How do you feel about pawn shops?
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Robert Hairless
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XavierBreath: magisterial and almost majestic. <Applause.>
blackcash88
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Glad to see you like your junk from shady people. 
JeepGeeek
member
no problem whatsoever with them. I've bought several arms from the local shops. In fact, my Marlin 336 was bought at one, as was my 303 Brit sportster and a shotgun and several pistols...
Drgong
Member
Will tell you a little something about my pawn shop experince.
Out of college, looking for a job, and I was DEAD broke, could not afford gas in my car, and this was the days a few years ago when it was $1.00 a gallon. I enjoyed playing music and had a old Bass that I did not play anymore, so I went to the Pawn shop, let them look it over, and after filling out some forms and getting my Photo ID photocopied, I sold it for $125, and this kept me alive long enough to get a job interview and a job. It is a MUCH better system then payday loans and other small loan systems, and if you think the NICS system is tough, wait till you see what a pawnshop paperwork is. Theives do not pawn stuff, they ebay or crieg list it, as pawnbrokers do not want to handle stolen goods as it means they lost a ton of money. In NC they have to hold any goods, including goods sold outright to them for a number of days (30 or 90 days forget which) so the police can check to see if it is "hot".
Out of college, looking for a job, and I was DEAD broke, could not afford gas in my car, and this was the days a few years ago when it was $1.00 a gallon. I enjoyed playing music and had a old Bass that I did not play anymore, so I went to the Pawn shop, let them look it over, and after filling out some forms and getting my Photo ID photocopied, I sold it for $125, and this kept me alive long enough to get a job interview and a job. It is a MUCH better system then payday loans and other small loan systems, and if you think the NICS system is tough, wait till you see what a pawnshop paperwork is. Theives do not pawn stuff, they ebay or crieg list it, as pawnbrokers do not want to handle stolen goods as it means they lost a ton of money. In NC they have to hold any goods, including goods sold outright to them for a number of days (30 or 90 days forget which) so the police can check to see if it is "hot".
aka108
Member
I've seen some great firearms and some junkers in pawn shops. Generally the asking price is high but very negotiable. If you can't strike a deal on something you might want you can always walk out the door. Like buying anything, you need to have knowledge of what you want to buy and what a fair value is. If you go in fat, dumb and happy you'll probably pay more than you should have.
I do not care to patronize pawnshops, for certain ethical reasons and also because they rarely have good merchandise at a good price, it's not exactly a bargain fair.
I have made one gun purchase via a pawnshop, it so happened that when I found the US&S 1911-A1 I wanted, the seller was a local pawn store so I went down there and bought out the auction at an admittedly high end price. However it was a case of "I really want this and I'll play hell finding another one all original" so I sucked it up and wrote the check, but that's my exception rather than my rule.
I have made one gun purchase via a pawnshop, it so happened that when I found the US&S 1911-A1 I wanted, the seller was a local pawn store so I went down there and bought out the auction at an admittedly high end price. However it was a case of "I really want this and I'll play hell finding another one all original" so I sucked it up and wrote the check, but that's my exception rather than my rule.
orvpark
Member
I've bought several guns from pawn shops and many many more from the local "Gun Shop" that happens to pawn (guns only).
I don't consider myself a bargainer by any means, but every single time I have made a reasonable offer it has been accepted. A few of my "pawn" shop buys:
Mossberg 500A $100
M1 Carbine $300
Ruger p944 $300
Marlin M60 $60
IJ .22 revolver $75
Colt .25 mouse gun $100
S&W .38 Police Special $225
I've seen plenty of $150 NEF single shot's, $800 AK's and $400 SKS's too though Don't be a jerk, just make them an offer and be willing to say no thanks if they counter too high. Always negotiate "out the door", "I'll give you $300 out the door" so they don't get you a good price then stick you for tax
I've been known to call home and have my wife look something up on gun broker for me to check the "street" value on something.
I don't consider myself a bargainer by any means, but every single time I have made a reasonable offer it has been accepted. A few of my "pawn" shop buys:
Mossberg 500A $100
M1 Carbine $300
Ruger p944 $300
Marlin M60 $60
IJ .22 revolver $75
Colt .25 mouse gun $100
S&W .38 Police Special $225
I've seen plenty of $150 NEF single shot's, $800 AK's and $400 SKS's too though
Don't be a jerk, just make them an offer and be willing to say no thanks if they counter too high. Always negotiate "out the door", "I'll give you $300 out the door" so they don't get you a good price then stick you for taxI've been known to call home and have my wife look something up on gun broker for me to check the "street" value on something.
weisse52
Member
Sorry,
But for those who have shared that they stay away from pawn shops for ethical reasons, they promote stealing, they are crooks, etc.
