When buying, new or used?

[Steel Horse Rider]

I tend to collect the old, unique, and exmilitary weapons I happen upon so the majority of my collection was bought in the used condition. However, I have purchased a number of brandy new guns too, mostly pistols but also a few semiauto and lever action rifles.

 

[FROGO207]

No choice for me in the poll either. The last couple of safes full are a mixed bag of both new and used. I would never remember what they were in that respect let alone ALL of them I own. 50/50 would be a good choice I guess.

 

[Warp]

It's easy for me. I can count all of my firearms with my fingers and toes...with at least a full foot to spare.

 

[1911 guy]

I tend to mainly buy new, but have no compunction or regrets about the ones I have bought used. When I buy, I have a particular firearm in mind when i go shopping. If I find it used, great news. But what are the odds of finding exactly what you're looking for on the used rack?

 

[Bruno2]

I decided here recently to only buy used guns with ftf transactions. I am done with the 4473 and the NICS system. I will encourage my kids and grand kids to do the same when they are old enough.

I still know the importance of getting the new guns into circulation , but I will rely on others to do that. The more new guns sold before any registration scheme is put forth reduces the chances of any registration getting traction.

 

[TreeDoc]

Mainly used, but like has already been said, the used market has gotten very pricey. Gone are the days of the $150 slightly used Model 10 S&W 38.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Mainly I buy used. About half or so of my guns were previously owned, but I generally check the used racks at the LGS before the new. They currently have a couple bolt action shotguns for $59 each. Don't really need or want one, but have considered getting one because of the price.

Used long guns in my area go from reasonable or even really good, like the shotguns mentioned above, to the ridiculous. I often see used guns with asking prices at or above retail. Like the ATI Omni AR-15 being sold 'lightly used' for $600 when my LGS sells them brand new for $589.99. Used Mossberg AR-22 knockoffs for $300, Hi points selling at or above retail is quite common also. Occasionally I miss out on a good deal. .357 Blackhawk $359, Remington 1100 12 gauge $249.99, or a Glock 34 $499. LGS still has the Glock, now priced at $599.

Then again, most of the used guns I buy aren't in production any more. My new guns have all been current production guns.

 

[bannockburn]

I went with mainly new guns. Not that I wouldn't mind buying used ones it's just that most of the older guns that I like (such as vintage Colts and S&W revolvers), are priced way too high for my limited budget.

 

[jmr40]

Roughly 80% of my guns were purchased used.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Lately I've bought more new than used, but I have no aversion to used.
It's just that the last few, I knew exactly what I wanted and was not open to changing my mind. That makes it a little harder to buy used.

 

[mavracer]

My first thought was it's close to 50-50 but on reflection I have way more that were purchased used.

 

[km101]

It depends on the gun/price/deal. If I find a new gun that I want, at a decent price, I buy it. The same with a used gun. I don't limit myself to only new, or only used.

 

[Onward Allusion]

The majority of my guns are used. It is pretty surprising how many guns out there have been fired very little. This is especially true of police-trade-ins.

I also have no problem relying on a used firearm for defensive purposes as long as it has been put through its paces.

 

[Hometeached1]

I voted mostly used, but right now I own two I bought used and three I bought new. It just depends on the price/what I'm looking for.

 

[huntsman]

I bought new in 2011 before that 2003 in that span I've added 6 used guns either bought or through trade.

 

[Old Fuff]

The Old Fuff, who is a cheapskate of the highest order, very seldom buys new. Carefully selected used guns usually offer more value for the money. Unlike some things, guns are often bought but seldom used until they are traded or sold off.

Sometimes, when the Gun Gods smile, he will come across something in first-class mechanical condition except some minor problems that are easily fixed; and perhaps a little inconsequential finish wear. Since most buyers select on the basis of “how good it looks,” the price may drop like a rock in a millpond if cash money is laid on the counter. Those who always buy new don’t know what they are missing, but I encourage them to go in that direction and thus reduce the competition for what I’m looking for.

 

[Legionnaire]

I buy mostly used guns. I don't need any additional firearms at this point, so I mostly jump on good deals that are "too good to pass up." When I was starting out many years ago, I probably bought more new than used, but over the last ten years at least, definitely more used than new.

 

[doc2rn]

All of my best shooters where bought used. The ones I like are all old models like the 1911 and the S&W mod 10. Used is the only way to get what I want since the newer models have things I dont like such as the idiot lock. The only new guns I currently would like to get are Rugers LCR series, but I cant bring myself to go after combat plastic.

 

[chris in va]

I do my best to find a used gun I'm interested in. Unfortunately the ones I like are in such high demand it's almost impossible to find one used and I have to end up paying top $$$ for a new one.

 

[Twiki357]

I almost always buy used, preferably OLD used in good condition. Reason? I don’t care for plastic, rubber, locks or transfer bars, although I do have one in each category.

 

[ohioshooter]

a "both" option would have been nice

 

[CajunBass]

I buy used, mostly because the guns I want, they don't make anymore.

 

[JVaughn]

They don't make most of what interests me anymore, used is usually my only option. I prefer barely used or "previously owned" whenever possible.

 

[tuna]

The new guns available today don't appeal much to me. Even the models that are still in production, like the S&W60 or even their so called "Classic" line has new additions built in for the lawyers.

I'll take a gun with some honest character and 100% reliability over that "new gun smell" any day.

 

[wendellgj]

I buy used 75% of the time since I spend allot of time searching for older firearms in used well taken care of good condition at a reasonable price. This does take considerable patience but time is on my side.