Used guns - do you trust them?

[beag_nut]

I will not pay money (ever) for a used gun. If I inherit a used gun, fine. Too many bubba's in the world. And most don't even know they are a bubba.

 

[bangswitch]

^^ In other words, never buy a used gun you can't hold, inspect and fire. Who would buy a used car without driving it first?

I buy used guns all the time. No big deal. You just have to learn how to shop for them, what to look for and what your non-negotiables are.

When possible but it rarely is.

I only own two handguns that I bought new, and 2/3 of the handguns I own are over 40 years old. I trust them all, because I won't buy any firearm I can't handle and inspect before I purchase. It's next to impossible to buy a gun from a dealer and get to shoot it before you buy it, new or used. If you know how to check them out, you really don't need to fire them before buying them. Accuracy would be the only unknown, but you can reasonably guess how it will be from the condition and type.

Like was stated in a previous post, it's the newer guns I don't trust so much.

 

[Coltdriver]

I think you owe it to yourself to be able to inspect a used gun for, at least, known weaknesses if there are any. Some frames crack, some frames get battered, lots of revolvers need to be "re-timed", Some revolvers have enough flame cutting to be a concern, rifle chambers really should be looked at (lots of the overbore chambers are burned out), etc. So many guns, so many problems!

Depends of course on how "used" a gun is. There are a fair number of very low round count guns out there.

It does not take a tremendous amount of work to learn about the pro's and con's of most guns. Asking on this board will get you a lot of great input.

If I didn't trust a gun, I would not buy it. I have passed on more than a few potential acquisitions.

If you don't feel comfortable doing a good inspection yourself, see if you find someone who can help or ask for a gunsmith look at the gun first.

 

[CraigC]

Like was stated in a previous post, it's the newer guns I don't trust so much.

It's always baffling to me that people actually trust new guns to be perfect without thoroughly inspecting them first. I treat them all the same, with a thorough inspection and expecting to find faults.

 

[jar]

If you are lucky you reach a point in life when even the guns you bought new are now old and used.

 

[FROGO207]

Most of my guns are used, previously owned. With a thorough inspection, spring kit when applicable, shooting/function test, yes no problem

This is what I do as well with the exception of a good cleaning as I inspect it.

 

[Jimbo80]

The 3 guns in my collection that I got new were all purchased at industry discount for considerably less than MSRP. I always prefer to buy used. Many of my "used" purchases were/are in "like new" condition.

 

[.308 Norma]

Isn’t the main concern, if concerning -modern guns- whether:

A) a previous owner did internal modifications,

That would generally be one of my main concerns. However, back in the '80s, I actually bought a Ruger Security Six that I suspected a "Bubba" had done some kitchen-table gunsmithing on - I could easily push the hammer off cocked with my thumb. However, the gun was in pristine condition otherwise, and Ruger had discontinued their "Security" line of revolvers by then. Besides, I got the revolver for a song, and I was figuring on shipping it back to Ruger for repairs anyway - which I did, along with a note explaining I'd bought the gun used knowing it had problems. I told them I'd pay for the repairs.
Much to my surprise (and appreciation) the gun came back to me about six weeks later - no charge.
Sadly, I've heard Ruger doesn't have parts for their Security line of revolvers anymore, and they won't repair them. Too bad - I'm still using mine, and I don't have enough strength in my thumb to push it off cocked anymore.

 

[FL-NC]

I rarely got issued brand new guns during the 23 years I was in the mil- most of the guns I was issued were previously issued to someone else, or in some cases were "refurbished" through various mil programs. When I was issued the M9 pistol (beretta 92F) I didn't trust them new or used because they broke so frequently.

 

[vintovka]

Working in a shop you get to see the full range of of the word "used". I was initially trained by the owner on the big stuff but there are too many variables to list. Always started with opening the action for safety . One to make sure its empty and two to see how the action feels and sounds. Next is to look any used item over for obvious stuff like rust, abuse, wood/parts missing or replaced external parts and sights and any defect and so on. A bore light is a must as is running fingers down barrel to feel for lumps or bulges. You would be surprised how many bent barrels, frames and other things seen, Checking markings, the mating surfaces between barrel and receivers and a 100 other things are important. Even then, some are clever at hiding internal abuse especially on ones where you cannot see things without disassembly. BAR's come to mind. And then theres the guy who actually objects/resists close inspection on "a too good to be true deal". Poor scope mounting on Milsurps is so common its almost funny. Almost as funny as calling an Expert in to do an on the spot evaluation like Pawn Stars. Caveat emptor to the max!!