Other than hearsay, rumor, and 1940 black and white movies, what supports your logic? I can understand that some are overpriced and dirty and I agree, stay away.
Several people have shared the steps that most, if not all cities go through to make sure stolen merchandise is not sold. I am sure some gets past, but as someone else stated this stuff is being sold on-line or even second hand sports stores (first hand experience).
While I have been accused on another post of beating a dead horse, I like it when I hear first-hand accounts. This allows intelligent people to make an informed decision. And I hope we have intelligent people on THR!
But for those who have shared that they stay away from pawn shops for ethical reasons, they promote stealing, they are crooks, etc.
Other than hearsay, rumor, and 1940 black and white movies, what supports your logic? I can understand that some are overpriced and dirty and I agree, stay away.
Several people have shared the steps that most, if not all cities go through to make sure stolen merchandise is not sold. I am sure some gets past, but as someone else stated this stuff is being sold on-line or even second hand sports stores (first hand experience).
While I have been accused on another post of beating a dead horse, I like it when I hear first-hand accounts. This allows intelligent people to make an informed decision. And I hope we have intelligent people on THR!
"I was surprised to learn how many hunters pawn their favorite rifles in the off season for safe keeping. In August, they pay off the remainder of the loan, take the rifle out of pawn, and go hunting. If it is burned, damaged, or whatever, the pawnbroker's insurance covers it, not the owner's homeowner's insurance. I know construction workers and contractors that do the same with their tools in the off season. "
I don't know where you heard that but if people are really doing that, they are idiots. Most pawn shops around here charge at least 20% interest per month so these Einstein's would be much better off just selling the gun and buying a new one next season.
I bought a small outboard from a couple several years ago. They had paid $1100 for it 6 months earlier. I gave them $550 for it and had to go get it out of pawn for them. The pawnbroker was pissed because he thought he was about to get it for the $200 he had given them for it a month earlier. He even tried to tell me it was froze up.
I gave the pawnshop $250 ($50 for the use of $200 for 30 days = 300% interest) and I gave the couple another $300. I got a great deal but they got $300 more than they would have if I hadn't come along.
In 25 years of stopping by pawnshops ocassionally , I've bought two things - a chainsaw and a Remington 1100. Other than those two things, everything I've seen is either junk, over-priced or both.
I don't know where you heard that but if people are really doing that, they are idiots. Most pawn shops around here charge at least 20% interest per month so these Einstein's would be much better off just selling the gun and buying a new one next season.
I bought a small outboard from a couple several years ago. They had paid $1100 for it 6 months earlier. I gave them $550 for it and had to go get it out of pawn for them. The pawnbroker was pissed because he thought he was about to get it for the $200 he had given them for it a month earlier. He even tried to tell me it was froze up.
I gave the pawnshop $250 ($50 for the use of $200 for 30 days = 300% interest) and I gave the couple another $300. I got a great deal but they got $300 more than they would have if I hadn't come along.
In 25 years of stopping by pawnshops ocassionally , I've bought two things - a chainsaw and a Remington 1100. Other than those two things, everything I've seen is either junk, over-priced or both.
I personally know a couple of former heroin addicts. They would go to a retail store, like Home Depot, pick up something like a new saw, and bolt out the door with it. They'd then head for the nearest pawnshop, unwrap the item in their car, and take it inside and pawn it for a "loan".
The pawnbrokers KNEW these were drug addicts and these things were stolen, it's obvious when something is brand spanking new, yet they'd give them cash every time. That's why I consider them to be unethical scum.
The pawnbrokers KNEW these were drug addicts and these things were stolen, it's obvious when something is brand spanking new, yet they'd give them cash every time. That's why I consider them to be unethical scum.
The ones around northern Virginia (out to Manassas) seem to price things barely below new retail.
I guess they are looking for a sucker.
I used to look for used tools, but got tired of things like a sawzall with s stripped out blade clamp in the shaft for $80.
The part was $30 to replace, and even a helicoil kit runs $30.
New sawzalls at the time ran $130.
The couple with FFLs seemed to have the same kind of fantasy prices, and even with a wad of cash in hand would not bargain.
