Would you ever buy a firearm from a pawn shop?

K

Kimio

New member
This I can imagine is a touchy topic. Many would say "don't do it!" simply because you don't know how well the firearm was maintained, and since the pawnshops usually have very limited knowledge about various firearms (if not the complete lack of) you'd have to go in relying completely on your own research.

In the event that you would decide to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop, is there anything else you'd consider while shopping around? The shop in looking into specializes in the sale of pawned firearms and isn't too far from my house. I'm looking at getting into a rather inexpensive Romak 3 to tinker with and to have around as a toy so to speak. They also have a number of other rather affordable rifles that are very appealing.

Any advice would be appreciated. I've done my research on the Romak 3 and several other rifles that they have in stock but I'd like to hear about some other individuals experiences about shopping these less conventional stores.
 
Yeap, if it was what I wantd and the price was what I was willing to pay, I'd buy it in a heart beat.

You can look over the gun and see if its worth buying you know.
 
I've bought quite a few from pawn shops over the years.

If you know what you are looking for, [ or recognize what you're looking at]
know how to judge condition and function,
have an idea of market value [or what you're willing to pay],

A used gun is a used gun regardless of who you buy it from. If you have to rely completely on the seller for information [see above] probably better to spend some time reading asking and learning before you go shopping.

Or shell out the bucks for new with a warrantee. Problem there is some of the best ones aren't made "new" anymore.

Mike J.
 
I have no problem buying from a pawn shop if they will allow me to inspect the gun before buying it.
 
I do it all the time. The best shop in our town (Amarillo) is a pawn shop. David, the owner is very knowledgeable about firearms and so are some of his employees. Actually, he has people that specialize in different stuff like firearms, jewelry, electronics, tools, ect.
 
The problem is that now pawn shops want almost as much as new guns.
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I cant believe what most pawn shops ask for a used gun. I can understand asking close to what a gun cost new, but I have found some local pawn shops that ask more for a beat up used gun than what I could go by the thing for new......:eek:
 
Thanks for the feed back

@Hoytinak does that pawnshop of yours advertise their stock online if not have any auctions on gunbroker or similar firearms auction sites?
 
@Hoytinak does that pawnshop of yours advertise their stock online if not have any auctions on gunbroker or similar firearms auction sites?
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No, they don't and don't do auctions either. You can order new guns through them (they use Davidsons) on their website: www.erwinpawn.com


Around here the pawn shops (with the exception of one) are way less than the actual guns shops.
 
+1 for charging too much. Even gun stores do that. Used bushy's going for $900... Insanity!!

But if they had one I like for a reasonable price...yeah.
 
I buy many of mine from pawn shops and have gotten some amazing deals. In my experience, buying from a pawn shop can be good, selling...not so much. You can ocassionally get a good deal in a trade, but I would never try to outright sell anything there.
 
I cant believe what most pawn shops ask for a used gun. I can understand asking close to what a gun cost new, but I have found some local pawn shops that ask more for a beat up used gun than what I could go by the thing for new
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I guess it's part of the business, but it's disheartening when you see what they offer folks for trade and sale for their firearms. They give themselves lots of wiggle room to come down. Of course they do have to make a profit in order to make payroll and to keep the lights on, but either way- I wont pay sticker price. If they cant come down enough to make me feel like I've won at least a small victory, then somebody else somewhere else will have something they want to sell bad enough.
 
One of the best places to buy firearms near my home is a pawn shop Sooner State Pawn in Oklahoma City. They not only sell used ones but also new ( also use Davidson's ). Bought my Taurus 617 from there and it was in awesome shape. The guys there know their guns and would tell you if it had any issues. Also if you look online there are guides available to tell you if a gun is in good shape. I saved over $100 on my gun (Taurus 617 7 shot .357 $270 OTD ) and as I said it is in awesome shape. My advise is get to know the pawnshop and you can tell if they are there to help or just grab your money.
 
Would you ever buy a firearm from a pawn shop?
Here is something you need to know about how a pawn shop deals:
They get in a lot of JUNK they will never be able to sell so, they
stuff they must sell or try/do sell at NEW RETAIL PRICE.
 
Yes, and I have.

Unfortunately a couple gang-bangers from out of town wanted to take some guns from the same pawn shop, and killed the owner.:(

RIP Ronald Morris.
 
I would tend to agree with both Kraigwy and Big Pard: Most Pawn shops have gotten better at optimizing their prices, through the internet. Conversely, sometimes the shops don't know as much about a particular weapon as you may.

Finally, most Americans are (at best) poor to cr&ppy negotiators. Unless you learn to read the code that many Pawn shops put on their tags, they'll out negotiate you most every time.
 
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