 

[wiscoaster]

...Poor scope mounting on Milsurps is so common its almost funny. ...

I've got a couple dozen milsurps, not a one with a scope, and I'm not going to mount one on any, either. The only milsurps with genuine original military scopes were those produced as sniper rifles, and they are really, REALLY big bucks, but if you want one, they're out there. Friend of mine I see at the range from time to time has a couple - a Swede and a Swiss, if I remember right, and he competes with them.

 

[Terry G]

The "used" guns I trusted were all Military Surplus. Most were unfired anyway. Never got a bad one with the exception of the Polish 9X18MM P-64 that was brand new and worked perfectly. It just had an impossible trigger and the recoil was way too much for a small gun. Everything else was an inexpensive treasure.

 

[Alte Schule]

I have been buying firearms, new and used, for over 50 years. I'm pretty thorough when inspecting any firearm I buy, and have passed on many, but that being said I have bought a few surplus firearms from internet dealers and have been pretty lucky. The only online purchase that was somewhat questionable was an SKS I bought last year. The stock was cracked in a couple of places but the internals were good. I paid my money and took my chance so I'm not going to cry about it. It's a project gun now and I just haven't decided if I'm going to replace the stock or do something like this: https://www.combathunting.com/SKS_RIFLE-SKS_Dragunov_Sniper_Stock_Detachable_Mag_ATI.html

I believe the only used handgun I bought that gave problems was a surplus Argentine Military Police FM HI Power. After 50 or so rounds I couldn't get through a magazine without a failure to fire, feed or eject. New factory mags, springs, firing pin and polishing the ramp helped for about 20 rounds then the same problems returned. My LEO son took the pistol and one of the rounds that failed to fire to an old time gun smith that his department uses. He returned it with a note saying "don't use Winchester White Box". Yup got a deal on 500 rds of WWB a few months earlier. Kind of embarrassing but problem solved.

 

[Australian410hunter]

Used firearms are fine, provided you understand what you are buying, and are prepared to 'fix', or 'adjust' whatever someone else before you may have 'fixed', 'adjusted' incorrectly, or abused.
You can research reliability issues with new, or used, firearms.
Most repairs are simple issues, and we now have the internet that can show you new ways to fix old problems (I love the Marlin model 25 trigger 'fix' with a spring from a pen!).

 

[Blkhrt13]

Few of my guns are actually bought brand new. Maybe 4 or 5 out of all of them. That’s just the way it is. I check over what I buy regardless. These days qc can be spotty no matter what.

 

[Ethan Verity]

After a very thorough detailed inspection, which includes taking it completely apart... yeah!
Though, you may say if I need to do such an inspection, that I don't trust used guns... well... sort of, I don't trust a used gun until I have inspected it inside and out, then I do!

I have some used guns that I carry. Some good carry guns (Pre-Lock S&W's for example) are only available used.

 

[commygun]

Same as a new gun.

Once proven in my hands, either are good to go.

Exactly. I’ve probably had the same incidence of failure with new as used. And, as someone noted, the ones I kept are the ones I trusted, new or used.
Plus, I’ve saved a ton of wonga buying nice used guns.
Plus, no one is making new FN1900’s or Beretta 70s’s or SMLE’s.

 

[375supermag]

Hi...
I'll buy a used firearm if I can check it out beforehand. I have been doing this since I was a teenager and I am 67 and I like to think I know what to look for.
I also check new guns before I buy them.

 

[bdickens]

It's always baffling to me that people actually trust new guns to be perfect without thoroughly inspecting them first. I treat them all the same, with a thorough inspection and expecting to find faults.

Yep

"New" stands for "never, ever worked."

