Scooter22
Member
80% of the guns I buy haven't been made in 50 years or more.
When buying, new or used?
- Thread starter larryh1108
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Blue Brick
Member
Used….They doesn’t make what I like anymore.
JTHunter
Member
Of 7 handguns (one no longer functional), 2 were bought new, 1 bought used, 3 inherited.
Of 7 long guns (5 rifles - 2 shotguns), only 2 were bought used. The rest were new.
Of 7 long guns (5 rifles - 2 shotguns), only 2 were bought used. The rest were new.
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larryh1108
Member
All things considered, it looks like a solid 50/50 for new versus used when buying a gun for this crowd. This shows new gun sales are still strong, IMO. That's good for the industry, as a whole, and should keep the makers happy while they produce their products.
mgmorden
Member
I generally buy used when I can. Preferably LE or military surplus. A new gun is a used gun as soon as you take it home, so I don't worry about it. It lets me own a lot of guns (and a lot MORE guns) than I otherwise wouldn't be able to. Still, I do still do buy new guns too.
Typically if I want something very specific and can't find it used (or if the used ones are selling for the same as new), I'll buy it new. Used purchases are a mix of those as well as a lot of impulse purchases. Even a gun I didn't really intend to buy I'll pickup if I find it used for a particularly good deal.
Typically if I want something very specific and can't find it used (or if the used ones are selling for the same as new), I'll buy it new. Used purchases are a mix of those as well as a lot of impulse purchases. Even a gun I didn't really intend to buy I'll pickup if I find it used for a particularly good deal.
Bobson
Member
I voted mainly new. To date, I've never bought a used gun, but I'm not opposed to it. In fact, there are a few guns on my wish list that I will only consider buying used; pre-1985 and pre-1964, respectively. I might never buy both of these guns, but I'll definitely buy at least one or the other at some point.
guitarguy314
Member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2011
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- 302
I'd like to buy more new guns, but they don't make the guns I want (like I want them) anymore.
I buy mainly new. Once I've made up my mind that there is a gun I want I start looking around for it. If I could find anything used at a reasonable price I would buy it. The messed up thing is it seems like people want new prices for used stuff. Now if I can get a good savings by buying used I'm not above.
SC Shooter
Member
For me it's a mixed bag. Recently I have purchased a couple of good quality deer rifles whose walnut stocks were pretty beat up. I bought them cheap, tore them down and refinished the stocks with a lot of hand rubbing and now I have two pretty expensive rifles that will fetch a good price. On the other hand, I purchased a new Sig P-938 that felt great in my hand and it was love at first sight.
tubeshooter
Contributing Member
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- Aug 15, 2006
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- 2,149
I would have to say mainly new. Generally if it is available new and there are no current-day quality issues then that's what I prefer.
I have bought brand new and had problems out of the box. I have also bought used and had something that was either unable/unworth repairing. I have bought some real gems used. So I've seen it from every side.
I've generally had better luck new. I recently bought an SKS that was still in the cosmo, and I considered that "new"... as "new" as you are going to get for an SKS. You get better at knowing what to look for and at buying used over time.
I have bought brand new and had problems out of the box. I have also bought used and had something that was either unable/unworth repairing. I have bought some real gems used. So I've seen it from every side.
I've generally had better luck new. I recently bought an SKS that was still in the cosmo, and I considered that "new"... as "new" as you are going to get for an SKS. You get better at knowing what to look for and at buying used over time.
BigBL87
Member
So far every gun I've bought or will be buying shortly has been new. I have no aversion to buying used, its just that every gun I've bought I couldn't find any used ones that were much less than brand new.
the problem is, buying used o rnew is purely situational. most of the entitities selling guns will not let you test fire a gun before you take legal possession. and many will not take returns.
sure id really like to buy 3 or 4 95% condition used revolvers, but "no return" and no factory warranty really kills the deal in my opinion.
a smudge of lead on the forcing cone may mean the previous owner didnt understand cleaning. a rough trigger can mean the same thing. or it can mean a 4-600 dollar repair bill.
sure id really like to buy 3 or 4 95% condition used revolvers, but "no return" and no factory warranty really kills the deal in my opinion.
a smudge of lead on the forcing cone may mean the previous owner didnt understand cleaning. a rough trigger can mean the same thing. or it can mean a 4-600 dollar repair bill.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Mostly used.
I think many people have an unfounded aversion to used guns strictly because they don't know how to shop for them. The perception is that buying new is safer. Fact is, every firearm you buy should be scrutinized in the same way, new or used.
I think many people have an unfounded aversion to used guns strictly because they don't know how to shop for them. The perception is that buying new is safer. Fact is, every firearm you buy should be scrutinized in the same way, new or used.
Kevin Rohrer
Member
There should have been a choice that said, "I have no preference".
Used handguns are differrent in that many are purchased, but not used. This may seem strange to some, but the fact is that many that are bought "for protection" get stuck in a drawer and sit there for decades. Eventually the owner decides to sell, or passes away and his/her estate does. For all practical purpose the gun is still new, but it may not be priced that way.
Then you have those that are finish worn from being carried, but hardly fired. Many law enforcement trade-in's fit this description, and are often found at attractive prices.
And CraigC is correct in saying buying new does not necessarily mean it's right. This forum has seen plenty of threads about problems with guns that are still in the box and have just been brought home.
Last but not least, a sound used gun can make an excellent platform on which to make a custom build you might have in mind.
Then you have those that are finish worn from being carried, but hardly fired. Many law enforcement trade-in's fit this description, and are often found at attractive prices.
