Why do people buy new guns?

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Same reason they buy new cars, new appliances, new silverware, new hand tools .... Some people find the higher price worth it to be first user.
 
Doc7 said:
Same reason they buy new cars, new appliances, new silverware, new hand tools .... Some people find the higher price worth it to be first user.
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Yup....The only used guns I like are the ones handed down by my family members. I know how well they were taken care of, I know how well they functioned, I know how many rounds went down the bore.

Plus the markdown on used guns isn't close to the markdown on used cars. Also it is a lot easier to get EXACTLY what you want when you buy new.

Not so sure I would consider the online market "efficient" either. Plenty of scammers, liars, and dishonest people out there.
 
For me it comes down to not knowing how well the previous owner treated the firearm. Certain things you can't test on a used firearm. I know there is a sticky in the revolver forum about checking lockup and other things but what about something like an AR15. Without a test fire of it you don't know if it jams or not, if it does you are on your own if it was a private transaction. I like new firearms that have a warranty just in case I need it, most times I have not needed it and the times I have, well lets just say I won't buy that brand regardless of condition.

Now don't get me wrong there are some purchases/trades I have made where I did get a used firearm and I have been pleased with them but I won't go after just any used one.
 
Have to agree with the above, just like a used car, you don't know what you're getting. If I'm laying down big money I want new and not <deleted> by bubba and all his buddies. I won't even buy a gun in the case, I always insist on one from the back. If they don't have it then I move on.
 
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I don't want something someone else is trying to get rid of....call me crazy but I want to be the first owner so I know exactly what the gun has been through. There are only so many things you can check usually on a private sale.

That said, from a friend or family member? Sure.
 
Sometimes a body just needed the money... and sometimes the item is damaged goods.

You can never be entirely sure which is the case, if it is a random item that you have no background on.


I have had good fortune with a couple of used pieces. I have also gotten burned a time or two - even on items that are supposedly can't-bust-em indestructible, to hear tell of it. Buyer beware, as always. Anyway - THAT'S why a lot of people only buy new. I have a couple of friends that hold that particular stance about their firearms. At least then you can try sending it in to the manufacturer, which some companies won't honor for used items.
 
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Because finding what you want used is harder.

Used firearms usually hold quite a bit of value, regardless of age. They are nothing like a car, for example.
 
Guns being an extremely durable good means their prices usually do not suffer as much as cars, etc. on the used market. On the other hand it can be difficult or nearly impossible to determine function (let alone accuracy) in a non-firing inspection. Since prime reasons for ditching guns are failure to function reliably and inaccuracy, I generally find that the used guns are not priced low enough to justify the risk and/or hassle I associate with buying them. I will buy a used gun if the price will justify the increased risk but I generally do not find many in that category.

Of course you can get a dud with a new gun also...I just don't think the risk is as high. It is all a continuum and I am more on the side of paying a little more for new.
 
Don't forget the warranty you get with a new gun as well. I'm dealing with two recall and one broken part issues right now and all I have to worry about a little hassle and maybe shipping charges. If I weren't the original owner I'd have all the hassle and be on the hook for repair charges.

I buy new because I like to be the first owner but the warranty coverage is a good thing that comes along when I act on my preference.

Dan
 
I buy used guns or build my own. I have had excellent luck buying used guns but I inspect in person. I have very little interest in current production pedestrian level guns.
 
I've bought both. If I find a good used gun at a LGS that I trust, I'll buy it. But I also like certain new ones..... just because they're new.
 
I buy good deals, new or used. My last purchase was a new Colt LE6920 mostly because this price new is cheaper than you can find it used. No incentive currently to buy many ARs used, especially when you can find the model you want in stock at pre panic prices. Others are specific rifles, such as a CZ 452, which I couldn't find used semi-locally and accepted buying new to own.

I've bought many firearms used also. So far, I have not been burnt. If I'm uncertain on the gun, I'll pass, go research it, and return if still interested. Many older rimfires shoot outstanding and can be had for a song. Doing minimal background research on a handful of models always seems to keep me finding good deals that are great shooters. Rifles like the Savage 10/110 are others I like to buy used, since everything can easily be swapped out if an issue does arise.

The informed buyer can get some great deals and pass when tell tale signs say to pass. It isn't a perfect system, but neither is buying new. Many old rifles have much better craftsmanship in their build than today's mass produced computer controlled assembly. That doesn't mean they'll shoot any better than a new rifle, but they sure are more aesthetically pleasing. Many of today's rifles are absolutely ugly. Most shoot well, but there are quite a few lines which have no value beyond being a tool. It's hard to get a rifle you would be proud to pass down without spending $1500.
 
Some people think they are getting better quality if they buy new. Nothing could be further from the truth.
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Ironically your statement is not entirely truthful.

A brand new gun will definitely have better quality than a dinged-up, used gun. Add to the fact that you don't know/guaranteed how well the seller took care of the gun, or if it has any issues he didn't tell you.

You buy used guns to save money; you buy new if you want fresh unused gun.
 
Lots of reasons.

Personally, I get really galled when I'm at a gun shop and see a used gun I really like...for $25 to $50 less than a new one of the same make/model. I'd rather spend the little extra money on the new one than the used one.

But that's just me...

;)
 
I've bought several new guns. For me the price was right on them and I couldnt buy used ones for less than what I got them for. Price wasn't always a deciding factor though. Sometimes if you're looking for something specific it may not be on the used market.
 
Because at age 52 I had never bought a gun, and I was totally ignorant of the fact that the GI version of the Carbine was, on average, a much better rifle.

There had been no prior reading. It was both my first and Last new gun. New guns depreciate far too much.
 
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