Do you buy mostly new or mostly used?

[Jedhed]

About 50/50

of the new, there's one I'm thinking of selling (but I know I won't) and of the used; I've got one that had a bunch of rust spots that I didn't see when I bought it (it was FTF outside at night) to a pistol that was 15+ years old well worn and absolutely spotless.

 

[JuergenG]

Almost 100% used - they don't make them original K98k and Lugers anymore.

 

[Tim94gt]

I have only bought 1 new gun, the rest are used. I prefer used guns because they are cheaper. I have had great luck in the classifieds here on NES and everyone I have met has been honest and fair in on the price and condition of the gun.

 

[jpdopes]

95% of my guns were bought used. Most guns are well cared for and shot little so there's an abundance of quality used guns out there.

 

[Sprocket]

It really depends on what you are buying - I don't evaluate a revolver the same way I evaluate a sxs shotgun...
Autos are very different from single shot/bolt guns - rifles are very different from shotguns, etc.

I'm not a kn9ght who says "Search" but I suggest you figure out what type and then which specific gun you'd like to buy first - then lear what you can about that make/model - 1911 handguns for instance need an encyclopedia unto themselves. Single shot bolt 22LR's are a touch more simple

keep asking questions and you'll keep getting advice - good luck in your search and if you're on the road to Rifleman, PM me for specific help with that endeavor

 

[tuna]

Used - they don't make them like they used to. Even when they try, like the S&W Classic series, they don't do it the same - they get the colors right (blue steel and wood, please), but they still add in the modern anti-lawyer features.

Then you've got to break in a new gun - not sure if "needing" to shoot more is necessarily a bad thing, but there's a certain smoothness in a 20 or 30 year old revolver that you just can't get out of a new one right out of the box.

Besides, I'm cheap.

 

[vellnueve]

Doesn't matter one way or the other to me. If I see a gun I really want and have the available disposable income, I'll buy it new or used.

 

[MARINE96]

I buy a mix of both new and used. Much of my buying hinges on what type of firearm I want and the caliber I'm looking for. Some of the odd balls that catch my eye are not available in new production.

 

[0sportsman0]

-If its a good deal I buy new.
-If its a good deal I buy used.

 

[btnh6668]

Since i am a very paranoid person i usually buy new. I treat all of my possessions like they are worth millions so all of my stuff is like brand new. I have a pair of pants Ive owned for 10 years i use all the time and you would think i bought it yesterday. Although i bought a used hand gun from a fellow member here and was very pleased with the purchase.

 

[TonyDedo]

Guns & cars, always bought used. Value, performance, and availability is all better in the second hand market. In fact, when it comes to revolvers, I'd prefer a used gun even if it costs me more - I'd take my 20 year old 686 over anything in the case at Four Seasons.

Of course, I made some mistakes early on when buying guns, as I'm sure we all have. But used guns hold their value well, so it's pretty easy to unload a bad purchase without getting hurt too badly. The most I've lost on a gun was $100. Now I'm pretty confident I know what to look for and can spot a good deal from a bad one.