Buying used...

[Kirkmcpaterson]

Any advice for a newb buying a used handgun? I breeze over the classifieds from time to time and often see handguns i would purchase (if i was ready and able to, waiting for my LTC).

But during my safety course the instructor said to use caution when buying used firearms. Like cars I suppose people may try to pawn off their problems.

Anything specific to look for?
Is it best to meet at a range and fire it?

 

[chrbla2000]

>Anything specific to look for?

That's too broad a topic. What you might look for in a revolver vs. a semi-automatic is very different. I've sold to people who've insisted on meeting at a range so they could fire the pistol, I've sold to people who've come to my house and performed an inspection, and lastly, I've sold to people who have insisted on meeting at an FFL to do the transaction. I suppose it really comes down to your comfort level with the seller and your sense of familiarity with the particular firearm.

Do you have friends who are enthusiasts? If so, when negotiating a deal, arrange for your friend to accompany you. And as always, buyer beware.

-chris

 

[Stryker]

Any advice for a newb buying a used handgun? I breeze over the classifieds from time to time and often see handguns i would purchase (if i was ready and able to, waiting for my LTC).

But during my safety course the instructor said to use caution when buying used firearms. Like cars I suppose people may try to pawn off their problems.

Anything specific to look for?
Is it best to meet at a range and fire it?

I've bought 4-5 used firearms from the classified here - all have been good transactions and the firearms as described and work well.
The itrader system (if used properly) should give a good heads up to the quality of the person who is selling

 

[nstassel]

Guns are pretty simple devices by and large. If you buy a traditionally very reliable model, just get one that does not seem abused or modified in any way. Clean condition is good too. But modification by the average doofus is the biggest source of headaches. If it were modified, I'd want to see it fire first. If it had parts replaced I want the original ones too. The only used gun that I bought which was not reliable was a Colt Officer that had been gunsmithed for "reliability". Turned a nice gun into a POS.

 

[bfm]

Like cars, every firearm has its problem areas. Do some research on any particular firearm you are thinking of to see if there are any common complaints and then see if the one you are considering seems to suffer from the same issue.

As mentioned, most modern firearms are very reliable. If you are buying a Glock, or a Classic SIG or S&W they will probably be fine.

Most .22 semi autos are finicky and may not run well on ammo that might be readily available to you. 1911s are normally good, but home gunsmithing of them can be horrible and people will often try to sell something they butchered.

Mostly look how clean it is. Dirt covers things like small cracks.

Look for evenness in fit and finish.

If you buy a semi auto, I normally replace the recoil spring right off even if assured it has only had 50 rounds through it. Cheap insurance.

 

[Asaltweapon]

I've bought 4-5 used firearms from the classified here - all have been good transactions and the firearms as described and work well.
The itrader system (if used properly) should give a good heads up to the quality of the person who is selling

All of the guns I've bought here (long, shot and pistol) have been great buying experiences. Not a single one was test fired.

 

[PATRON]

Like stated,do your home work before you buy.Study about a gun so you know what to look for when buying.If you are buying from here look at sellers feedback,and most of all the people on this forum are always willing to help.Buy a glock,or a SIG.

 

[chris_1001]

I've had great luck buying used from the classifieds here... Only once I test fired one prior (had a trigger job).

For me its knowing the value and knowing how to evaluate a gun.

 

[Retired-LEO]

Any advice for a newb buying a used handgun? I breeze over the classifieds from time to time and often see handguns i would purchase (if i was ready and able to, waiting for my LTC).

But during my safety course the instructor said to use caution when buying used firearms. Like cars I suppose people may try to pawn off their problems.

Anything specific to look for?
Is it best to meet at a range and fire it?

#1) Go Green

#2) Learn ALL you can about the firearm you intend on purchasing including the Manufactures Warranty (if Any)

#3) Inspect the firearm fully, if you don't know how to disassemble it, have the seller show you how.

#4) Once you buy it dis-assemble it and CLEAN & LUBRICATE it, then re-assemble it.

I have bought and sold many used firearms over the years. I have NO issues with buying a used one (depending on condition)

I have found many older ones (especially revolvers) to be much better fit and finish!

 

[Machines]

As a new gun owner, don't buy anything that's been modified or appears unusually worn. You don't want someone else's unsuccessful project. If you're looking at a particular gun read some of the online buying checklists for that model. Give the gun a thorough inspection and walk if the seller doesn't want you to field strip it.

Only time I've really gotten burned was when I bought a customized pistol out of the classifieds here and it turned out to have been screwed up by an amateur gunsmith. Seller of course wasn't interested in hearing about that.

 

[Fattman]

I just buy mine in Dorchester since there is no serial number there is no fee or paperwork. YMMV


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[Kirkmcpaterson]

Great advice, thank you all. I did plan on avoiding handguns with modifications anyways.