 

[Idahou]

You might be better off, over in Czechia, your owners are going to be a bit more dedicated and committed to keeping their arms "good."

Now, that will have a flip side, too. If you can only have nn guns on your license, a person might be inclined to resell a less-than good firearm, rather than tinker with it.

Don't know which way to call that coin flip.

We arent limited by number of guns (if yes, its some crazy number), but storage - there are requirments for up to 2 guns (prevent missuse, loosing or steal), up to 5 (get small safe), up to ten (get strong safe) and etc...
The reall limits are economical and "social/moral" factors.
Comparing to other items like cellphones, PC, gaming console or whatever, guns are expensive here because you can use tham only in shooting ranges, which are far and/or expensive
Another thing is that our "too much guns" number is obviously WAY LOWER. Its tight to that economy factor, low violent criminality and limited use, together with quite a low number of shooters (it took me year to get 2 other ppl to shoot with once a month)

But thats just side bar - used market in Czechia is smaller, czech ppl arent exactly "team players" (meaning most of tham would not care if they sell you crap), so you can get very good price but with mathematicly bigger chance of bad apple
Surplus guns are ok and plentyfull though (biggest check dealer, click on yellow "vstoupit", that means "enter" - handguns http://www.zelenysport.cz/pistole/, rifles - http://www.zelenysport.cz/pusky/)
Dealer have to test via state agency every gun, so you have almost same "safe to use" status as with new gun (minus the age of material factor). So if there is some issue its similiar kind as i described with my vz 58 - gun shoots ok, some furniture needs work or there is some loose pin etc...)

 

[DTL]

I will if it's in a shop I trust and shop on a regular basis. I have two in particular who I buy from and visit "just looking" that give honest evaluations of every used gun they put out for sale. I have both sold guns to and bought guns from friends & relatives over the years whose care & handling I know.

 

[silicosys4]

Most of the guns i'm interested in are out of production. Most of the best guns are.


Seriously though, I've bought 90% of my guns used, and 90% of my problems have been with the guns I've bought brand new.

 

[vintovka]

There are some that regardless of appearing brand new are not good right out of the box. First I submit the Mauser branded .380. Absolutely beautiful and the epitome of what a handgun of its type should look like. It appeared NIB with test target and the works. Would NOT feed any type of ammo without jamming. Only later i learned it was the basis for the term "Jamomatic" If you have a good one you are exceptionally fortunate. Was added to the shops wall of shame. Second is any of the inexpensive .22 SAAs. "Schmidt" comes to mine ( and rhymes with the word often associated with them). Even Hawes and rohm./rg lasted longer. Will say they provided a constant income for the shop. No guarantee on these. The only guarantee is they either would be back once more or given to us for parts. I could go on but too tired.

 

[Howland937]

Most of the guns i'm interested in are out of production. Most of the best guns are.


Seriously though, I've bought 90% of my guns used, and 90% of my problems have been with the guns I've bought brand new.

Same here.

New crap of any type has a warranty for a reason. Manufacturers know faults are not only possible, but likely and expected in some cases. If you feel like you need the comfort of a warranty to give you piece of mind, by all means by new.

I wouldn't have the vast majority of the guns I currently own if I only bought new. Most of them were out of production even before my birth 45 years ago. Those that are of more recent make wouldn't have been cost effective (or affordable in some cases) to buy new.

Keep in mind, 90% of the time there's a sharp depreciation the instant a gun goes from new to previously owned...just like with cars.
If the $ aspect means anything to you. It certainly does for me.

 

[wiscoaster]

Keep in mind, 90% of the time there's a sharp depreciation the instant a gun goes from new to previously owned...just like with cars. If the $ aspect means anything to you. It certainly does for me.

Well, I'd say that's pretty much 100% of the time. And a junky gun stays a junky gun for its lifetime. But well-made guns, S&W revolvers for example, are likely to appreciate over their lifetimes, given a long enough time ... which is a whole lot longer than anybody would buy an item as an investment property, just to make money on it. So given a choice between a known excellent quality used gun for 80% of the price of the same model brand new, heck I'd buy the used gun over the new gun any day.