Buying Used, Buying Problems?

I've only bought three guns so far -- one used (S&W Model 60), and two new (Mossberg 500 and Springfield 1911). I haven't had any trouble with any of them. The S&W was on sale at a local gun shop with a sterling reputation (with the BBB and in the gun community), and had originally been sold new by the store, so I wasn't concerned. I've now had it for a year, and the only issues I discovered were that the original owner needed to learn how to clean a revolver (black *ICK* on my hands when I used Hoppes #9 on it) and the adjustable sights were not aligned well (easily fixed with a pair of pliers and a bore sighter).

In general, I wouldn't buy a gun that had been used hard. If it's in good shape, the brand and overall quality are far more important than whether it is new or used.
 
Hmmmm; in the last 35 years, I've own over 100 guns. I bought Springfield armory 1911A1 25 years ago. Still have it. But a saiga .223 rifle new, 4 months ago, still have it. Bought a winchester 94ae 23 years ago, still have it. That's about it. So that leaves more than 97 USED guns that I've bought. Yes, some had issues. "Usually operator error" as many have mentioned here. Nothing that a proper cleaning and lubricating couldn't fix. Some had more serious issues. But those were mechanical in nature, and simply replacing a part like an ejector, spring, pin, etc... would fix that. I've had 2 guns that had some major issues. One had a cracked nose cone on an old S&W revolver. "I should have seen it, but didn't pay good attention". Another had a shot out barrel. Again, I should have noticed it. My bad. Other than that, I almost ALWAYS buy used if possible.
 
Ok, I'm convinced. The only problems I've had were with NIB guns. One a Walther PPK/S and a Kimber Pro Carry II. Both had failure to feed problems. Should've sent the Walther back to the factory but didn't. Sent the Kimber back to the factory and got great service but it still had problems, esp with hollow points. Both were sold. Someone ended up with problems. I keep my guns very clean so that's not the problem. Those prblems were sold, hopefully to someone who could easily fix them.
 
I've had good luck buying used, but it's also true that I only buy used if I'm sure the shop owner will take care of me if there's a problem or if I know enough about the firearm in question that I can personally verify what condition it is by examining it.
 
Almost every one of the nearly 50 handguns I have bought were used. I think I have bought two new handguns--a flawless Para P-14 and a Springfield EMP, which went back to the factory three times, and was actually replaced once.

I have bought "someone else's problem" about six times out of all of those used guns. Four of them were from one manufacturer (Kel-Tec). One was a Rossi .38 Spl (years ago). One was a Charles Daly 1911.

Buying used guns made by a quality manufacturer improves your odds greatly.
 
Yea,I bought some High Standard and H&R trash.

Three hundred bucks worth.

That said,almost every handgun I buy is used.

I've saved three hundred dollars on just one great used gun.

But from now on,I will buy guns made by companies still in business.

That way I can still get them fixed without walking to the Himalaya's on the internet for parts and service.
 
Look at it another way...

Somebody else broke it in. Somebody else had (if they did) trouble with it when new.

I've only bought a few new guns in my entire life. And I have rarely had any problems with used guns, and those I did could be, and were easily fixed.

One used gun I bought, (Stoeger .22 Luger), the salesman told me it jammed. They had shot it on their range, so he knew. I bought it anyway.
Cleaned it, and oiled it, and it worked fine. :D
 
I like new guns but sometimes the used guns are more interesting and may no longer be in production. If I limited myself to new or used my collection wouldn't be nearly as satisfying.
 
I have never purchased a new handgun. It mostly a matter of price and the need of someone else to get cash in a hurry. I have a S&W Model 10-5 in excellent shape that I gave $100 bucks for and a 1928 Colt Detective that was about the same. Both have no problems even though the COLT is 80 yrs old.
I did however get stung on my Glock 19. Not knowing what I was buying. It is important that you do your research. In this case the 19 was presented as being 6 months old. NOT knowing any different and not doing any research before the purchase, I purchased a weapon that was 20 yrs old. I have since had the 19 overhauled with all new internal parts except for the frame and barrel and a few other minor pieces. I am happy with my 19.
But let this be a warning to others CHECK SERIAL NUMBERS and Know what you are buying when buying USED.
Roger G
 
When I buy new its only becaused a used one isn't available, ie new design etc. Many of the used guns I've purchased are no longer made and only available as used, SW 3rd gen, TA90's, CZ 82's but in general I've had very good luck with used.
 
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