Brand new? Or slightly used?

[ziconceo]

My usual way of thinking is that Id rather buy a gun that is slightly used as opposed to a brand new one. Other than the cheaper cost I know for a fact that it is not a lemon (because the previous owner shot it already). And I dont have to worry as much if I scratch the rifle from safe handling, because it already has that. What are your takes on this? How would you rather purchase as? New? Or slightly used?

[Vertigofirearms]

Depends, realistically I would love a Brand new, never used Winchester Trenchie broomstick; but we all know the odds of finding and obtaining that would be next to none. Pretty much if I was trying to purchase C&R and very vintage guns; I am left with used.

Now if I found the cost of a brand new... lets say benelli m2... to be marginally more than a "slightly used" one; I would rather go for the new in box.

[NytWolf]

My usual way of thinking is that Id rather buy a gun that is slightly used as opposed to a brand new one. Other than the cheaper cost I know for a fact that it is not a lemon (because the previous owner shot it already). And I dont have to worry as much if I scratch the rifle from safe handling, because it already has that. What are your takes on this? How would you rather purchase as? New? Or slightly used?

I tend to differ. Because the previous owner already shot it, I know it's a lemon. Why else would s/he sell it?

Also, judging from recent prices I've seen on CalGuns classified section, I wouldn't say they're cheaper. In fact, some are actually MORE than what I can get it at the store, cause the seller is "doing me a favor".

With that said, I go new. Whatever problems the gun comes with, I can sort it with the manufacturer because I know it's a defect and not something the previous owner created.

[ziconceo]

^Because of financial issues or wanting something new because it wasn't "their kinda thing"? Also, every used gun I've ever bought worked 100% whereas I bought a brand new maverick 88 shotgun from big 5 and it ftf 60% of the time lol. But yes, you can sort it out with the retail store or manufacturer which is very nice, but dont forget that a lot of guns still have warranty for several years...so if i buy a 2012 mossberg it should be covered till 2022....thoughts on that logic?

[The Gleam]

You forgot such terms as:

• "Gently used"
• "Safe Queen...except that..."
• "Great condition"
• "Only carried on Sundays to church, by a little old lady from Pasadena - slight holster wear".
• And one of my favorites: "MINT! LIKE NEW IN BOX! - Box and paperwork not included."

[Off the Roster]

i personally like a gently used gun. i am a CZ fan so i spend less getting the trigger smooth. having seen use also makes racking and locking the slide easier too.

[Trenchfoot]

I have no problem buying used if it's going to be a range gun. If it's going to be a HD or carry gun, I prefer new.

[compulsivegunbuyer]

You just have to look it over REAL well. I have seen home brew sandpaper gunsmith hack work on used guns before. If they won't let me field strip it, I won't buy it.

I know for a fact that it is not a lemon

How the hell would you know that? I'm sure people pitch lemons all the time. As someone else stated, most used guns these days are priced close to, at, or over new. Some manufacturers will honor the warranty on second hand guns, some won't, but none of them are going to pay the shipping. One trip back to the manufacturer, and any savings is moot. For me buying any used current production gun, its got to be 2/3 retail, or I will not even consider it. Out of production, or vintage guns are different of course.

[ziconceo]

I know for a fact because I am an all knowing gunsmith lol jk But I did get a slightly used Mossberg for 400$ instead of 710$ (retail was 710). I do agree though....if the price difference is small between new and used I'd probably go new as well

[ziconceo]

How bout this....new= 100% price plus 9% tax

slightly used: = 100 rounds though the barrel and well maintained 30% less and no tax

Heavily used: (1500 rounds though the barrel and dinged up but still 100% functional 70-80% less and no tax)

project: (some parts are broken but the receiver is still in tact ) 90% less and no tax.

[bsg]

You forgot such terms as:

• "Gently used"
• "Safe Queen...except that..."
• "Great condition"
• "Only carried on Sundays to church, by a little old lady from Pasadena - slight holster wear".
• And one of my favorites: "MINT! LIKE NEW IN BOX! - Box and paperwork not included."

and... 'if it doesn't sell this weekend, it's going back in the safe.'

[BKinzey]

Depends on the gun but I wouldn't consider 1,500 rounds for any HD, competition, duty, or military firearm to be "heavy use". That's just 'broken in"

ETA:
I'd buy any 1911 with only 1,500 rounds through it with a 70-80% discount A $2,000 Les Baer for $600 with 10,000 rounds is still a good bargain. Same for any AR-15 I can think of.

[nastyhabts26]

My usual way of thinking is that Id rather buy a gun that is slightly used as opposed to a brand new one. Other than the cheaper cost I know for a fact that it is not a lemon (because the previous owner shot it already). And I dont have to worry as much if I scratch the rifle from safe handling, because it already has that. What are your takes on this? How would you rather purchase as? New? Or slightly used?

There is a reason the owner of a slightly used gun is getting rid of it.
Many say they decided they didnt really like it.
Yeah they didnt like the fact that it jammed every 3 round, or it bit their hand while shooting, or the magazines wont stay in while shooting.

[VegasND]

I always look at used guns because they are often a good deal.

I have bought a few problem guns but for the most part I've been very happy.

Price should reflect condition and I have no problem buying a project if it's cheap enough.

[SonofWWIIDI]

I prefer new.

I don't want to inherit someone else's problem.