Determining the quality of a used gun

[handgunchick]

I'm going to a gun show today, and I plan on buying a Ruger .22 pistol, if I find one that's a decent price. I might get a used one, depending on how expensive new ones are. Whether I get a new one or not, I know I will eventually buy a used gun. How do I know if a used gun I purchase hasn't been run into the ground already? I'm sure dry firing helps a person detect a lot of problems, but are there malfunctions that dry firing can't demonstrate? Besides, a lot of those gun dealers won't let you dry fire their guns. If they won't let you do that, how do you determine if their gun is worth buying? Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[WESHOOT2]

mystery with its history

I buy used guns by desire.

I buy it.
I try it.
If I like it I spend more enhancing it.
If I don't like it I sell it (at a loss).

For less potential brain damage I pay more and buy new; you?

 

[PIGMAN]

I agree buy a new .22. Certain firearms are a bargin used but since .22 ammo is cheap often times a used gun has had lots of rounds fired thru it.Same situation with AK,AR and Mini 14.

If you do find a gun you like at a bargin price examine it carefully for wear.

 

[Sport45]

If the seller allows you to dry fire a .22lr handgun you should pass on it since he probably dowes the same. (Generally not a good idea with rimfires.)

There's a used revolver check-out sticky at teh top of the revolver forum. It's good for those. If you're looking at an autoloader, check for bright, worn areas. Pull the bolt back and see if it moves smoothly and doesn't feel gritty. There may be a button on the side of the magazine(s) to depress the follower while loading. Compress the mag spring and slowly release it, again checking for smooth, free operation.

Ask about a return policy.

 

[govmule84]

If it was a .22 I was after, I would want to see it clean. Some folks never clean their .22s, or clean them infrequently, and that rubs me the wrong way. I feel like it's indicative of how the gun gets treated on the whole. I am sure I'll get blasted later in this thread for this, but folks who are meticulous about cleaning are usually folks who are meticulous about everything.

Second, check the breechface where the firing pin contacts the rim of the cartridge. If it is peened at all there, you can be sure it took one hell of a walloping everytime the guy dry-fired it.

Lastly, if you really are only looking for a Ruger .22, even if you buy a lemony one, they take good care of folks. Even if you are not the original owner or maybe broke something yourself, I have always heard they step in and make it right. They did for me years ago on one of my .22 pistols.

Have fun!
-L.

 

[gwnorth]

For any used gun you may be considering, familiarize yourself with the make and model beforehand from online resources (e.g. manuals, youtube video's of field stripping and so forth). If the seller will let you, field strip to inspect it, or ask them to do it for you. The bottom line is know the gun beforehand, and inspect it thoroughly, you can usually spot any major problems.

I've bought lots of used guns (revolers and autoloaders) and they have all been fine (most I still own). The one time I neglected to completely check out a pistol it did have a problem. It was a Colt series 80 1911, and it turned out it had a broken firing pin plunger lever (likely sheared off by the previous owner by extremely aggressive re-assembly of the slide onto the frame). However, had I simply done what I neglected (and normally do) I would have spotted it - drop a pencil down the barrel, eraser end first, and dry fire it (it should launch the pencil several feet out of the barrel - this one could not do that). Still, it was a $4 part and simple to fix, so still a good deal since otherwise the pistol was in superb condition despite being 15-20 years old.

Of course, you cannot check firing sequence function like that in a rimfire, but you can do things like check the firing pin for peening (happens from dry firing most rimfires).

 

[Buzzcook]

Rust free, clean, and the action functions. Ruger Mk are like a little AK-47 they keep working after lots of abuse.

 

[orionengnr]

I have never bought a new .22, pistol, revolver or rifle. IMHO, it is possible to damage a .22 through neglect or abuse, but it is about impossible to "wear out" a .22...and I've been trying.

I have owned two MKIIs and a MKIII, all bought used, and still have both MKIIs. I never go to the range without at least one of them.

The S&W M18 I bought about four-five years back was built in 1972. Looks darn near as good as it did when it was built.

My Marlin M-60...I've had it since 1982. Had a couple bolt action Remingtons that were made in the 40s/50s. Wife has had her 10/22 for at least six/seven years now.

Not saying it's impossible to buy a bad MKII, but aside from damage caused by dry-firing (easy to spot) unless it's been used as a hammer, they are pretty bulletproof.

This one is more geared towards 1911s and revolvers, but it's a good read. http://www.gundigest.com/gun-digest-exclusive-feature
Take a knowledgeable friend along, go to the gun show, have him/her give you some pointers on what to look for. Soon you will be a seasoned and smart shopper.