 

[MachineHead]

Great advice, thank you all. I did plan on avoiding handguns with modifications anyways.

Modifications are subjective. For example, I bought a used M&P 45c from the classifieds here and it had night sights and an Apex trigger job done. It's definitely modified as it didn't come with those two modifications from the factory. They're excellent modifications that actually make the gun better.

 

[Dream to Dream]

Not a bad idea to learn a basic inspection for whatever gun you're considering purchasing to diagnosr any potential issues. Most importantly, if you're not familiar with buying pre-owned guns, one piece of advice I'd highly recommended is to avoid any firearm that shows any evidence of amateur gunsmithing. Tell-tale signs include damaged screw heads, damaged pin heads, irregular polishing, and gouges around the sights. If someone doesn't know enough to keep the exterior of the gun flawless when disassembling it, you can bet any "slicking up" they did internally is a hack job.

 

[Gibbs]

I've bought 4-5 used firearms from the classified here - all have been good transactions and the firearms as described and work well.
The itrader system (if used properly) should give a good heads up to the quality of the person who is selling

Agreed.

 

[MachineHead]

I just buy mine in Dorchester since there is no serial number there is no fee or paperwork. YMMV


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[Individualist]

I would suggest going to some gun shops or ranges that rent, and find a 1-2 models that you really like. Focus and look specifically for those. Don't just browse and say "hey that might be a good deal".

Often people buy a gun, put 50-100 rounds though it and decide it isn't for them because they don't like the grip, trigger, weight, recoil, whatever. Many guns require a good 250-500 rounds to get broken in and running smoothly, so maybe the gun just wasn't given enough break-in time. So why not let someone else use their money (ammo) to help break it in for you? These like-new guns can be very good buys if the price is right.

Also put in a WTB ad in the classifieds, as there will be people with things sitting around and just need a little push to sell it.

 

[modernhamlet]

Modifications are subjective. For example, I bought a used M&P 45c from the classifieds here and it had night sights and an Apex trigger job done. It's definitely modified as it didn't come with those two modifications from the factory. They're excellent modifications that actually make the gun better.

Same experience here. Some modifications are more straightforward than others. New grips, new sights, for example, are relatively low risk. My first buy here was a Sig that came with the upgraded Short Reset Trigger. I looked it up, found it was a relatively easy upgrade that greatly improves the gun, and took the plunge.

Other good practices:
carefully research your chosen gun ahead of time
buy a reputable brand and model
buy from someone with good rep here
buy LNIB or very limited usage and look for wear

 

[stinger35]

>Anything specific to look for

-chris

Yes. Your avatar.

 

[The Goose]

There is a lot of good advice here already. However, I will add one thought. I have bought a good number of handguns over the years both new and used. Almost all have been good and reliable. The ones that had problems were both new and used. In fact I have had more problems with new handguns as opposed to used. The big advantage with a new handgun is that there is likely a warranty so it can be sent back for repair. (although that has not always worked out either). Sometimes you just get a lemon, new or used.

 

[josh2600]

Any advice for a newb buying a used handgun? I breeze over the classifieds from time to time and often see handguns i would purchase (if i was ready and able to, waiting for my LTC).

But during my safety course the instructor said to use caution when buying used firearms. Like cars I suppose people may try to pawn off their problems.

Anything specific to look for?
Is it best to meet at a range and fire it?

Do you have a model in mind? I just bought a m&p 9c off someone from here and barely even looked at it before I handed the guy the money, he had good rep, told me it had less than 200 rounds through it and it, the mags, and case all looked brand new. No brainer. Now, if I was buying a 15 year old sig p226 from someone unsure of round count, well then you want to look the thing over really well, price should reflect condition and info available etc. In 5 years of buying used from here (maybe a couple from fb) totaling maybe 15 purchases, I have yet to have a negative experience. Sold quite a few this way as well. It's pretty much the only way I'll buy now, selection is often better, price is almost always better.

 

[PatMcD]

I rarely buy new.
Pay for the gun,not the story. Don't pay extra for extras.

 

[Kirkmcpaterson]

Do you have a model in mind?

M&p 9c
M&p shield 9mm
Springfield xds
Ruger lc9s

Want the 9c because of capacity and rail but would settle for the shield or xds if it can be had at a better price

Happy to hear about ur postive experience. It seems as if people may try something out and not like it so they just want to move on.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

Always have the seller remove the grips as well as field strip the gun for your inspection.

I have seen used guns that were meticulously cared for, but the owner never removed the grips for the cleaning and oil rage wipe down - leaving a perfect finish everywhere except under the grips where decades of moisture did its thing.

Check the bore; lockup; and cylinder timing if a revolver.

Investigate how hard parts are going to come buy. Even a gun of modest age (for example, a Ruger Secuirty Six or Speed Six) may be past the point in time when you can get any part from the manfacturer, and you will have to chase parts in the secondardy market (Numrich Arms).