Have you ever thought about buying a used firearm? This can be an excellent way to get a high quality piece of equipment that’s been barely used at a much lower price.
Brand-new firearms can be fairly expensive, especially when you go with a regular retail shop. With the popularity of buying gear on the internet you can find some truly exceptional deals. Plus, if you are a collector of historic weaponry, the web has opened up a world of connectivity that allows you to have greater access to desirable purchases. Expanding your collection has never been easier.
Here are four things you should know before you decide to purchase a used firearm.
#1: Where to Shop for a Firearm That’s Not Online
You have a variety of options to look for used firearms locally. Many pawn shops and second-hand stores sell used guns. Also, some regular gun shops might have a selection of used guns along with the brand-new ones they carry.
There is also the option of going to a gun show. This is a great place to see loads of new and used merchandise from people who come from all different parts of the country. Getting your hands on collectible pieces is easier in a place like this where gun merchants show up with some of their best items.
#2: Evaluate the Condition
There is a book of gun prices that you should be aware of: the Blue Book of Gun Values. Many shops and collectors use this book to gauge where they should set their prices of used guns based on the condition it’s in. Think of it in the same way that Kelley Blue Book is for used cars. It’s truly the bible of gun pricing. Each gun listed in the book also has the original MSR (Manufacturer Suggested Retail) so you are aware of what the gun was priced in brand-new condition.
When you are looking at a used gun in person, you need to evaluate the condition. You can’t always tell just by looking at it. Make sure you can pick it up, hold it, and truly get a feel for the gun. Inspect it closely for any wear and tear or defects. If you are at a place that also has a shooting-range out back, you may be able to test out a used weapon by live-firing it. That’s the absolute best way obviously to tell if you are making a worthwhile purchase, especially if you are going for a hunting rifle or something that’s going to get a lot of use.
#3: Best Places to Shop Online
There are many reputable places to shop for a gun online. Here are a few to check out:
- Brownells: A big store that gets tons of business, so shipping to an FFL is a breeze.
- Bud’s Gun Shop: Great for special deals and ammo.
- Guns.com: Prices are very decent on this site which just expanded their sales section.
- Gunbroker: An auction site that’s perfect for collectors.
- Cabela’s: A name brand sporting good store that has a huge stock of used guns.
#4: Some Laws to Worry About Federal and State
Keep in mind that laws vary per state, if you are having a gun shipped to you. Some states are more lenient than others. You will have to go through a licensed FFL (Federal Firearm License) holder to even receive a gun in the mail. Don’t have it shipped to your home. That violates state and federal laws. You want to have it shipped to a gun shop with an FFL every single time.
