Used handgun at Gander Mountain report

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Publius1688

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This afternoon I saw a Smith and Wesson M&P .45, used, on display at Gander Mountain here in Knoxville. I am one of the folks that likes M&P, and the price seemed really good, so I asked my buddy behind the counter if I could have a look.
I've bought handguns (3) from them before, with nothing but satisfaction.
I quickly broke down the .45, and was shocked. The gun was filthy with copper and fouling. I pulled out a pen borescope & checked the barrel, it looked awful. It was clear that my friend behind the counter was a little embarassed--he'd obviously not put the piece on the floor. I reassembled the .45 and got a tissue to clean my hands.
Moral: if you are looking at a used gun, even at a big store, always break it down and check it out, and never buy a gun, new or used, without checking the bore.
 
Maybe you can get them to take a dirt low price because of its filth. Ill bet under all that grime is a perfectly functioning M&P pistol. Sure it has never been cleaned and possibly neglected but its an M&P its not like they are fragile.
 
I visit that one often and will be sure to really check out the used ones now. Thanks for the tip off.
 
they are sales people, they could really give a crap.Probably no feather in their cap if they make that sale or not.
 
I continue to be surprised at the condition of used guns in display counters at virtually all the gun shops I visit. If I was the proprietor, I would at least want to effect a basic cleaning of any used gun I display for sale -

Kind of like selling a used car....
 
Very nice of your friend to let you break the pistol down, If it were my shop I would say no way ! One part gets lost or broken, you have a paper weight sitting there until replacement springs, parts ect. arrive.
 
My local gander mountains won't even take off the trigger locks anymore, yet alone break down the weapon for inspection. I inquired about a used Sig and was assured their gunsmith already went over it so I could buy it with "confidence". Dirt is dirt, often times used guns are dirty, but if the price is right, it may be easily cleaned up and be a nice sidearm. I've run across some heavily gunked used pistols that turned out to be just fine after a good detail cleaning.
 
I've had pretty good luck at the couple of GM's near me. They do seem to price things with no rhyme or reason, but sometimes you can walk in on a deal.

I just picked up a basically new Glock 31 with night sights for $365. From the look of the "smiley" on the barrel, it was shot very little and there isnt a mark anywhere on the gun. I'm thinking it was priced as low as it was because of the caliber. They had some well worn 17's and 23's there without night sights for almost $100 more. They also were selling new 31's with night sights one counter over for $575, and this one was just as nice.

After I bought it, the boy who sold it to me kind of wise assed remarked, "now where are you going to get ammo for it?" Not a problem for me, as I already have a bunch, but its one of the few calibers all the Walmarts around here always have when the shelves are empty.

I think someone might have screwed up. Or, maybe they just price the odd gun cheap, to get you coming back in to look. Works on me. :D
 
When I have purchased pre-owned semi-autos, I have asked store personnel to field strip the gun for me to inspect. I only do this when I am basically committed (in my own mind) to buying the gun, provided there are no problems. I don't want to put an idiot mark on anybody's gun but my own. :)
 
I've never bought a used gun that didn't need basic cleaning. Personally I would be embarrassed to sell a dirty gun but apparently most folks don't care.

Bill
 
Quote:
"always break it down and check it out, and never buy a gun, new or used, without checking the bore."

I would never by one without looking at it...Granted, "dirty" doesn't necessarily disqualify it...but you need to thoroughly check any firearm before a purchase...
 
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