question before buying a used gun

[efmk4]

Just wondering when you guys buy a used gun do you usually meet at a shooting range and shoot the gun before you buy it?

[Vacaville]

I haven't, but it's probably not a bad idea if you have any concerns.

[wisefire]

Good idea if you can or have any concerns from looking at the gun. A good strip down to check out the gun if you can't shoot it is also good.

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[9mmepiphany]

I haven't either and wouldn't likely be willing to let someone shoot it before seeing the cash. I'll let them inspect it, dry fire it and I'll even field strip it for them to look inside the pistol, but if they want to shoot it, they'll have to buy it first.

The exception would be if I'm sharing my gun on the range and they make me an offer to purchase it...everything has a price

[Oceanbob]

For me it depends on the handgun. For instance, If I'am buying a mainstream handgun that is well known for reliabilty I will just look it over carefully. Like a used GLOCK. You really can't hurt a GLOCK and they all sell for about the same ($500 give or take). I've bought about 20 handguns this last 18 months, not once did I shoot any of them. I don't anyone that test fires a gun before purchase.

Some model revolvers I would check the timing carefully...here is a STICKY on checking out a Revolver:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=297949

On some older models that are no longer in production I would wonder about the reliabilty and wear. Like an AMT .45 or a older Charter arms...etc..you certainly don't want to buy a handgun that isn't reliable. I tend to stay away from 3rd world manufactures of older handguns. Don't need the problems.

Google up a model and you will find the good and bad on just about any handgun.

[paul0660]

No. Reputation is sought after and easy to lose, and that is all you have.

[marcus_bervus]

just like buying a used car, you need to test fire the gun. it is ideal to meet at a range.

[SouperMan]

...only if the seller is willing to allow you to test fire but I would find it unlikely. You have to think about the premise of the whole matter from the seller's point of view. Some random person responds to your ad and wants to shoot you gun before buying.

Yes, I would meet a fairly populated place such as a Gun Range or at a Gun Store but would probably decline to test fire.

[tacticalcity]

I would have a major problem with somebody who committed to buy a gun I was selling then later told me he needed to fire it first before paying up.

1. My reputation and feedback score are all you need to know the gun is in the condition I say it is in. So I would be insulted.

2. There are always other people in line who would not have jerked me around like this. And you just wasted however much time there was between your saying you'll take it and when we actually met up and dropped the bomb on me that you want a range day with my gun before you will pay.

3. I'm not selling off my prize possessions for the kicks. Something came up and I need the money. So wasting my time is beyond unacceptable.

4. I'm usually doing this on my lunch break. I don't have time to spend all day on the process, which is already long enough.

Also, if the first guy to say "I'll take it" doesn't have his act together and can't do the deal within a day or two and the second guy to say "I'll take it" does have his act together...the gun goes to guy number 2. Why? For all the reasons above. First in line doesn't mean squat if your time frame or terms does not match up with the sellers. You both need to actually agree on terms before the gun is yours. So if you cannot agree on terms, don't have a damn hissy fit like a child. Move on. Keep looking. Let him sell it to the next guy in line. Don’t think you get to dictate terms just because you said “I’ll take it” first.

Can you tell I am bitter over the jerk that left me neutral feedback because I passed over him? If somebody is pushy and rude...I'm not selling him a gun.

[saki302]

If you require that any used gun gets test fired before you buy it, you won't be buying many used guns, IMO.

I have bought and sold many used guns over the years- I have YET to ever test fire one at the range before the purchase/sale.

Almost 100% of the time it's impractical and a waste of time- ever since the Burbank Firing line stopped doing PPT transfers (that was one case a test fire then transfer would be practical).

-Dave

PS- tacticalcity = +1000000. If you can't agree to meet up at a reasonable time within the first WEEK, you get passed over. I've seen too many flakes over the years and lost easy #2 sales because of unnecessary waiting.

[far from tactical]

If you have any doubts just find a gunsmith to give it a once over to be on the safe side.

[SimpleCountryActuary]

I like to use some snap caps to make sure it functions but many times that's right after the purchase.

And the snap cap test isn't perfect. Once a Winchester 1873 didn't function with snap caps but later did fine with real cartridges because the snap caps weren't heavy enough (and maybe someone didn't crank it like a man).

Best!

[Anchors]

I have bought plenty of PPT guns and never test fired a single one.

Most gun owners are pretty respectable people.
If not, that is what iTrader is for.

[KandyRedCoi]

neh...i did it once for a person, drove 40miles to meet him, then he said he wanted to think about it i mean dont use my gun as a free rental, if u want to buy a particular gun, you should have done your homework about it prior to contacting a seller...im not a free firing range rental company

needless to say...i probably wont do that again

[drifter2be]

If you feel like you need to test fire a used gun before buying it, you should just stick to buying new guns. Its too easy to check functionality and condition of a firearm without loading it up and firing it. I do avoid buying from new members and people with low/zero feedback when it is a firearm, as they have no reputation established, and nothing to lose if they are planning on screwing me over. I wouldn't bother wasting my time PMing someone back if they asked to shoot my gun before buying it. Like KandyRedCoi said, not in the business of free gun rentals.