Buying a used or consignment firearm from gun store

[Calgunz420]

Went to a firearms dealer and saw a used ruger mk3 for $350. Its the exact same one I want but I never bought a used firearm before and not sure if its better to go with it or go with the brand new one. Still in good condition but im no gunsmith to tell if internals is ok. I was told it had 30 day warranty if i had any issues. Is there anything i should know or ask before i purchase a used firearm? Thanks

[jtmkinsd]

$350 for a used mk3 is pretty standard...maybe a few bucks high, depending how "used" it is. You can do a quick price comparison here:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search/Category/591/2/Guns/Pistols/Ruger-Semi-Auto-Pistols/Mark-II-Family.htm

The market is REALLY down right now...so you may be able to barter a better price with the owner of the gun...from what I see, if more than a hundred or two rounds are through the gun, and it has box and paper, extra mags, I'd offer $300. The prices are set by the owner of the firearm, so the FFL would have to forward your offer to the owner, and the owner would accept or reject the offer, or counter offer. DON'T negotiate price with the FFL, as that may trigger the requirement for the FFL to charge tax on the sale.

You can look for obvious signs of wear and residue build up to see if the firearm was cared for. Look at the bore for any problems, but unless you know what you're looking for it would just be an exercise in futility.

[den888]

You can definitely make an offer, the shop will contact the seller on your behalf. I sold guns on consignment and a couple of prospective buyers made offers. I usually made a counteroffer and the deal was completed.

[Calgunz420]

Thanks for the response, is used and on consignment the same thing? Selling price for new is 471+ tax and dros and used was 350+ tax and dros. Im wanting a good deal but @ the same time i dont want to buy someone else's problem. This is the actual one i want, http://ruger.com/products/markIIIDE/images/10122.jpg. <~~~~~ this the link

[CSACANNONEER]

I always prefer buying used over new. When I buy a firearm or other tool, I am buying it to use. Why not let someone else pay the original premium for buying it new?

[Jonathan Doe]

I have never had a problem buying used firearms. I usually get good deals buying it used. For the most part, used guns were not used much in my experience. I have been through many armorer schools and gunsmithing schools. So, even broken guns were not even a problem either. I just get it at a better price.