Buying your first gun used?
Hi y'all,
I'm new to the site, resident of Missouri. I'm 22 years old (will be 23 in a few months). I've recently gotten into firing guns at the range and really started to like the glock 26. I fired that alongside of the full sized 9mm glock as well as the XD 9mm (and some 22s for comparison of recoil).
I was wondering what you all thought of buying your first gun used and online to save some money (considering that I'm not making all that much and rent is eating up my income). This would be for home protection and possibly a CCW when I turn 23.
Thanks!
I'm new to the site, resident of Missouri. I'm 22 years old (will be 23 in a few months). I've recently gotten into firing guns at the range and really started to like the glock 26. I fired that alongside of the full sized 9mm glock as well as the XD 9mm (and some 22s for comparison of recoil).
I was wondering what you all thought of buying your first gun used and online to save some money (considering that I'm not making all that much and rent is eating up my income). This would be for home protection and possibly a CCW when I turn 23.
Thanks!
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Nothing's wrong with buying a used gun. My first gun was K31 and oh boy has it been used, it followed by a couple of very very used M44's, SKS, etc. I don't think I bought a brand new firearm.
XD-9 seems like a good choice, but I don't know how it is over Glock, I like my XD and am sticking with them. Today at the range I consistently hit a can at about 20-25 yards and managed to actually hit a target size of a 5 gallon bucket at a 100, well was only couple of hits out of 15 rounds but I am damn crappy pistol shooter.
Anyways, if a firearm is in good shape there's nothing wrong getting a used one, imo.0 -
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I'm thinking I might buy it online (and used, possibly). Is this a bad idea? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by migm
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I'm thinking I might buy it on auction on gunbroker (and used). Is this a bad idea?0 -
Why would it be a bad idea? I think it's a wonderful idea! Just make sure you from an established seller and ask questions about the firearm you want to buy, also, be careful not to overpay. What state are you in? Doh! Yeah make sure that transfer fees and shipping wouldn't add up to a cost of a brand new gun.
Add: I am sure you'll get a lot more advice here soon enough too [:)]0 -
I have bought most of my guns here on gunbroker. All have been used. I have only had problems with 2 guns, one needs a new magazine (the seller informed me of that one) the other needs the hammer replaced (seller said the gun was in great condition, didn't find the problem until I took it to the range). 0 -
There is no problem buying used online, that is why most of us are here. I actually think your doing the right thing by trying to save a few bucks and buying used. Buying a gun is a long term commentment, they will last hundreds of years (my first gun was made in 1912 and I still shoot it), they are not short term items like a car that has a limited life span. So go out and buy what you can fit into your budget then when you start making good money you can start looking for a new model. 0 -
I like the XD also, and used may be less money than a used Glock. 0 -
XD9 would be a fine choice for a first gun and a carry weapon as well. 0 -
hiya and welcome.
i bought my first gun off this very site and have been here ever since. i bought the feg pa-63...nice sized gun for my hands and fun to shoot. plus, it will become my carry gun as well.
if this will be your first ever purchase, shop around and try out as many as you can. price them at other shops and online. once you find that special gun...it'll scream at you.
good luck and safe shooting.0 -
Welcome aboard.
A bit of advice - and it's not meant to be cautionary - check out the seller's feedback. That's a good barometer for how honest they are.
Also, make sure you're actually gonna save some money - shipping and handling can be extravagant with some sellers and might make that bargain seem not so great when it's all tallied up.
Other than that, it seems like you started off on the right foot and did the right thing, which is "test it before you buy it."[8D]0 -
I bought my first gun used here on Gunbroker - an HK VP70z. 0 -
My first gun, a Winchester 1300, I purchased used at a gun show.
All you have to do is make sure that whatever you purchase, you check over carefully (much like a used car) to make sure nothing is broken or missing.
Used guns are fine, sometimes better than new, depending on how they've been cared for or modified.0 -
Only "new" gun I own is a Stevens 311 in 410 that was given to me as my first gun at Christmas in 1962. 0 -
I buy 95% of guns via auction, like posted above check the feedback!
If you're not sure which gun, go to a gun shop or show and handle the prospective purchase. My daily carry is a Glock 26 but it sucks unless you put a mag extension on it. Otherwise the handle is so short your pinky hangs out in thin air. Fortunatley you can now buy magazine extensions for Glock that adds +1 or +2 to the capacity and gives a longer, more comfortable grip.
The grip is all important- if it doesn't feel good you'll never be satisfied with the pistol.0 -
I didn't have that problem when I shot the glock 26, I believe. I do have fairly small hands (small fingers, normal sized palms.. thanks basketball for jamming all my fingers at a young age). My biggest concern about buying online is reliability, and not being able to take a gun to a smith and double check that everything is going to be fine for a long time after purchase. What's the best way to do that when buying in an online auction? 0 -
I'm going to go against the grain and say you are better off buying your 1st gun (used or new) from your local gun shop.
Unless you find a real steal on-line you're most likely to find a better deal at a local gun shop. When buying on line you have to figure on additional costs.
Shipping and transfer fee can add up quickly. How much is the freight to your dealer? How much is you dealer going to charge you for the transfer?
Most local gun shops will offer a week return/repair policy if there is something broken on a used gun that they sell. That does not apply to a gun they transfered in for you.
Unless it's something new and cool that I can't live without, I buy all my guns used.
On your choices, I'd recommed a Glock 19 over a Glock 26. Alot of new shooters will buy a compact gun like the Glock 26 and find out that a bigger gun would be better. The longer sights of the 19 will make it easier to shoot accurately.0 -
As a firearms hobbiest for many years, I'd estimate that I've owned well over 100 guns in my life. Only 2 were new. 0 -
Just buy a good gun. Not a lorcin or jennings etc.. 0 -
I have bought several online and used. nothing wrong with it. They work great. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by cartod
Just buy a good gun. Not a lorcin or jennings etc..
Hey, don't diss the Jennings so fast, I got stuck with one last night on Nunn's sale trying to help out a little old widow. Nunn described it as cheep, cheep (cheep gun, cheep price); I'll turn it over cheeper, cheeper.[:D]
ps: good advice from cartod- don't buy a Jennings.[xx(]0 -
Buying your first used can be sound economics, but be sure you know what they are going for in your area, to be sure you don't end up paying twice the new retail. Buying on line is pretty safe. Ocassionally there is a problem, but those are probably less than 1 in 50 transactions, so your chances of finding a good dealer are pretty high. 0 -
Cheers.. thanks for the help all. What are some things I should look for in a gun to know if it's ok to buy? 0 -
you hit a five gallon bucket at 100 yards?
if so damn good shooting even if it was a few out of a whole clip0
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