Buying Used Expensive vs. New Cheaper Guns

[SeanSw]

Most of the used guns in my area are priced higher than a new one, even after accounting for shipping and FFL fees. I can't tell if the sellers aren't really interested in letting go or they're too lazy to spend 15 seconds googling the price of a new firearm. My last purchased was an inexpensive Taurus TCP and there was no sense in seeking out a used one. Nevermind the transferable warranty, I just wanted to build a history with the firearm.

We have been shopping for ccw revolvers and every day we find them (Practically new, only 15 shots fired, includes 18 rounds ammo, will trade for AR-15, etc....) posted on a myriad of local gun forums or trade boards that are $100-$150 higher than the total cost of purchasing them new online. With a 3 day waiting period in effect for private sales you can't even justify the gotta-have-it-now impulse of buying it in person.

 

[Fiv3r]

I have a healthy mix of new and used guns. Many of the used ones are milsurp pieces. I do have a few new ones that i bought for new-sake. Most of my autoloaders are new since they can be tricky to detect issues with 5 minutes of looking at them at the counter.

However, two of my favorite revolvers were bought used. Both .357 Rugers and both run flawlessly. My newest one, an SP101 was actually on sale for a very good deal at Gander Mountain of all places $350 for a revolver that showed absolutely no wear short of a heavily soot-stained cylinder face.

I took it home and spent 20 minutes with a little barkeeper's friend, and it looks like new. Shoots more accurately (for me) than any pistol in my collection. I love this gun, and if hard pressed, it might be the last gun in my collection that I would part with if need be.

 

[Hokkmike]

Used guns are easy to inspect. They can be field stripped, inspected, reassembled, manipulated, and etc., to see if they are acceptable. In the many guns I have traded or sold back to private individuals and/or gun dealers only one was ever test fired. You have no more assurance with a new vs. used gun as to function except for the manufacturer's guarantee.

As far as buying used high quality vs. new, perhaps, lower quality, I would say two things:

1. Beauty is in the high of the beholder. I know people who think High Points are queens.

2. Spending what you can afford is always a good decision.

For myself, as an example, as good used Norinco AK is to be preferred over a new Romanian AK any day. A used S&W revolver over a Taurus, and etc. But that is just me. I guess, probably like most of us, I would prefer a "better" new gun right from the start - but we $ome of u$ have problem$ with that!

 

[BSA1]

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” – Benjamin Franklin

 

[lobo9er]

^^^^^bsa1 +1

Just want to add High points carry a great reputation and a low price. Thats the combo. Used gun with a good rep or a new gun with low price with a good rep.

 

[benzy2]

I buy as much used as possible, though the price has to reflect that the firearm is used.

I've sold a few in the past that were in as new condition with no issues. Typically it was during a fund crunch and something else was calling my name. A few have sold due to panic pricing, again with no issues. I know there are plenty of reasons to sell a firearm that is gently used and working perfectly.

Of all the firearms I've bought, the new and inexpensive ones have had the most issues. While today's manufacturing has amazing capability, everyone seems to be producing for the cheapest product rather than the best. With that comes mediocre QC and headaches of "Lego" type firearms which aren't always in spec.

I'll take gently used for 1/2-2/3 the new price any day.

 

[gym]

Newer shooters get caught in the hype of the new models. They think that they have to have the latest one or they are missing something. After a couple decades, you become immune to the hype and know what you like more. It's harder to sell an old CZ or 1911 guy ,the latest polymer pistol. They know it isn't going to make them happy.
Same goes with revolver shooters. they aren't as interested in the latest 380 that Glock came out with as much as guys who shoot 380's. Of course there are crossovers, but the longer one shoots the more they are set in what they tend to like.
I look at every gun that comes out, but buy very few. If you get something cheap enough not to get hurt, then it's ok to play.