Used Guns Advice: 7 Tips If You're in the Market for a Second-Hand Weapon

Just like a buying a used car over new, purchasing used guns can help save money. The experience is similar though. To get a good deal, you have to know what you’re buying.

According to the National Institute of Justice, there are nearly 200 million guns in private ownership in the United States. With millions sold each year, including about 60 percent of all gun sales at trade shows, that translates to a large pool of used guns on the market.

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For someone new to the process, it helps to have a knowledgeable friend by your side. Gun buying experts suggest you ask a lot of questions and take the time to investigate your dealer.

Here are some other tips experienced used gun buyer Don Curton offered to the audience of TheTruthAboutGuns.com:

1. Know the fair price for the gun you want to buy. Check out the price at the Blue Book of Gun Values, then decide what you want to pay. A deal that is “too good to be true” should raise red flags.

2. Stick with a well-known gun. You may save some money on a similar used gun, but you really don’t know what you’re getting.

3. Take your time to really look at the gun you are thinking of buying. Make sure it is in good shape. Listen for any rattling and avoid anything that doesn’t look well-maintained.

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4. Check out the screws on the gun. If they are roughed up, it is a sign someone has been inside the gun or taken it apart. It is best to avoid these pieces because you don’t know if that someone knew what they were doing when they took the gun apart.

5. If you are buying used, it is recommended to do it in person at a reputable gun shop. You will have better luck getting a good quality gun that works well.

6. Buy a standard gun and have it modified yourself. If you look at a used gun that has been modified, you take a risk the modifications are hiding a sub-par gun. If you must buy a modified gun, make sure you get paperwork on who did the modifications and what they did.

7. Pay attention to the person selling you the gun. Do they know how to handle it? Are they practicing safety? If not, walk away. Chances are they don’t know what they are selling.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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