Used guns - do you trust them?

[Appalachiannative]

I don't currently have anything in my collection that was new when I bought it. Had a brand new AR 15 that seemed to like certain brands of magazine more than others. I've got some used guns from the flea market that looked ok only to find a lot of stupid crap done to it but almost nothing I couldn't fix. then again I've also never owned a new vehicle or even a used one from a stealership. Perhaps I'm a penny pincher

 

[Appalachiannative]

Now that I think about it my very first gun was a brand new marlin model 60, got it for Christmas when I was 11, that straight out of the box had feeding issues. My mom sent it back to marlin and when it came back it held only 14 in the tube, previously it held 15, but now it functioned flawlessly especially with the CCI stingers I would get as a reward for getting good grades in school

 

[thump_rrr]

The vast majority of the guns I've owned in my lifetime were purchased used. And that is several hundred, I've not tried to keep count. I've had more issues with the new ones I've bought than the used ones.

With the exception of 2 all of my pistols and revolvers were purchased used.
Most were purchased online sight unseen.
So far every one has been dead nuts reliable.
I will admit that most guns I buy are in like new condition and many may not have had more than a box or 2 of ammo put through them.

 

[Remington1911]

Since I collect (and sometimes shoot) firearms of the first half of the last (20th) Century, I have to trust used guns.

I do check them over prior to firing, and I don't fire them much (the 1894 Swede gets used a fair amount) I don't have much concern.
I have to admit, 'corrosive' primers were in use and many of my .32 ACP collection were neglected and have pitted barrels. But it doesn't really effect the safeness of the arm. Probably isn't good for the ballistics or accuracy beyond 25 yards.

I have a mosin like that, the bore just looks like hell, the crown has more dents in it then you can count. But I needed an american to flush out my collection. That one shoots better then all but one of the others.

I have the same thing with a carcano, someone somewhere drew a star in ball point pen on the rear stock....what? why?.... The bolt is so floppy loose you want to shoot it tied down and using a string to pull the trigger, but it is safe to shoot, and shoots very well. I start with this one in working up loads as it tends to be the least picky of the carcano's that I have.

 

[Remington1911]

Yes, definitely an issue with non-FFL sales. Not impossible with them, but less legal drama if you prove there's paperwork. I do know a guy who bought a used gun and was arrested when it came back stolen on a traffic stop. It was reported 9 years before he was born, but still time in court 4 counties over. But again, not much of an issue with a paper trail.

You really did not go into much detail on the "traffic stop". But that happens more often then you would think. If it was just a 10 over or something along those lines I would take the gun and send him on his way.

There is a thing called officer discretion....now that said if you get that feeling in the back of your head you will bring him in.

 

[9x56MS]

Since I have a deep aversion to plastic guns (thanks to Uncle Sam) all my new acquisitions are used guns. Several I got cheap because there were various issues none of which were difficult to or expensive to rectify. Blued steel and wood stocks and grips are the only ones I buy.

 

[mjsdwash]

You really did not go into much detail on the "traffic stop". But that happens more often then you would think. If it was just a 10 over or something along those lines I would take the gun and send him on his way.

There is a thing called officer discretion....now that said if you get that feeling in the back of your head you will bring him in.

yea, judging from what the guy told me about his "image" at the time, the officer had his reasons so I won't question that. Ultimately, an officers discretion in Newark or DC is most likely going to be different from one in Boseman Mt. That said, I did sit on the side of the road for about 3/4 an hour in cuffs over a "stolen firearm" when I happened to be near someone doing something stupid. It was bought new from an FFL and legit, but that officer (lynnwood, Wa) was not having a good day. So really, going entirely legit is not a guarantee that you won't be inconvenienced

 

[DM~]

Used guns - do you trust them?

Apparently yes, cuz all of mine are "used" once I shoot them, and I keep on shooting them!

DM

 

[AzShooter1]

I've always bought new guns. Last week I bought a used 4 inch Model 617 and it's turning out to be a fine piece. After inspecting it it appears to be unfired.

I intend to use it for Steel Challenge and I like shooting a red dot so I installed a Bushnell First Strike on it. Tomorrow will be my second venture to the range so that I can sight it in for next week's match.

 

[Ignition Override]

None of the sellers I have met via Armlist ever had any odd advance communications, or apparent deception before meeting in person for the multiple, separate deals. Everything was simple and to the point, in a timely manner.

My last Armslist deal was Before the recent large increase in scams. One guy - a software engineer - has made about six deals with me, an hour away, in the same parking lot by I-40. I've also bought guns from about eight other guys I had never met: gun shows and Armslist.

