Thoughts on used guns

I know some people will only buy new. Me, I couldn't care less.

I feel like most gun owners A, take care of their firearms, and B, like to try new models/calibers and there is nothing inherently wrong with the gun (unless its a P320), they just want to newest thing. Saves me some money.

 

In California there are only certain guns you can buy "new". We have what's called a "gun roster" and you can only buy certain brands and models listed and only 1 every 30 days (then wait 10 to pickup)
Buying used you can buy as many as you want with no limit, and all models you want. You still have to wait 10 days buy you can buy 12 and pickup all 12 in 10 days.

I've bought many used guns and have never had an issue.

 

With the exception of familial transfer, I think used is about the only way to get off roster guns in CA now.

Used to be if you knew the right gun stores you could do SSE... a nifty little workaround where they would convert the evil off roster weapon to a single shot for a specified period of time (I forget) and then convert it back which apparently exorcised the evil from it's soul and magically made it legal.

That's how I got these two off roster M&P's. No safety and no ugly LCI sticking up.

I think the single shot exemption has gone away though. I was trying to find the SSE picture of the little Shield with the 10" single shot barrel sticking out of it.

 

I bought a gun in yuma, pick up in El Centro. A ruger MK3 22lr. The one i wanted had walnut grips, they couldnt deliver it to CA. I bought the exact same gun w polymer grips, that was ok in CA. Crazy laws.

 

I’m a big fan of used guns, especially retired PD guns that sit in holsters their service life, coming out occasionally for qualifications. Whatever I buy I strip down yo frame, clean and lube, and reassemble replacing any parts that are ng. Saves a bunch of $$$. Biggest pita so far has been my HK P7M8. Typical over-engineered tool, but beautiful in form and function. Sigs, 1911’s and revolvers all pretty simple. I’m not a Glock guy, but I understand they are beautiful in their simplicity.

 

I wish I was a Glock guy, I just don't shoot 'em well.

The ergonomics don't fit me well or something.

With my CZ's and 1911's I could probably look at a target @ 7 yards, take a mental picture then close my eyes and it'll be COM.

If I did the same exercise with a Glock I'm probably gonna' shoot the paper bad guy in the foot.

 

On many gun forums the answer to a gun that has problems is to pawn it off on someone else. For a truck gun, maybe but one I expect precision, it's going to be new from a reputable dealer.

 

When people need money, the first thing to go for some is a firearm. Their lose is your gain.

 

How come they've always fired 200 rounds through 'em?!

 

I think in most cases it's the user and not the gun.

 

Years back I bought a G19 from a retired NYPD buddy. I shot it well, but didn’t care for the grip angle being a 1911 guy at heart. Never bought another, in fact I traded it for a Sig P228.

Right, always less than 500 rounds!

 

Yup. You wouldn’t believe how poorly this beautiful Ed Brown was when I picked it up. Just like you said, dry and carbon fouled. Crazy how someone would neglect such an expensive pistol. Took it all down, now a beautiful shooter with an early SN!

 

Buying used in CA also saves you the 11% extortion tax.

 

I was the same way initially. Shot a buddies G17 years ago and thought what the heck is going on. Ended up with VP9s, SA XD9s, CZ P01s, etc. Fast forward 5-7yrs, now selling all the others to standardize on the Glock platform. I have several G17s, G19s, G34s, and a G43X (my CCW). Yes the grip is different, but once you get used to it, it now works well for me. That and Glock 9mm mags are interchangeable with my Ruger PCCs and my Keltec S2000 pup gun. Have yet to have any of them miss a beat and all were bought used as you cannot get Gen 4/5 Glocks in CA new.

 

You California boys have it rough. Here in WV, no sales tax on firearms OR ammo. Walk into your favorite local shop, pick out what you want. Fill out the form and go home.

 

And no state income tax on fers retirement.

 

Yeah, it sucks.

I often go into the sea so no one can see my tears. I usually feel better after a good cry.

It's not all bad though.

 

Blue water and white sand, very nice.

 

@SD Surfer I would have thought you were taller?

 

Nope, I'm "Fun Size"




Keeps the center of gravity low and allows me to fit into small spaces.

 

Nobody is that blind to miss #3 nice "thing", so I'm thinking someone is being "cheeky."
Which is quite appropriate in this case.

Used guns: own a couple. Got lucky both times.
My only non-plastic pistol is one of them: S&W 3913NL