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What to Check When Buying a Used Gun
Let’s tackle the ways to avoid buying someone else’s problem.  Let’s say you find a used gun in a pawn shop or gun store.
- Exterior condition. Examine fit and finish, looking for rust, cracks, pitting. Keep in mind that minor holster wear or finish issues usually aren’t major issues, but anything beyond that can be a sign of problems.
- Look closely at any screws, bushings, muzzle devices and fittings on your firearm. Â If the gun has been disassembled by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, you’ll see scratches or wallowed out screws in these areas.
- Make sure that any aftermarket upgrades are installed competently, things like sights, aftermarket triggers, rail systems, etc should be installed correctly. Â If these are present pay special attention to them and make sure they are functional and not loose.
- Inspect the Bore.  To do this safely you may need to disassemble the weapon in some manner.  Ask permission first and don’t look down the wrong end of the barrel.  You want to look for rust, lack of rifling, and pitting.
- Request permission to inspect the interior.  Inspect the insides of the weapon for the same rust, pitting, etc. you’d check for on the outside. If the seller won’t give you permission to inspect the interior, immediately pass!
- Ensure controls move freely. Â This includes safeties, the magazine release, slide lock/release, etc. Â Make sure the slide or action can move forward and rearward smoothly.
- If the gun has a single-action setting ensure it moves smoothly and locks into place. Â With the hammer to the rear apply some forward pressure to it, the hammer should not go forward due to pressure. Â This applies mostly to a revolver, but also AR-15s and other modern sporting rifles.
- On a pistol, examine the slide to frame fit. Â It should never rattle excessively
- On a revolver ensure the cylinder latch is in good condition and moves freely, without chips of rattling.
- On a revolver ensure the forcing cone is not damaged excessively. Â Minor erosion is normal.
Warranty
First, off if you are buying a used gun from a company with a solid warranty or a solid history of good customer support you are usually good to go. Researching a company’s policy on warranty work for secondary owners is the key. I was once traded a WASR 10 for a SIG 556R because the SIG had issues.  I called SIG, spent thirty dollars to send them the gun, and they fixed it for free and sent it back.
Reputation Matters When Buying Guns
When I buy a used gun from my favorite gun store I don’t worry too much about the weapon.  This is because I trust my local gun store not to purchase and carry junk. I also go out of my way to follow proper gun store etiquette when in their store, so they don’t mind putting up with me. When I have a problem or a question regarding one of their used guns, I don’t mind going to them, and they don’t mind helping. This is simply due to my personal relationship with them, and their stellar reputation.  I mention this because we live in a world of constant online reviews, so take a moment to check out the gun store you are considering buying from in person as well. Building a personal relationship with the actual person behind the counter at your local gun store can be invaluable for newbies and old gun hands alike. When in doubt, ask around the gun range, or ask a friend who lives in the area who you know has a good sized gun collection…chances are they’ll have some insight.Research the Gun First
Let’s you come across a gun at a great price and it interests you.  It’s used and you don’t know too much about it.  Major companies like Smith and Wesson, Glock, Sig typically release some reliable and well-made firearms.  However, there are plenty of smaller companies releasing great guns too.
Buying Guns Online
Buying guns online are often quite intimidating. If you are looking to buy from an established website like Prepper Gun Shop or Bud’s Gun Shop you can likely put away your fears. These companies are established and not looking to rip you off and they are FFL holders themselves.  Now if you are looking to buy guns through an individual online and have it shipped to an FFL here is where you can run into trouble.
Buying Guns Face to Face
Face to face transfers is another insanely popular way to buy used guns. Websites like Armslist allows users to connect to buy, sell, and trade firearms. Â Face to face transfers is a safe way to buy used firearms from an individual. Â In these cases, you get to examine the gun, hold it in your hands, and really evaluate it before you buy it. Â In many cases, you can even get the person you’re buying from to meet you at the range first.
Legal Stuff
Finally, legally speaking, you really need to understand your local laws regarding buying guns.  If the gun is coming from out of state or being shipped to you it must go through an FFL. If you are looking to purchase a Title Two, or NFA weapon, you’ll have to go through a SOT.  In general, that is all you face to worry about on a federal basis. State laws are an entirely different beast.  Some states will require a background check for all firearm sales.  Others do not. Some states may make it difficult or even impossible to transfer certain weapons in the State.  California has a roster of supposed “Safe Handguns,” and a strict assault weapons ban, so sending or receiving restricted firearms and even some magazines to this state is illegal.
