What's in a gun?

[Ain't_the_average_NRA]

Now that I have spent more time with gun folks, its become obvious that a lot people build their collection through the purchase of used and consignment firearms. I was wondering what exactly do you look for when deciding on a purchase? What make one gun better than another in terms of worth (other than the obvious how it feels in your hand, etc).

I always see guys at the gun shows whipping out there little bore lights and "thoroughly" inspecting inside the gun. I always think to myself "does this guy even know what he is looking for". Its like the pervertible kicking of the tires. People do it and most probably don't even know why. Of course a new car is going to have fresh, properly inflated tires. What the heck does that tell you about the car? But digress... Are there sure fire things to look for when purchasing?

 

[Reddbecca]

Now that I have spent more time with gun folks, its become obvious that a lot people build their collection through the purchase of used and consignment firearms. I was wondering what exactly do you look for when deciding on a purchase? What make one gun better than another in terms of worth (other than the obvious how it feels in your hand, etc).

I look over my needs and go from there. First time handgun owner needs something they can use reliably even under stress. They also need something that can be cleaned without having to be broken down into all of its individual components so every speck of dirt is removed, and without a lot of moving parts that they simply don't know about.

I'm a big revolver fan for a number of reasons; strength, durability, reliability, proven effectiveness. My first handgun was a revolver and it hasn't malfunctioned yet.

Right now I'm in the market for a semi-auto though, a 1911 if possible.

I always see guys at the gun shows whipping out there little bore lights and "thoroughly" inspecting inside the gun. I always think to myself "does this guy even know what he is looking for". Its like the pervertible kicking of the tires. People do it and most probably don't even know why. Of course a new car is going to have fresh, properly inflated tires. What the heck does that tell you about the car? But digress... Are there sure fire things to look for when purchasing?

Definitely. You wanna make sure the bore is good and the rifling is strong, you wanna make sure the forcing cone and cylinder lockup on a revolver are all good otherwise you're gonna have problems, and you definitely wanna tell how it feels in your hand, because a heavy gun can be a hinderence for everyday use.

 

[General Geoff]

People check the bore with a light so as to make sure it's not rusted, pitted, or otherwise in bad shape. It just happens that you can't see the bore very well without a bore light of some type.

People who know what to look for usually check the action, manipulate the bolt or op rod or slide (whichever the case may be), and inspect the chamber and operating surfaces for excessive wear, discolouration, or other defects/anomalies.

It really depends on how familiar you are with the gun you're looking at. If you already own one of that make/model, it's a good idea to field strip it right there and inspect all the parts. If you are not that familiar with it, it's a good idea to ask the person selling it to show you how it disassembles, and demonstrate for you, so you can inspect the parts.

 

[Hoppy590]

I always see guys at the gun shows whipping out there little bore lights and "thoroughly" inspecting inside the gun. I always think to myself "does this guy even know what he is looking for".

as one of the guys who does this. no. i have no idea what im looking for beyond bore condition but i think it makes the dealer think i DO know what im looking for. so hopefully they will spare me the "Jesus used that type of rifle to kill the Cylons at Wounded Elbow"

things i do look for
Matching numbers
Condition
Cracks
tool marks
any special markings

i find a good general knowledge of many rifle actions can help too. nothings worse than picking up a rifle and struggleing to get the bolt out. oh. i find the best way to check barrels is to remove the bolt and look down the barrel towards a light source ( bolt actions, semi could be tough)

 

[Cosmoline]

For new firearms it's a pretty simple matter of checking fit and finish. For used firearms, it gets more complex. I look at many things on them. I even smell them, as I've noticed that a firearm with hidden rust has a distinct odor to it. I sometimes smell the stock, as my namesake has a very clear scent even if it's not visible on the surface of the wood. After enough experience with a particular kind of firearm, you can usually tell pretty quickly if you have a good one or a dog. Knowledge of stamps and markings is also important. I've gotten some fantastic deals in the past because I knew more about the markings than the fellow selling the firearm.

 

[Axman]

What's in a gun? Why, ammonishun, of course!

 

[ZeSpectre]

It really depends on how familiar you are with the gun you're looking at. If you already own one of that make/model, it's a good idea to field strip it right there and inspect all the parts.

And the store owner who frowns at you when you do this... indicates that you don't need to shop at that location any more.

In all seriousness though, you are looking for wear, obvious breaks/fractures, mechanical operation. I've found that you can tell a LOT about a revolver by working the action and listening carefully. You should hear nice crisp CLICKS with no grinds, sproings, or other bozo the clown sound effects.

In terms of why I choose a gun, I like guns that "overlap" in terms of function so that if something happens to the ideal tool, I have a backup that will still do the same job. (this is especially true for CCW guns where -God Forbid- if I had to use it I might never get it back and so would have to switch to plan B).

 

[Big Calhoun]

Everyone is different.

I'm a handgun guy. When evaluating, I always start with the grip. If the stock grip is too small or uncomfortable, then I move on. I then like to examine the controls. Want to make sure there is nothing new or funky I might have a hard time augmenting. Finally, I try to get it to the range to get a feel for trigger pull and recoil. Sometimes a test gun isn't always available so in that case, I start begging people on the Internet to give me their impressions if they've used that weapon. Finally, I have to like the aesthetics of it. If I'm going to own the weapon, I want it to be something I'm proud to have and show off.

Now, right now I live in a condo so handguns pretty much would fit into most scenarios I could possibly encounter. With a son on the way and the prospect of moving into a new house next year, my focus will turn to long guns. Same basic thing...fit and feel, controls, feedback, aesthetics.

 

[budney]

[blockquote]
as one of the guys who does this. no. i have no idea what im looking for beyond bore condition but i think it makes the dealer think i DO know what im looking for. so hopefully they will spare me the "Jesus used that type of rifle to kill the Cylons at Wounded Elbow"
[/blockquote]


Of course you realize that what they're really saying is, "You can always tell a boob who doesn't know anything about guns: they always haul out the bore light and stare numbly down the barrel... I think I'll take advantage of him." Sorta like people who kick tires in car lots.

--Len

 

[Old Fuff]

I seldom buy a new gun, particularly new handguns...

The first thing I look for is burred screw heads. These are a sure sign that someone who didn't know what they were doing has been inside - and that often spells trouble.

Finish wear doesn't bother me, but any kind of corrosion indicates neglect, and that may indicate something more serious. Antiques are another story altogether.

If individual parts are numbered (frame, cylinder barrel, slide, etc.) I check to see that they match.

I buy and study research books and shop manuals covering the makes and models of guns I'm interested in buying. Ignorance seldom works in your favor.

Of course I check the condition of bores & chambers. Again antiques are exempt.

I understand the mechanics of whatever I’m interested, and can usually tell when something isn’t right.

If this is a face-to-face buy, I deal with cash – to get the best possible price. When you use plastic it will cost the seller, he he’ll usually find a way to get that back out of you.

If dealing over the Internet I stick to a handful of dealers or individuals that I know are honest and dependable. Their reputation is my protection.

I make a point of knowing what something is worth – and hope the seller doesn’t do the same.

 

[Hoppy590]

i wouldnt be surprised if they look at me like "what a boob". i do it to people at my work ( deli) when they try to act like they know what they are talking about.

oh well. i know what il pay. and i know what i wont. i wont listen to thier BS. so im still in control!

 

[Zero_DgZ]

Q: What's in a gun?

A: Bullets.

Next question!