Would you buy used?

[jvw3cc]

S&W pinned and recessed. Can't buy that new!!

 

[Ky Larry]

I have bought many used guns including a S&W Model19 for $200 and a 1968 Colt Python 6 inch blued for $600. Both were with box and papers and appeared to my untrained eye to be in NIB condition. I can't find anything new I like better. Just remember, Caveat Emptor in all business dealings.

 

[WardenWolf]

Handguns tend to be fired less often than rifles, and their small size means they're less likely to be damaged. They also usually see fewer rounds through them, and the rounds they do shoot are less powerful. Because of this, their barrels hold up better. This combination makes it fairly safe to buy a used handgun.

 

[DoubleAction]

I have bought many used guns including a S&W Model19 for $200 and a 1968 Colt Python 6 inch blued for $600. Both were with box and papers and appeared to my untrained eye to be in NIB condition. I can't find anything new I like better. Just remember, Caveat Emptor in all business dealings

I can remember in '94, during the Glock craze, new Pythons was going for $500.

 

[The_Shootist]

I've only bought a Bulgy Mak and a Zastava 70 (ie .32ACP handgun) used. I figured ex-ComBloc guns are tough enough to buy used. As it turned out, the Mak was straight from the armoury, liberally coated in Cosmoline so essentially new. The Z was a piece that had ALOT of holster wear on it, carried alot during the Balkan Civil War and worked fine. I shudder sometimes at some of the things it may have done, but its not like its the gun's fault.

 

[punkndisorderly]

Interestingly, I've had more problems out of guns I purchased new (Ruger MkIII and Remington 597) than the more numberous firearms I've purchased new.

That said, I generally only buy new now. About the only reason I would go used at the moment would be if either a) they don't make what I want anymore or I can't find one new or b) I got a really sweet deal. Most of the time, used guns aside from surplus stuff aren't really that much cheaper than new. Usually around 10-20% from new.

I also tend to have somewhat odd preferences in firearms. Usually I'll go into a gun store looking for something only to find they only carry longer or shorter barreled ones rather than the size I want, only have stainless if I'm looking for blue, only have railed ones if I'm looking for one with a carry handle, etc. I'm at the point now where I will only buy exactly what I'm looking for and not what happens to be in stock. As such, I get most stuff special ordered.

 

[Eightball]

Most of the things I own are used. You can find great deals in the used market, if you know both where and HOW to look.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

S&W pinned and recessed. Can't buy that new!!

Nor can you buy a Colt Detective Special, Woodsman, or New Service new. Since I like Colts, I always look for used guns.

 

[DoubleAction]

Most all, I have are those which are discontued, even my Sigs, S&Ws. and Colts.

 

[aHFo3]

I've purchased 4 new guns in my life. Two were 10/22's, and they weren't new very long. One was the Walther P22, which was essentially a single shot for me unless I used minimags. My fourth was a new J-frame that had more cylinder play than any of my used S&W's. Go figure! I like guns with a story!

 

[searcher451]

One of my all-time favorite range guns is a used Walther P5, a German police trade-in, in fact. The rule of thumb for these guns: They were "oft-carried but seldom shot," and this one has been absolutely flawless through many many hundreds of rounds. If I had to pick one gun today to take to the range for as long as I'm able to go, it would be this particular P5. It's not pretty to look at, but it's sure a sweet shooter.

 

[chuckusaret]

I have bought just 2 used weapons that are of any greater value today: 30 caliber Carbine Blackhawk 7 1/2"—in 1967 for $110 today about $500, Fox Sterlingworth 12GA in 1999 for $400 today about $1,400.

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

Just look over the gun before you buy and most ones I buy used are covered by manufacturer no matter the owner.

 

[VegasOPM]

I haven't bought a new gun in years. There are so many safe queens around for hundreds less than new- why would I? The key is to learn how to inspect a gun for wear, abuse or "additions" added poorly. I modify pretty much every gun that I shoot regularly anyway, so why not let someone else pay for the new sights or trigger job? All told, there are very few problems that can't be fixed for less than the price difference from new.

 

[wrs840]

Five of my six shotguns were bought used in Pawnshops, so yeah, I'm fine with used.

Les

 

[iafirebuff]

I am just now getting into the 3rd gen Smith's. I LOVE them! So, I am being used - but like new

 

[wankerjake]

Depends on what I'm buying. A Ruger, Smith, Colt, Glock, Sig etc. I wouldn't be too worried. A Taurus or Rossi on the other hand...never again.

 

[kyo]

no problem buying used if I can verify it works. Most folks in town don't mind at all for a sale.

 

[Brian Dale]

I bought a new gun once, but I've recovered.

There are stacks of terrific guns out there that are barely broken in.