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See a lot of used near mint Glock pistols that never registered the pistol with Glock.
Face to face is the way. I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a used firearm via mail and there are plenty of gun stores where I live that have used inventory at prices better than gun broker. Where I live there is a regional firearms enthusiast website that has a great classified ad system. I've gotten some good deals and sold some good deals too, all face to face at an ffl to do a bgc and transfer. However do your research. Some folks are more proud of their stuff than the market warrants, especially now when people are trying to sell firearms purchased at early pandemic prices and they want more than the firearm would cost new now. Don't be afraid to haggle a little either...you're buying a used product from someone who wants to sell it, but use common sense to not be a dick by offering up some lowball offer.
Know your laws and don't be afraid to ask your local FFL about the transfer process.
Purchase your used or new firearms online from Legit Gun Shop illegally without FFL or legally with FFL check now and protect your self from danger.
You made a good when you shared that it is important to understand your local laws before buying a gun. My uncle just mentioned the other day that he is planning to buy a gun so he can keep his family safe from any threats and dangers. I will suggest to him looking for a reliable place where he can get one after understanding the local laws of his state.
I am thinking about buying a new gun soon, but I've never bought a gun used before. I like that you suggest looking closely at the screws, bushings, and muzzle of the firearm to see if there are any scratches. I agree that this is a good way to tell if the previous owner put the gun back together correctly each time. Thanks for the tips!
You're welcome, Derek! Let us know what you end up getting.
I am a experienced gun owner and read this just for kicks. One thing I have to disagree on is not buying a Hi Point ! They are a low end gun but look at the bright side. # 1 they shoot good and don't jam ! look it up on reviews.
# 2 They have a great warranty, ( lifetime ) and back it up with great service !
# 3. They are not pretty but you can't hurt them, there cheap, they shoot good (accurate) , compared to other cheap guns Hi Points work and don't give you any troubles that all other cheap guns do.
I own several and have put thousands of rounds thru them and they are like a timed watch. Thanks !
Check out the new Hi Point 9mm coming out at the end of this year 2019, they say the price will be below $200. They are heavy, but shoot good and will eat about any bullet you feed them (that comes in a box) My way of thinking is the guy with the Glock, is worried you may out shoot him with your Hi Point. I'm not into carry but want one for my truck.
My brother is considering buying new firearms for his family's safety as well as for fun. He really likes having guns in his home and the advantages that come with having them around. Before he buys anymore I will tell him to research the guns first.
You want to buy a gun online and the seller is ready to ship it to you. First of all, if the price is too good to be true, it's probably a scam. I will personally advise everyone in need of a firearm or weapons to visit Legit Gun Shop . You can buy used and new guns from their online store legally or illegally for camouflage propose. I bought a Glock last week for $1000 without FFL and received it in 3 business days. Take a try
What's wrong with High Point? They are REALLY UGLY !,
Inexpensive (price point) when compared to a S&W, Ruger, Sig, ect. but seem to be reliable, indestructible, and did I say Ugly?
Don't have one, but don't think I be afraid of owning one.
besides- can have a pistol and a rifle shoot the same caliber and interchange mags.
As an old dude who owns way too many, that's some of the best advice I've read online! Someone who actually knows what the hell their talking about! Well done sir !
Thanks Jim, I learned through quite a few personal failures. I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
why does everyone hate hipoint? I've owned 2 and every time I'll pulled the trigger they went bang and were accurate. What more do you need from a weapon. Looks are nice but kimbers look nice but a crap. Lifetime warranty and made in the USA.
Hey,
Europe here :) It's always great to read pewpewtactical at the morning. Can you recommend the places with used guns which are sent overseas? I know only gunbroker at the moment. Thank you!
Hi! I believe it has to do with the individual FFL since Gunbroker is essentially ebay for gun stores (FFL holders). But other places you can check are Auction Arms, and Guns America, and Armslist.
Found and purchased a very nice used Sig p238 from a local reputable range and dealer. Very pleased with the purchase. Nice to know about your Sig "warranty" issue and how they handled it for you.