What to watch for when buying used?

[CindyE]

I'm always on the lookout for a deal. I figured a revolver or shotgun wouldn't be all that tricky to buy used, i'd be a little more cautious of a semi-auto, unless i knew the seller. But recently, I've read of problems (FTF) even with revolvers. I try to research most of the makes/models that interest me, but that surely won't make me an expert! So at a gun show, or buying from a private party, how can i lessen the odds of getting a lemon?

 

[Fullmag]

Get and read the latest edtion of the "Blue book". Good place to start, there are a few models like for example Benelli, the early models are not a good one. It talks about the H&R's just being a "purpose gun" and that's it. With some of the early models not having much value beyond a useful gun.

Google the gun in question you'd be surprised at the forums out there with folks wanting to talk about there interests.

After that condition tells a lot about a gun and its owner. Some models are just lemon to begin with.

Me, I need to get with someone about lock-up and fit for revolvers, more concerned about them than auto's. Just because they say it's good doesn't make it true.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Stick with the better names, and look at overall condition.

 

[opus1776]

Cindy,

Here are two sites that I found that help explain what to look for in a used revolver... HTH.

Revolver Checkout Procedure

The Sixgun Journal - Revolver Buyers Guide



======================================
"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" K. Moss

You can NEVER be too rich or too thin.

Life is not a journey, but a series of unplanned detours...

Perfection: is not a goal---it's a demanded expectation.

 

[sparkyfender]

While shopping for handguns, I personally have come across more used revolvers with issues than I have semi-autos.

 

[CindyE]

Cindy,

Here are two sites that I found that help explain what to look for in a used revolver... HTH.

Revolver Checkout Procedure

The Sixgun Journal - Revolver Buyers Guide



======================================
"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" K. Moss

You can NEVER be too rich or too thin.

Life is not a journey, but a series of unplanned detours...

Perfection: is not a goal---it's a demanded expectation.

Thanks- those are helpful!

 

[Jay]

Buying a used handgun

 

[Shibby575]

Condition, I try talking to the person on the phone ( to alleviate any misunderstanding up front), quality firearms manufacturers. Generally these are big for internet sales and roll over to FTF deals. If you buy the big names usually their CS is awesome and will take care of almost anything with the exception of negligent abuse. So you can pretty much buy worry free short of the condition that the weapon was kept it. I try to see if there is any surface corrosion, and bore condition, and if you can find out the round count. These are all good indicators of the way it has been kept up.

 

[Walt_Jabsco]

Yeah, like a couple of people have said, I'd be a lot more paranoid about buying a used revolver than a semi-auto.

If the timing is far enough off on a revolver, you could blow yourself up. Worst case with a semi auto you get misfeeds.

 

[jim7310]

There is no substitute for test firing if at all possible. Obviously not practical at a gun show, but defiantly possible with a private sale. If I am going to invest hundreds of dollars in purchasing a gun from a private seller I don't know (or even do know!), I consider the cost of an hour of indoor range time to be cheap insurance. If a serious buyer asked me to meet him at a range near my house so he could test fire - would have no problems with it. One shop I used to buy from in MN had a 50 yd range behind the shop so buyers could test fire used guns. Not practical for all sales, but when possible....

 

[rgarner74]

Do people really come across bad guns????
How about dry firing? will this help answer some questions, is dry firing reqlly that bad onthe firing pin?

 

[Jay]

Do people really come across bad guns????
How about dry firing? will this help answer some questions, is dry firing reqlly that bad onthe firing pin?

I'm of the opinion it can be very bad on the firing pin, and it can be bad on the breech face of rimfire firearms. Some will say it doesn't hurt, but for a couple of dollars why risk an expensive gun?

Whatever works for ya

 

[Chance]

Timing

Make sure that the gun's timing is not off. On a revolver the cylinder must lock up before the hammer falls, on a lever rifle if the timing is off it will not lift the next shell from the magazine to the chamber.

 

[sharpetop]

Also be aware that some gun manufacturers have rebates or include accessories, etc. on new guns. You don't want to buy a used gun and could buy the same gun new for the same price including a rebate. My .02!