And when buying used guns via Gunbroker, the feedback - both the quantity and overall grade (A+) - is a strong indicator of honesty and no critical info being excluded. The good ads are never created in a hyped, "breathless" style, as seen with some everyday email scams.

But each of these deals for used guns took place only after hours of reading about each model, and only involved guns manufactured by the best companies.

Do All of you guys/gals realize that there are specialist gun forums out there for CZ, HK (ie HKPro), Walther, Sig, Luger, S&W, SKS, AK etc? Many people state nothing here (on THR) about going to them for a good cross-section of seasoned info.

Never, ever be in a hurry with a gun type which isn't very familiar to you, or with an unknown seller, and any odd signals from your Inner Voice must be heeded.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have had no more trouble from second hand guns than I have from new, that is to say, very little.

If it is not "used" when I buy it, it becomes "used" as soon as I can arrange it.
Posts like
"I acquired (Never "bought", it is like there is something wrong with exchanging money for goods.) this great new gun last year. I will shoot it two months from next Thursday."
are foreign to me.

 

[9x56MS]

I couldn’t agree more Jim. My first thought after acquiring is to check to see if it functions safely. Disassemble, clean, reassemble, check headspace where appropriate. Aquire ammo and go shoot to establish a baseline. I try every bullet weight I plan on hunting with, then give her a good thorough cleaning.

 

[.455_Hunter]

For me, the more critical question is "New guns - do you trust them?".

 

[Mogas]

What gun shows, gun stores and private owners are asking for used guns now days may as well buy new. There are exceptions if you luck out at a garage sale.

 

[.308 Norma]

What gun shows, gun stores and private owners are asking for used guns now days may as well buy new.

Yeah, because new guns haven't increased in price too, and because Smith and Wesson is still building these:
Smith & Wesson .38/44 - Wikipedia - my "grail" revolver.

 

[Mogas]

Well, according to your link, S&W quit making your favorite grail revolver in 1966. Went to gun show and a pawn shop looking for a smaller carry gun. After looking at their prices for a small carry, I ended up buying a Ruger EC9 for $269 plus TAX new. This was about $40 more than the used EC9 I found in both places. Better, for me, just to buy new. I did score on a nice K31 and CZ52 at the gun show, but these are also not produced anymore. For what I had to pay for these, I wish I could of found them new. My bet, if you did find a S&W .38/44 used, they would cost you double what they did new. there are exceptions to this and every once in a while a person will run into a fantastic find for cheap. Not with my luck though..

 

[.308 Norma]

Well, according to your link, S&W quit making your favorite grail revolver in 1966.

Yeah, I get that, Mogas. That's why I've been looking for a good used Smith .38/44. I'll find one eventually, but I won't buy a used gun over the internet (or anywhere else) sight unseen.
This thread is "Used guns - do you trust them?" I do trust used guns - if I've checked them over and maybe even test fired them beforehand. And by the way, as several others have said, a new gun becomes a used gun as soon as you shoot it.
I agree that I'm probably going to have to pay double (at least) what the Smith .38/44 cost in the first place. So? I have a 1962 Winchester/Western Catalog from the country store/gas station my mom and dad had while I was growing up. It lists a brand-new Model 70 Winchester "Standard" for $139.00. Yet I paid $200.00 for a nice pre-64 Model 70 in 1980, and all I wanted was the action!
Of course, now that Winchester has come out with their Model 70 "Classics" with the "pre-64" actions, I figure it was a mistake paying $200.00 for a Winchester 70, "pre-64" action in 1980. I'm not going to hold my breath waiting for Smith to start building .38/44 "Outdoorsman" revolvers again though.

 

[Reloadron]

Used guns - do you trust them?

Yes, as most of my best guns were bought used. Likely because I gravitate to guns which have been out of production for decades.

Ron

 

[Mogas]

I must admit that the vast majority of my past buying have been WWl and WWll surplus mostly from the USA, japan, Germany, and Netherlands. in fact I owned only one pistol from the time I retired from the Army (1987) until 2005. That was a taurus 44 special. Now I have 4 or 5 (not sure) revolvers/autos.. I think I like revolvers better because they just feel better in my hand than auto. I also think I better pick up 4 or 5 more handguns while we still can buy them. I do think I will buy new because where I am now, used gun prices are HIGH. BTW parts for my older model rifles have dried up. Getting good mauser parts are expensive if you can find them. I picked up three 1893 small ring mausers receicers a few months ago from Sarco. Two to build and one for parts. I hope you have better luck with parts (if you need them) with your handguns.