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[JackRydden224]

If I'm in your shoes I would not buy used. People in the market place do not offer an attractive discount for the Storm so I would rather spend an extra $80-100 to buy a brand new gun from a good shop. Since you are new to the game you want to buy it from a place that will help you if something isn't right with the gun.

[DArBad]

Better to buy new. There are not too many " fair " deals in the used market place.

['ol shooter]

I have bought several hand guns and rifles here, and all were good deals. Look at the guns exterior, does it look clean and relatively scratch free, like it's been well cared for? With the action open, look to see if it's clean inside. Ask how many rounds have gone down the barrel. If the seller seems in a hurry to get it done and leave, that's a red flag. Ultimately, without critical experience, you will have to rely on what you can see, and how you feel about the transaction. Good luck.

[Norsemen308]

here is my recommendation and this comes from either purchasing or helping individuals purchase used guns...

this is not like a car...a 1911 with 10 rounds, or 10,000 round through it CAN shoot the same and if taken care of extremely well...will show NO SIGN of being different.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

has the gun been modified? example PO tells you he has replaced this that or the other, he did a custom stiple job, or maybe he polished the feedramp himself...

PASS, sure there are a lot of people who could perform their own trigger job or polish their own feed ramp, replace/install new beaver tails and what not, but the cold hard fact of the day is.... BUY A STOCK GUN, you will be miles ahead. The only exception I have for this is if they have a receipt from a reputable gun smith. Do your HW, is the Gunsmith well known? is his work generally well accepted?

Round 2.. O M G it has a scratch! this is unacceptable, I MUST buy a new one, it has maybe a light holster rub or the famous 1911 idiot scratch. Guess what... your going to scratch it... as long as it doesnt look like it was dropped off the side of the building or walked out of a moving vehicle on the highway... YOUR PROBABLY fine.

Do I shoot before I buy? Largely...no... some sellers will let you but the fact is.. if the gun is stock and not some Tacticool Cheaperthandirt Diarrhea catcher the gun will function as it is supposed to.

I have bought many used guns, in fact i have never owned a "new" handgun and I have saved 50-200 bucks A GUN by doing so, I have never been stuck with a boat anchor but again... I tend to buy stock guns and mess with them myself, or buy a gun that has been worked on by a smith and not a Youtube'r DIY'er by night and vacuum salesmen by day.

Good luck, buy used, the benefits are greater then the concerns... most used guns come with multiple mags, holsters and accessories that you would sell out 100 dollar bills for all for the same price as what the same "new gun" would cost you

[ersatz]

If I'm in your shoes I would not buy used. People in the market place do not offer an attractive discount for the Storm so I would rather spend an extra $80-100 to buy a brand new gun from a good shop. Since you are new to the game you want to buy it from a place that will help you if something isn't right with the gun.

This. Buy from a reputable LGS and they should help you with any questions or issues you might have.

[rickterscale]

One reason to buy the Beretta new is that Beretta's warranty is non-transferrable. Buy new and you get a warranty for at least a year or two (can't remember how long the warranty is for). And don't let a couple negative reviews dissuade you if that's the gun you like. You can find negative reviews for anything if you look hard enough. I haven't heard much of people having functionality issues with a PX4 Storm. It's a very reliable firearm. I've never had an issue or failure of any kind with my PX4 Storm. Most negative comments are from people who don't like the safety/decocker, but that's a matter of personal preference. So if that's what you like don't let the fanboys or a solitary review from the internet dissuade you.

[MisplacedTexan]

I like my 9mm Px4 better than my other 3 9mm - I seem to shoot better with it.

I plan on using it at my "primary" ccw gun as I shoot better with it for the qualification/ training....... my only *potential* gripe is the safety/ de cocker might start to hurt after 200 rounds of drills.

[colossians323]

Except that sse guns require the 30 day waiting period while ppt you can do as many as you'd like, I think.

TRuth

[John Joseph]

How big are your children?
I started all mine off with .22lr semi-auto, even though it's tough to find the ammo. They quickly transitioned from .22lr to .44 Spl. and enjoy shooting! Next stop will be the .45ACP as they are teen agers now.

[jimmythebrain]

Specific to the Beretta PX4...

Beretta's are fat guns. They have a wide, fat grip.

Have you shot a PX4 yet? Try to shoot one at a range first before buying.

Also Beretta as a habit of bringing guns to market then just dropping them.

As another poster mentioned they have terrible warranties.

Specific to the PX4, there molding process causes there to be a bulge in the polymer, about halfway along the frame. It is purely cosmetic but it is there.

Buying used guns in general...

Saves on tax, does not effect hangun 30 day limits, cheaper PPT fees, ect.

But do not buy a used gun if you are not sure what you are looking for with regards to excessive wear, poorly fit parts, etc.
Better to just pay the extra for a new gun from a company with good warranty policy.