Used Handgun Checklist?

[zplug123]

I noticed the revolver forum has a sticky regarding how to check if a used handgun is a keeper or a lemon. Should there be a similar post for autoloaders?

I'm asking because tomorrow is when I'm going to buy my first Sig P6, and was wondering about any advice about checking them out, since the dealer has four total and I get to choose from them.

 

[burningsquirrels]

just gotta check that all the controls work, nothing moves gritty, try cycling a snap cap through there, look for excessive wear, check fit of parts, try the trigger, check hammer function..... i'm sure there's a lot more

 

[hags]

Slide to frame fit, barrel to slide fit, barrel muzzle to slide fit, check for cracks, etc..............

 

[Newton]

Used handgun check list:

1. Is it new - Y/N

2. If the answer to 1. above is No, go to 4.

3. Buy it and go to 5.

4. Don't buy it.

5. Leave store

 

[Crazy Fingers]

I got to disagree with that. I have bought plenty of used firearms and have never had a bad experience with any of them. They are just pieces of metal, there's really not much that can go wrong with them that can't be fixed fairly easily or isn't very obvious.

And most guns are safe queens anyways. Most used guns I see obviously haven't been shot very much.

 

[Treo]

Somebody told me once that people don't sell their favorite guns, they sell the one that take up space in in the safe.

I bought all but one of my guns used W/ no problems

 

[jocko]

yup

I sold 6 new j frame Pre lock Smiths last year, Had them for over 20 years NIB. Safe Queens-deluxe. At my age, I figured it was better for someone else to own them that would appreciate them more. Still kept my Model 60 that I bought in the early 70's. One is enough.

Was a gun dealer for over 40 years and most trade-ins at my business were in super condition. If they looked beat to hell, we didn't trade. Most people tend to take very good care of thier weapons.

 

[hags]

Used handgun check list:

1. Is it new - Y/N

2. If the answer to 1. above is No, go to 4.

3. Buy it and go to 5.

4. Don't buy it.

5. Leave store

I couldn't disagree more strongly.

How many times have you heard someone say they have sold a gun and wished they hadn't?

Some of the best deals going are on used/surplus firearms. You can't buy a "real" S&W Model 27 or 28 anymore, but I picked up an almost mint Model 28 for $150. The person just wanted it out of their house and I was happy to help.

Some guys do buy new guns and wind up with a lemon that they turn around and sell used. I'm not talking about those situations.
:banghead:

 

[burningsquirrels]

i would only buy used from someone i knew, or after testing it out and having a couple gunsmith friends take a look.

 

[tinygnat219]

Newton:

Used handgun check list:

1. Is it new - Y/N

2. If the answer to 1. above is No, go to 4.

3. Buy it and go to 5.

4. Don't buy it.

5. Leave store

This strategy REALLY sucks if you are into C&R firearms...

 

[CWL]

A handgun is made for war. It has been over-engineered and can take more punishment than anyone can typically give it unless they go out of their way to abuse it.

An owner can have put 10K rounds thru a modern pistol in one year and the gun won't show any significant signs of wear if regularly cleaned. Get past your paranoia.

Most bad handguns came that way NIB from the factory, it was not owner-induced. So if you get a "lemon" it's the manufacturer's fault typically.

The kind of abuse handgun owners give to a gun is typically neglect by not cleaning, this results in corrosion and excessive wear to the finish. This is visible to anyone.

The scariest type of abuse to a handgun is home-smithing (Dremel nightmare). This is pretty rare and isn't done to most designs of pistols (although M1911 owners and race-gun Glocks beware).

I have bought and will continue to buy used handguns/firearms. One prime example is a Sig P229 stainless in .40SW that I bought for $350. It maybe had 500 rounds thru it.

 

[hags]

The kind of abuse handgun owners give to a gun is typically neglect by not cleaning, this results in corrosion and excessive wear to the finish. This is visible to anyone.

The scariest type of abuse to a handgun is home-smithing (Dremel nightmare). This is pretty rare and isn't done to most designs of pistols (although M1911 owners and race-gun Glocks beware).

I would add that in addition to under cleaning, over cleaning is a cause of damaged bores, muzzles, chambers and the finish.

Also agree on the home gunsmithing. However. alot of "drop in" parts can be removed and discarded.

 

[TnShooter83]

Ask questions....ALOT of them.
Watch how the person responds ...Verbally, and physically .
This might tell you all you need to know......

Physically inspect, and shoot it if at all possible.

Other than that other members have good suggestions.