Buying used firearms online

Jarine88 · Feb 24, 2020

I’ve been looking at several websites selling law enforcement turn-ins. The prices are quite attractive even when including shipping, taxes and FFL transfer fees. However, I’ve never bought a used firearm without handling it first, and I have been very hesitant to place an order. Then yesterday there was some discussion on the “What gun did you buy today?” thread about buying used firearms sight unseen from companies like Classic Firearms. I’ve definitely been enticed by the videos of unpacking crates of used rifles, but have not placed an order.

So what suggestions are there? I’ve bought parts on GunBroker, but not any weapons.

Are there any distributors in the Houston area? I’ve seen mention of visiting GT in Austin, but I haven’t been to Austin in over 20 years.

Otherwise, I guess I can continue to browse the consignment/used cases in my local stores.

baboon · Feb 24, 2020

Police trade ins are generally just as advertised. Mechanically sound with some holster wear. There are a few huge wholesaler that run police trade in. I do not know of any wholesalers in Houston.

My H&K 4 pistol was a German Border Patrol gun & it was very close to NIB when I bought it. That gun has appreciated pretty good in value.

Shady · Feb 24, 2020

check the return / acceptance agreement with the selling company.

Depending what that is if it is not as described do not accept it from you ffl.

If you don't want to take the chance or are very nitpicky then pony up and pay more for one in stock someplace.

You do have to know what you are buying and I don't think any seller would take one back just because you do not like how it feels or looks if its as described.

TexasRedneck · Feb 24, 2020

I have purchased most of my small collection from private owners in forums all over the country. If they haven't been a member for at least 5 years with a significant post count, I tend to be a bit more leery, but I've gotten some outstanding guns at very fair prices that way that otherwise wouldn't have shown up in our local shops - like a "1 of 6" Colt Wiley Clapp prototype a few years back. Everyone else seemed leery of it - but knowing that a prototype would have been run through their CS AND that they had a Colt Letter verifying its' pedigree, I wasn't about to pass it up.

m5215 · Feb 24, 2020

My personal opinion on this subject...

Never buy something without inspecting it first especially if its a used firearm. For me that means reviewing multiple pictures of the used firearm in question before completing an online sale. Unfortunately some FFL's will not do this and will expect you to "trust" them to send you a functional firearm in reasonable condition. Some do and some don't. I prefer to know exactly what I am buying before handing over my money otherwise I take my business elsewhere.

Moonpie · Feb 24, 2020

IMO, it depends on the gun itself.
If its a modern made gun such as a Glock, etc. you're gonna be hard pressed to find one worn out. Maybe need new springs. Sure they'll have some nicks and scratches but that's only cosmetic.
I would want to examine a S&W revolver tho. S&W's QC has really gone downhill in the last 20yrs or so.
Absolutely check one of these before buying.

Now if it's a an old mil-surp, say a 1917 SMLE, Luger, or 1873 Springfield, you'll definitely want to inspect it.
Worn out can be an understatement in the mil-surp world.
Generally speaking these pieces are selling for well over $500 now. Some way over $1K.
For that kind of moola I'm gonna want to look at it.

deemus · Feb 24, 2020

Most of my pistols purchased over the years were used guns. Never had one issue. In fact, they often seemed to work better than a friend's new one. Several had been tuned or had springs replaced. Probably bought at least 20 used pistols over the years. Not one regret.

baboon · Feb 24, 2020

deemus said:
Most of my pistols purchased over the years were used guns. Never had one issue. In fact, they often seemed to work better than a friend's new one. Several had been tuned or had springs replaced. Probably bought at least 20 used pistols over the years. Not one regret.

The OP is talking about police trade ins. Most agencies do not allow for guns that have been tuned/modified.

deemus · Feb 24, 2020

baboon said:
The OP is talking about police trade ins. Most agencies do not allow for guns that have been tuned/modified.

At least two were police trade ins. And one had definitely been messed with. Sweet shooter.

Lonesome Dove · Feb 24, 2020

It’s pretty simple you snooze you lose. I’ve had no problems
Buying used on line. And even if it wasn’t what you think it should be just flip it. I’ve done trades on a few and those people thought they were a great deal.

rotor · Feb 24, 2020

The last purchase I made from a forum was an SKS, looked perfect, was told it was perfect, was a good price and after I purchased it and shot it found it needed a new gas tube, one was available right from the Ukraine. Shoots great now. Good luck finding a gas tube now. None on the internet except Tapco. New I would buy mail-order. Used no. I don't like to buy from Academy because they won't let me cycle the gun. You can't go by you-tube either because those posters get the cream of the crop. You may get the cream of the crap.

pronstar · Feb 24, 2020

If you go into it with the right expectation, you should be fine.

Expecting a used gun to be as good as new, is setting yourself up for disappointment.

And if the deal is too good to be true...caveat emptor.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Big Green · Feb 24, 2020

Jarine88 said:
I’ve been looking at several websites selling law enforcement turn-ins. The prices are quite attractive even when including shipping, taxes and FFL transfer fees. However, I’ve never bought a used firearm without handling it first, and I have been very hesitant to place an order. Then yesterday there was some discussion on the “What gun did you buy today?” thread about buying used firearms sight unseen from companies like Classic Firearms. I’ve definitely been enticed by the videos of unpacking crates of used rifles, but have not placed an order.

So what suggestions are there? I’ve bought parts on GunBroker, but not any weapons.

Are there any distributors in the Houston area? I’ve seen mention of visiting GT in Austin, but I haven’t been to Austin in over 20 years.

Otherwise, I guess I can continue to browse the consignment/used cases in my local stores.

I received my LEO turn in this past week. Mine is in very good shape, and was advertised as such. I’m extremely happy with my purchase.

deemus · Feb 24, 2020

If all goes well, that LEO trade in likely has been shot very little.

Mohawk600 · Feb 24, 2020

I have two RRA AR 15........SWAT versions that were bought through GTs police turn in .........they are carried much and used little......both under $500 for $1000 guns

Jarine88 · Feb 24, 2020

Big Green said:
I received my LEO turn in this past week. Mine is in very good shape, and was advertised as such. I’m extremely happy with my purchase.

Which site did you use?

Texan-in-Training · Feb 24, 2020

I've bought four firearms through "Gunbroker" and they all allowed a three day inspection period. (And none got returned...)

Big Green · Feb 24, 2020

Jarine88 said:
Which site did you use?

This is what I bought.

https://www.mississippiautoarms.com/glock-22-gen-4-le-trade-with-night-sights

Texasgordo · Feb 26, 2020

I have only bought online once and am very happy with it. My Beretta 81 came from a forum sponsor and it was in great shape.

My usual place for used guns is GTs in Austin. I love going in there but my wallet doesn't. Lol

hoghunting · Feb 26, 2020

Texasgordo said:
My usual place for used guns is GTs in Austin. I love going in there but my wallet doesn't. Lol

It's the same with the GTs in Dallas, there are always different types of LEO trade-ins when I visit and some look almost new.

Buying used firearms online

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