And CraigC is correct in saying buying new does not necessarily mean it's right. This forum has seen plenty of threads about problems with guns that are still in the box and have just been brought home.
Last but not least, a sound used gun can make an excellent platform on which to make a custom build you might have in mind.
true, you can get perfect guns used. but you can get absolute crap on the used market. ive personally held used handguns at little gun stores that were unsafe to use.
think how hard it would be to wear out something robust like a suber blackhawk. and then hold one with a stretched frame.
ive seen posts were someone bought a 50 year old gun that was gritty and merely needed to spray the insides out with 2 cans of clp and get factory new gun.
but ive seen good number of posts were someone had issues with a gun, and when the factory said nothing was wrong since they found nothing wrong, selling it off.
think how hard it would be to wear out something robust like a suber blackhawk. and then hold one with a stretched frame.
ive seen posts were someone bought a 50 year old gun that was gritty and merely needed to spray the insides out with 2 cans of clp and get factory new gun.
but ive seen good number of posts were someone had issues with a gun, and when the factory said nothing was wrong since they found nothing wrong, selling it off.
Buying new or used is a matter of individual choice. Both can and do entail risk. Both require good judgment and due caution.
I have over a large number of decades had what some would call extraordinary success. I have also rejected a fair number of possible purchases when nothing more then a visual inspection told me to look elsewhere. Over this time period my buying habits and procedures have resulted in owning substantially more guns then would have been the case if I had bought everything brand new. Looking backwards I am well satisfied that what I did (and am still doing) was right – at least for me.
Clearly others will have to decide for themselves. But if they avoid the used selections I will be delighted. Less competition works to my advantage.
I have over a large number of decades had what some would call extraordinary success. I have also rejected a fair number of possible purchases when nothing more then a visual inspection told me to look elsewhere. Over this time period my buying habits and procedures have resulted in owning substantially more guns then would have been the case if I had bought everything brand new. Looking backwards I am well satisfied that what I did (and am still doing) was right – at least for me.
Clearly others will have to decide for themselves. But if they avoid the used selections I will be delighted. Less competition works to my advantage.
we are not amused
Member
Looking at what I own, I must admit that I buy mostly used, and that is how I voted.
I just tend to like old guns, and in the past, used guns were quite a bit cheaper than new.
My old guns like the 45-70 trapdoor Springfield, the 30-40 Krags, '03 Springfield, CZ-52's, C 96 Mauser and the guns I inherited are all only obtainable used, The rest were available new or used, and I bought them more on a basis of what was available at the time. My used Kel-Tec .380 was purchased because it was a lot cheaper used than the Ruger LCP I was going to buy new. My stainless steel Mini-14 was purchased used from a private sale at a gun show, because it was the same price as the blue steel mini-14 new from a dealer, and it included a nice scope and several extra mags, including 30 round mags. I have purchased several new guns over the years, and will in the future, but it depends on what I want, and what is available at the time.
I just tend to like old guns, and in the past, used guns were quite a bit cheaper than new.
My old guns like the 45-70 trapdoor Springfield, the 30-40 Krags, '03 Springfield, CZ-52's, C 96 Mauser and the guns I inherited are all only obtainable used, The rest were available new or used, and I bought them more on a basis of what was available at the time. My used Kel-Tec .380 was purchased because it was a lot cheaper used than the Ruger LCP I was going to buy new. My stainless steel Mini-14 was purchased used from a private sale at a gun show, because it was the same price as the blue steel mini-14 new from a dealer, and it included a nice scope and several extra mags, including 30 round mags. I have purchased several new guns over the years, and will in the future, but it depends on what I want, and what is available at the time.
problem is, on the used market there are many inconsistencies that appear to be 'below the board".
examples
1. on certain online sites, the very low priced items, remain as 'sale pending upon transfer of monies" for MONTHS at a time. theres a really beautiful model 10 for 350 thats been in that zombie status for 5 months now.
2. alot of dealers refuse contact on lower priced things. some wouldnt talk to me in regards to the under 400$ guns, but ask one question about a brand new 800 dollar 66-8, and they call you twice a day for a week.
I really cant say used is better, or new is better. Its upon what you can do.
sure you can get replacement parts, generic parts, for smith andwesson revolvers online. however, not many people can put a new hand in, or cylinder stop, etc and make the gun work.
something simple like the screws used on the adjustable rear sight changed by decade. Really want to pay 80 bucks for that screw because you had to get the one dash number that couldnt use the 2 dollar screw all the other versions take?
examples
1. on certain online sites, the very low priced items, remain as 'sale pending upon transfer of monies" for MONTHS at a time. theres a really beautiful model 10 for 350 thats been in that zombie status for 5 months now.
2. alot of dealers refuse contact on lower priced things. some wouldnt talk to me in regards to the under 400$ guns, but ask one question about a brand new 800 dollar 66-8, and they call you twice a day for a week.
I really cant say used is better, or new is better. Its upon what you can do.
sure you can get replacement parts, generic parts, for smith andwesson revolvers online. however, not many people can put a new hand in, or cylinder stop, etc and make the gun work.
something simple like the screws used on the adjustable rear sight changed by decade. Really want to pay 80 bucks for that screw because you had to get the one dash number that couldnt use the 2 dollar screw all the other versions take?
Sauer Grapes
Member
Handguns are about 50\50. Long guns are mostly used. I like somewhat expensive shotguns, so used is the only way to go for me.
I'd much rather buy used if I can find what I'm looking for at a reasonable price.
I'd much rather buy used if I can find what I'm looking for at a reasonable price.
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