Should I get new or used

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rich0372

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2007
Messages
153
Location
Ct
I put a deposit on a CZ po1 a couple weeks ago...It was in like new condition and sold for $340 with only one mag. I just went to the gun store last night and saw a new one for $468 with 2 mags.

Now do you guys think it's worth the extra cost for the new one? For me to get another mag for the used one it will cost around $25, so that's would be a difference of only $100. I think I'm leaning towards the new one now. Thoughts??
 
I believe most purchase used guns for affordability, some are happy with them and haven't had any problems.

If you have the cash, just go with a new one. YOU get to personalize it yourself, not someone else. That's my take.
 
I'm going to weigh in on the opposite side. If the gun is like-new than I don't see much of an advantage to going new. The $100 you save will go a long way toward ammo and accessories. As for customization, if the gun is like new, that it probably hasn't been personalized much.
 
I didn't think of this

The difference in price will cover an extra 3 or 4 magazines
Click to expand...

Point well taken...I'm leaning towards the used one again
 
just my opinion . i love and look for used guns. if it is your first get a new one . me i love getting a good deal on a good used gun. regarles i enjoy shooting them all.
 
I've bought used guns that I absolutely love! Learn how to check them out; and, you'll be fine.

I've, also, bought brand new guns that were lemons. Price and, 'newness' don't necessarily mean that you're going to get a good gun.
 
It really depends on what kind of person you are. There are those who cry (and I mean cry) if they get a tiny scratch on their firearm; and there are others who enjoy shooting their guns with the understanding that a firearm is meant to be used and will show signs of usage.

If you are in category 1, then stick with new, otherwise go ahead and get used.
 
I am astonished at how many like new used guns are around. This is wonderful for people on a budget, but so many people are intimidated and buy new. My last handgun purchase was essentially the same gun I had once bought new in 1993 for over $300 and it was LNIB at $225 at the same dealer. Prices have soared in those 14 years. It didn't say steal me, but it might as well have.

If you haven't guessed it yet, most of my purchases have been used guns.
 
If I REALLY trust the person / dealer that I am looking at buying the used gun from then I have no problem with used firearms. If the person / dealer is new to me then I am leary of a used gun, what you can't see could hurt you or cost. CWL has great point. SLOW IS SMOOTH, SMOOTH IS FAST
 
Most reputable dealers back up a used gun sale with a warranty. If you aren't familiar with the gun, you should have someone along who is knowledgeable as to its proper function. (Hint: look at a new one first)

I usually tack on a factor to any gun bought new/used. Tune the trigger or change the sights and/or grips. Maybe a holster and perhaps magazines. If I am not certain, I'll factor in a possible repair. Heck there are enough new guns that break down early on too.
 
I find most used guns fall into one of two categories: Toys that someone bought and got bored with, which are sold when the wife gets pregnant, or guns that have been arouns a LOT of blocks a LOT of times. There are of couse, guns that serious owners and collectors rotate out of their collections for practical reasons, but I think that these don't usually wind up in pawn shops. (I'm sure a few pawn shop operators will disagree with that.)

I've had good and bad experiences with both new and used guns. Keep in mind, modern handguns are meant to be very rugged and durable, pretty much to a ridiculous degree of redunduncy. (Especially those designed for police and military bids.) You have to work pretty hard to make most handguns really fail to a point that a good cleaning won't cure.

The guy you're buying it from should be reasonable enough to let you look at it. There is a lot you can determine by kicking the tires in front of him, but any gunsmith would be happy to look it over. Massad Ayoob wrote a great piece about buying a used gun in the most recent edition of "The Complete Book of combat Handgunnery", which I tell everyone to read anyway. It includes methods of testing firing pin strike, return to battery, etc, but a real look by a gunsmith covers these things.

A CZ or a Glock makes my VERY short list of guns I will buy used with very little inspection. The previous owner might have messed it up, but he would have to try REALLY hard. I would buy say, a 1911, but I would do it with the intent of a complete detail strip, inspection, and replacement of a few parts anyway, letting me REALLY see what shape it's in.
 
Hard to wear out a CZ and they are not real likely to have been messed with.

The only disappointments I ever had on a used pistol was in 1911 auto or S&W revolver where somebody before me had read too many DIY "gunsmith" articles.
 
If the pistol is really like new, then for me, it is a total waste of money to buy the same thing new.

I mostly buy used and so long as I don't vary from my established criteria, I have never been dissatisfied.

Criteria: ANIB, meaning everything that came with it new is still there, box, mags, cleaning rod, lock, manual, etc.

If that part of the criteria is met, then a simple inspection of pistol and mags can reveal the amount of use which is usually not very much.

And I only buy good brands that I am familiar with.

The only times I have been dissatisfied is when I vary from the above.
 
Thanks for the advise

If it's in good shape, why not? Half my guns are used. Why take the markup hit for new if it's in good shape. Somebody else broke it in for you...
Click to expand...

Your right I decided to keep the used one

I wouldn't. The difference in price will cover an extra 3 or 4 magazines.
Click to expand...

This is what I did I ordered 3 mags for this gun and 2 mags for another.... came out to $100, which is the difference between the new and used gun
 
I actually prefer a slightly used gun over a new one. ESPECIALLY if its from someone you know, or an otherwise reputable seller.

A brand new gun may be a lemon and you won't know until you have to send it back to the factory ... a slightly used gun has been "tested".

I think you did the right thing by buying the used one and some extra mags.
 
Condition is everything. I have seen used guns that have had hundreds of rounds through them but have been very well maintained and in mechanically excellent condition (sometimes they also looked in great condition, other times they have holster wear and cosmetic blemishes). I have also seen guns that have hardly been fired by their owner but they have been treated in extremely poor condition.

Personally, I look for the best deals I can find. Sometimes they are on new guns, but more often then not, they are on used guns in excellent condition. The best part about finding a great deal on a used gun is that you can usually turn around and resell it and break even, if not make a few bucks, if you find something else you want. In your case you should have a much better chance of recouping your $340 on the used "like new" one (provided you keep it in like new condition) than making $468 selling one you did buy new.

Just be careful though, once you get into finding value buys and reselling, you will find yourself starting to amass a collection.
 
The only way I would go used is if two things were a givin:
1- There is at least a 30% savings
2- The full warranty is intact.

Even the best guns can have trouble, and if you need to send it in for repair you'll lose the money you had onced saved if it's not covered....
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top