What To Look For When Buying Used Handguns?

[tleevs]

My basics handgun instructor said she would never buy a used firearm. When I asked her why, she said because you never truly know about the gun. I'm presuming she means you don't know what it has been through, how well it's been taken care of, etc. etc.

I was planning on buying a used revolver but after her remarks, I'm not so sure I should. Is there anything wrong buying a used revolver? Specifically, if I do buy used, what exactly am I looking for? I've never bought a used firearm and the first gun I bought was just a couple weeks and it was new.

Travis

[Lastgunshop]

My basics handgun instructor said she would never buy a used firearm. When I asked her why, she said because you never truly know about the gun. I'm presuming she means you don't know what it has been through, how well it's been taken care of, etc. etc.

I was planning on buying a used revolver but after her remarks, I'm not so sure I should. Is there anything wrong buying a used revolver? Specifically, if I do buy used, what exactly am I looking for? I've never bought a used firearm and the first gun I bought was just a couple weeks and it was new.

Travis

If you want come by the shop. I can sit down with you and show you the things to look for when buying a used Rev. or Pistol.

[bensdad]

Check this out. Read the entire thread. There are some additional points in later posts.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/sho ... adid=57816

[FirearmFan]

If you are buying face to face from a private party you could always meet somewhere like Bill's and try it out on the range to make sure everything is to your liking. That way not only do you get to inspect it but you can test it out and throw a few downrange.

[tleevs]

I don't get down that way too often, but the next time I find myself in Minneapolis, I will definitely stop by! Thanks for the offer.

Travis

My basics handgun instructor said she would never buy a used firearm. When I asked her why, she said because you never truly know about the gun. I'm presuming she means you don't know what it has been through, how well it's been taken care of, etc. etc.

I was planning on buying a used revolver but after her remarks, I'm not so sure I should. Is there anything wrong buying a used revolver? Specifically, if I do buy used, what exactly am I looking for? I've never bought a used firearm and the first gun I bought was just a couple weeks and it was new.

Travis

If you want come by the shop. I can sit down with you and show you the things to look for when buying a used Rev. or Pistol.

[fotog54]

My basics handgun instructor said she would never buy a used firearm. When I asked her why, she said because you never truly know about the gun. I'm presuming she means you don't know what it has been through, how well it's been taken care of, etc. etc.

My wife would never buy a used car because she likes to have the warranty. I have bought new and used guns without any problems ... so far anyway. Guns are pretty telling in how they have been treated. Visual inspection would be pretty good indication of how they were respected and treated by the previous owner(s).

However, I would not trust my life to a used gun, unless I had tested it out with the ammo I intend to carry.

Gee, I wish I had back almost all of the guns I have owned in the last 30+ years. Some would be collectors now!

[Stradawhovious]

When I was in sales for Violins and Guitars I used to insist that the prospective buyer have a competent tech. look at the instrument before they purchased it. Since I was a tech myself, if there were any issues (rarely) I would make sure that the issues were resolved before the sale was completed. I realize that the hands of shop owners are tied when it comes to things like consignment items, but for the most part many of the better shop owners would be happy to make things right before making the sale complete. With that in mind, I would find someone who is either a competent smith, or very knowledgable, whom you trust to come with you to look at these items. There are many people here who are infinately knowledgable (I, myself, am not one of them) who might be talked into a trip to the gunshop if you buy them lunch for their time.

[Bessy]

I wouldn't put to much stock your basics instructor warning, nor would I ever tell my students something like this. It's not place to impart my irrational prejudices on them, of which I have many (all gun related I assure you). It's pretty easy to tell if a gun has been abused if you know what to look for, but often it can be specific to the firearm you purchasing. For revolvers you want to make sure the gap between the cylinder and barrel is minimal and in spec. Check the barrel to make sure the rifling is strong, and that it's not corroded. Also the cylinder should not be loose or have very much play when locked up. (this is not a complete list can some please expound on this for me, I deal mostly with semi autos). In all honesty it might be best to take someone who knows what to look for with you at first, to point stuff out. That being said I've rarely seen guns that are "shot out" meaning shot to the point where their accuracy or function is compromised. More often firearms are wrecked by neglect. Not cleaning them properly after shooting corrosive ammo.. etc. It would help to see some examples of "what not to buy" first if possible.
I hope this helps.

[Sixstring]

I like used handguns. I'm not sure that I will ever buy new again.