperman]

Some used guns do have a warranty, but it is generally for guns that are refurbished by the factory.
For used guns that came straight from the guy off the street, the factory may or may not know if you are the original owner. Depending on the maker and what is wrong with the gun, that may or may not matter.

 

[Technosavant]

Some makers don't much care- as long as the gun hasn't been boogered up by incompetent gunsmithing (or improved beyond all recognition by good gunsmithing), they'll fix it. I believe Smith & Wesson, Taurus, and Springfield Armory will all work on a gun for a 2nd (or subsequent) owner. Taurus says so rather proudly, but the others have done so in the past.

General rule of thumb: if there is a "lifetime warranty", then you have a chance. If there is only a 1, 3, 5 year warranty (or somesuch), then I would highly doubt they would cover it.

 

[k_dawg]

When I had service done by S&W, they did not even ask if I was the origional owner, or for my paperwork.

 

[aerod1]

I think Ruger will. Of course Ruger doesn't have an implied warranty because they are going to repair a Ruger anyway, provided it hasn't been abused.

Jim

 

[HighVelocity]

So far, Kel-tec, Glock, Ruger, Springfield Armory, Kimber and S&W have all repaired (replaced in Ruger's case) firearms for me under warranty over the years and not one ever asked about ownership history.

 

[bakert]

All I can say is, there's an awful lot of fine used guns out there at some very good prices. Ruger is one of the best about fixing problems. Understand S&W is too.

 

[1KPerDay]

Taurus has a lifetime (of the gun) warranty, regardless of whether you're the first purchaser. They fixed my second-hand PT101AF no charge. Excellent customer service.

 

[George S.]

Ruger will repair any of their products regardless if you're the first owner or the 13th. They do not have a written warranty for their products. The Ruger owner's manuals has a statement as to why they do not:

The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as "limited" or as "full" and sets minimum standards for a "full" warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Coompany, Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either :imited" or "full", rather than to attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and the regulations issued thereunder. There are are certain implied warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods......

So rather than try to follow the specifics and legal stuff, it's probably easier for Ruger just to fix the gun and return it. Ruger also goes the extra mile to do a complete inspection and fix things that you may have missed and do not meet their standard.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Hi-Point has a really, really unlimited warranty, don't they?

 

[mp510]

Ruger is very nice about fixing stuff, or sending a replacement part when necesary.

TC has done repair gratuitously on used guns they made as well.

Hi-Point advertises a wonderful watrranty (for the life of the gun) but I never experienced it.

 

[waterhouse]

H&K's written policy is that they only warranty the original owner (they include a warranty card to fill out) but I know of at least one case where they did a complete overhaul on a 20 year old p7 free of charge, so the policy is not written in stone.

SIG has been of great help when I've had a problem, and all of my SIGs are used.

I broke a part on a used Browning once, but I just called and they sent me another part for $2.00, so I don't know what they would have done if I had to send it in.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Para-Ordnance's warranty is lifetime of the pistol to the original purchaser. Second and subsequent purchasers are not covered.

 

[Zen21Tao]

I buy quality and personal preferance even if it is used over only buying new. For example, I would rather buy a used decent shape Sig than a new Ruger for the same price. I believe most manufacturors will do right by you to keep you as a future customer.

Also, only going with new guns is a great way to miss some amazing "less the 20 rounds through it" type of deals. I have a friend that is a serious gun collector and it isn't unusual for him to buy a gun then turn around and trade it in on something else a few weeks later. Plus, he hardly fires any of his guns. When they go on consignment the person that ends up with them is essentially getting a new gun for a used price.

 

[bobaloo]

I was talking to a buddy the other day who is a gunsmith and he told me he had a Ruger rifle that needed to be rebarreled and called them and asked the price for a barrel. He was told that they don't sell barrels, he would have to send the rifle in to have the factory do the repair. Initially, he was irritated, as you might imagine, until he asked what the charge would be. He was told $85. He said, "for the barrel?", they said, no for the repair, parts and labor. Sure can't complain about their policy if that's the way they handle it.