New or Used? gun buying

Whats up fellas! Hope everyone is well...have a question to ask those who own a hand gun...would you buy a used pistol one or a brand new one ??? Wife n i took handgun class 101 for her..she wants to get her chl as do i.. lately been looking over the web at gun sites especially texasguntrader.com and gunbroker.com few i like... but what do you look for when getting a used one??? Im all new to this or jus pay full price for a new one??? Any info greatly appreciated

 

My first handgun I wanted new. So I rented a bunch of different brands and calibers until I knew which one I wanted. Then bought it new. Have bought a few more new and used since but my first is still my favorite and am glad it hasn't been groped by a bunch of different people.

 

As long as it's been properly tested and cleaned, I don't think it really matters.

BUT the first one, I'd want to be new....just me though LOL Just be sure you know which one fits you. Like @buttmonkey said, rent a bunch of different ones and calibers to see which works and feels best for you and the missus.

Good luck buddy!

 

I would buy new unless you knew the history of and who you were buying a gun from. I would also highly recommend that you do what @joonbug says as well about renting and checking out as many as you can. Most gun ranges have rentals as well as ammo for them. I would be more likely to buy a used revolver than an automatic, (less moving parts & less chance that somthing can go wrong). Lots of choices out there, but what will be the main use for this weapon? If you want to Conceal Carry, need to think about size and how you will carry, do you want full size or compact, almost as much fun as shopping for a truck

 

I would be a little bit weary of buying used at first....now this is not to say used guns are bad but sometimes just like with vehicles you never know what your getting into with a used one. My first handgun was a Kimber Custom 2 and it was used. I love that pistol. To this day its still the one i shoot the best. To try and shorten this post to less then a novel since the Kimber i have purchased some new pistols as well. Both Sigs one a P226 MK25 and a P938. About a year and a half ago I started having problems with my Kimber and extracting the casings. I read more 1911 forums then threads i have read on here and did just about everything recommended. I ordered a new spring, tore the firing block apart and nothing seemed to help for more then about 5 rounds.

Now for the important part of what you should look at with used guns.....After about a year I finally decided to call Kimber directly. Gave them the serial number and told them i bought it used. The lady told me the gun was made in 2006 and had never been registered or returned for any type of work. This phone call happened last Aug. Since the time it was made Kimber changed from an internal extractor to an external or the other way around... I can't remember which way it goes and that part isn't too important what is important is that they paid for me to return them the pistol and said they would fix it. About a month later I got a call and she said it was done. They built a brand new slide, cleaned the entire pistol and test fired it and everything was good and she was letting me know they were shipping it back to me and all for $0. So a pistol that was almost 11 years out of warranty was getting fixed because they stand behind their products.

Moral of the story look at the manufacturer of the firearms you like and see what their history is of standing behind their products.
Good luck with the search!!

 

Never had a kimber.

Thinking of getting a S&W 45ACP for my daily carry.

Gonna have to see how glocks feel though. I'm a fan of reliability.

 

Got a 9 and a 22 for the doc. Really want to add a 45....

Nah I wouldn't want to pony up a grand either!

 

Slide going all the way forward? Wife has a Kimber Micro that had that issue...may still have it. We have only shot it once and i was going to chalk that up to missing some assembly lube somewhere.

 

Don't worry about buying used. Look for a shiny bore with good rifling and function test before you buy. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the buyer.

I absolutely as gree with others that you should try as many options as possible out before committing. Don't buy something because it looks pretty.

That all being said, the CZ P-01 can be found used for ~$500, is pretty, and ultra reliable. Try one before you make a decision.

 

Agree with all the comments, go shoot as many different calibers and brands as you can to find out what feels right.

I would not have issues buying a used gun as long as it's a reputable dealer or somebody I know that takes care of their guns.

Check out www.budsgunshop.com they have good selection of new and used and really good prices.

 

I'm guessing they will serve as your ccw's

My guess is also the price point will be less than $600 each

At some point saving a $100 bucks each on your edc to buy used becomes a bad trade off.

Lots of monkey home guns smiths.

Sounds like your focus should be on selecting the "right" gun for you both.

 

I have more guns than I do fingers and toes, some of them purchased used. I've never had an issue with buying used firearms. The gun culture in my state is one of responsibility and good nature toward fellow sportsman and hobbyists..

I'm not sure if you're referring to a private sale or a used firearm from a dealer, but so long as it passes muster in regards to being rust free, clean, and functions properly, there is a very high chance it will be a 100% reliable and satisfactory shooter. You can also often times get great deals on police trade ins that have been very well taken care of. I have firearms with round counts in the tens of thousands that still function flawlessly. A used firearm is nothing like a used car...

Good luck with your purchases, hope you find what is right for you the first try!

 

Hey fellas thanks to all who gave input i got lots of research to do as well as wife our chl class next week we will be hitting the ranges to test what we like n feels good in hands once again thanks to all!!!

 

If you are new to guns you need to visit gun shops and rent a few guns to shoot. Hold as many as you can tell you find what you think you like. Ask questions Learn about the differences. In AZ most used guns are priced right at what a new gun cost.

 

Lots of good advice so far. Like many have said go to your local range and see what fits your hand and you shoot well. I've bought several used guns over the years and have yet to get a bad one. If you're considering used google LEO trade-in Glock, SIG, H&K etc. Most LEO trade ins have been shot little to none at all I've bought some that were never even issued. I can send you some links if that interests you.

 

Don't show this one to @Sean266

https://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SWMP40

great little carry guns especially for the Mrs.
http://www.jgsales.com/cz-70-semi-auto-pistol,-32acp,-blued,-3.75-barrel,-vg,-used.-p-98606.html

http://www.jgsales.com/cz-83-semi-a...-3.8-barrel,-13rd-mag,-vg,-used.-p-98605.html

https://www.kiesler.com/product/list/?scid=948

 

I'm referring to $100 bucks not governing the decision.

Most all LEO treat their firearms like crap and most are not "gun guys"

As for gun shop vs private sale, I always prefer and individual.

My thoughts were directed at the OP, an apparent first time handgun owner.

 

Yes please on links much appreciated!