Every 1911 was "rare" or "scarce" and worth $800 no matter how bad the condition.
I guess they are looking for a sucker.
I used to look for used tools, but got tired of things like a sawzall with s stripped out blade clamp in the shaft for $80.
The part was $30 to replace, and even a helicoil kit runs $30.
New sawzalls at the time ran $130.
The couple with FFLs seemed to have the same kind of fantasy prices, and even with a wad of cash in hand would not bargain.
Every 1911 was "rare" or "scarce" and worth $800 no matter how bad the condition.
putteral
Member
They are great for transfers. Mine charges $25. Once in a while I find a good deal on a used hangun.
How about twice in the last 5 years finding tools that were stolen from me/ job sites at pawn shops...
How did I know they were mine? They had my initials, and my CL number ingraved on them is a places that most people would not check. The last time I even had a envoice with the serail number on the tool with me. still took almost a year to get it back.
CountGlockula
Member
Stay away from them, most don't keep track of new gun laws.
I'd rather purchase my guns from a knowledgeable vendor.
I'd rather purchase my guns from a knowledgeable vendor.
blackcash88
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- Mar 30, 2008
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They don't? Aren't they FFLs and subject to all the the same scrutiny and inspections/paperwork as a "real" gun shop? The BATFE will come down on them just as hard as any other FFL so it's still in their best interest to know what they can and cannot legally sell/transfer. Sorry, I ain't buying your assessment.
MrAnteater
Member
The spectrum of pawn shops is vast. You have to judge each on it's own merits.
Some are laughable in their prices. Others will offer deals. I've found a few good pawn shop deals and will occasionally look.
Some are laughable in their prices. Others will offer deals. I've found a few good pawn shop deals and will occasionally look.
theotherwaldo
Member
Roughly a third of my firearm purchases are from pawn shops. Their prices are almost always too high or too low, 'cause they rarely know what they have. They usually focus entirely on "shiny". If you're looking for milsurps, ordinary shooters, beaters, builders, and all the rest of the fun guns, pawn shops are your friends.
If you're looking for "shiny", go buy new.
If you're looking for "shiny", go buy new.
I buy quite a few at pawn shops. You have to be better informed than the guy at the shop or you'll get stuck, but I've gotten some nice guns. I'm currently fighting with myself over a beautiful 1903A3 Springfield at one. $650 is a great price in this kind of condition, but is still a lot of money for me right now for a rifle I don't really have a great need for. It's still beautiful and would make a marvelous partner for my 1917. Same shop has an un-issued No4Mk1 in 303 British for $400. I could so blow a grand here.
John
John
JeepGeeek
member
where do you live, John??
351 WINCHESTER
Member
I used to look for guns at pawn shops, but have since quit.
My neighbor is a store manager for a chain of pawn shops. He's always telling me of the "idiots" that bring in their stuff to pawn. He really takes advantage of them and gives them very little for what they pawn and sells it for a huge profit. He makes ton's of $$$ and makes fun at their misfortune. He used to sell cars for a living.
I was brought up to be fair and just in all my dealings and while I'm not a rich person I have no trouble sleeping at night.
I would rather support my local gun shop as much as I can. Besides, I've never seen a decent rifle at any pawn shop. Most were just overpriced junk imho.
My neighbor is a store manager for a chain of pawn shops. He's always telling me of the "idiots" that bring in their stuff to pawn. He really takes advantage of them and gives them very little for what they pawn and sells it for a huge profit. He makes ton's of $$$ and makes fun at their misfortune. He used to sell cars for a living.
I was brought up to be fair and just in all my dealings and while I'm not a rich person I have no trouble sleeping at night.
I would rather support my local gun shop as much as I can. Besides, I've never seen a decent rifle at any pawn shop. Most were just overpriced junk imho.
gidaeon
Member
My first gun was from a pawn shop, a police trade in I'm pretty certain. I would approach with (extra) caution. Generally, my better half is uncomfortable around such shops or the part of town they are typically near so I've seldom been in them. I have mixed feelings about the nature\environment of it. I'm all for a good deal but hate to see people use them irresponsibly. It'd be nice to be in one that felt a little more 'tidy and clean' if that makes sense? I feel like while a few bargains are to be had the rest if either junk, over priced or smells like smoke which sorry, but for my sensitive self, just gives me a headache.
All in all its kind of like garage sales.. you visit 25-50 to find one good one?
All in all its kind of like garage sales.. you visit 25-50 to find one good one?
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