Do you buy mostly new or mostly used?

[AppleSeeds]

Just wondering, for some reason I am wary about buying used (from a shop or face-to-face) in large part because I don't feel like I know how to evaluate a firearm for how "used" it is. I know how to buy a used car, so look for any tips you guys might have.

 

[AppleSeeds]

I thought I'd be able to add a poll but I guess I can't, so:
Mostly Used
Mostly New
About equal

 

[Mike-Mike]

Used. Guns are tools and they are suppose to be used. There are plenty of jems out there sitting in peoples closets waiting to go to a good home.

 

[Mass-diver]

Mostly used....

 

[ochmude]

I have yet to buy a new gun.

EDIT: Disregard, I did buy a Mossy 500 new from Dicks.

 

[AppleSeeds]

Thanks for the responses, so does anyone have any tips on how to go about inspecting a used item? What am I looking for? What should I check for?

 

[Len-2A Training]

Mostly used.

When I first started in the shooting sports, I would only buy used from trusted sources as I didn't know what to look for myself.

Today, with the Internet, it's possible to ramp up your knowledge pretty quickly if you want to do so.

Lots of real good deals on old guns, if you know what you are looking at.

 

[richc]

One thing to think about if you're buying Smith & Wesson... the warranty:

"1. Lifetime Service Policy

We will repair any defect in material or workmanship without charge to the original purchaser for as long as you own the handgun. "

 

[Marcus5aurelius]

Used, you get it for significant discount and unless it's been terribly abused, you can always bring it back to it's original condition

 

[pdm]

Both used and new. I don't really care which it is if it's something I want.

 

[abomb60]

Mostly new although I don't really care as long as it's in good shape.

 

[Len-2A Training]

One thing to think about if you're buying Smith & Wesson... the warranty:

"1. Lifetime Service Policy

We will repair any defect in material or workmanship without charge to the original purchaser for as long as you own the handgun. "

ONLY true for guns made post (1986 IIRC). I have a few older than that, one of which needed repair and they charged me for that (still reasonable).

 

[Marcus5aurelius]

Thanks for the responses, so does anyone have any tips on how to go about inspecting a used item? What am I looking for? What should I check for?

Bore wear, or any rust that may be a problem, original parts and configuration in the case of milsurps. The specifics all depend on what you're going for: milsurp collectable, tacticool look/feel, accurate shooter, etc. It all depends on your taste really, but I can't picture someone saying that a worn barrel doesn't matter unless they plan on never shooting it. A good question to ask the seller is the reason why they are selling it and that usually gives you some clues.

 

[flintoid]

Both used and new. I don't really care which it is if it's something I want.

this

 

[Mike-Mike]

If the gun looks like it has been shot alot, it means the guy before you like shooting it, and it works.

 

[Mike-Mike]

When I see people with a LNIB 6 year old gun, it worries me.

 

[Chris]

Most of mine were acquired used, but many of those would be hard to tell from new. As mentioned above, there are lots of gems out there if you take time to look. I only have 5 that I bought new. Each of those was because they were just introduced and I had to have one. (^_^)

 

[Neptune Cat]

I always look for used first, but have bought some new.

 

[Sir_Macadoo]

mostly used, or I build my own.

 

[yanici]

Used is good. One thing I considered when buying my S&W 617, 22 cal. revolver was wear and tear and also availability. Most people hold onto their 617's so hard to find a good one. The other thing is that the S&W CS is golden, especially if you're the original owner. I plan on shooting up to 10,000 rounds per year through this revolver. Nice to know that even though I'm gonna try like heck to wear it out I can still count on S&W to take care of it with the lifetime warranty.

 

[meth0d]

It's a pretty even mix in my collection. Which is kind of strange 'cause I don't like to buy too many things used, like furniture off craigslist...no thanks.

 

[jasonj84]

Mostly used. I am all about getting the best deal I can find. Also, most of my handguns aren't readily available from your local neighborhood (MA) gun shop.

 

[alphawolf]

used

 

[Big_Red]

Half and half.

 

[drumenigma]

Definitely a mix of used and new. If I buy a used gun I try to give it a decent inspection just to make sure I'm not buying a lemon. I don't know if I prefer buying used vs new. As long as I buy a gun that works and doesn't become a safe queen I am happy.

 

[Pilgrim]

When I first started buying guns, I bought 4 in a row, new. I haven't bought a new one in over 10 years....very unlikely I will again. There's too many nice ones out there that are as good as new.

 

[Baldkat82]

Mostly used, out of the dozen that I have, 4 are used.

 

[JimB]

i agree you'll find some nice used guns, some folks just want something else and will sell off one to do it. The S&W CS is second to none. i bought a 3 year old smith

and had a problem reassembling it. has a barrel bushing and i could not get the barrel in after cleaning. I sent it back and it was repaired no charge. The other thing

is to check out price, you can do that on gunbroker or some of the other sites, you can also see whats no selling due to the price.

also you can find a good dealer, they will teel you the condition, they (not all) want you repeat business.

good luck

JimB

 

[AKman]

A mix of both. It depends on the deal. Used it's a matter of having cash on hand when you run into a good deal and at that you have to know what to look for. I typically look at good deals as something to turn over or add to my collection and hang on to it. Private sales tend to either be real good deals or they want to get more than new?? I am searching for a paticular S&W 1911 that I've found I can buy new for just about the same used. Depends on what you're looking for.

 

[pernox]

It's a pretty even mix in my collection. Which is kind of strange 'cause I don't like to buy too many things used, like furniture off craigslist...no thanks.

One of the great things about guns is that they don't carry crabs.

I bought a new gun twice - once was my home defense shottie - a Mossberg Maverick 88. The other was a P22 that I got new for the wife to practice shooting with. It was the only affordable .22 in the shop that day that she said felt "right" in her hand. She loves shooting the thing, and I think I've finally figured out how to make it run without jamming every seven rounds or so..