Buying used guns

[amber]

What gun stores in the Houston-Katy-Cypress area have used guns at good prices? I looked at a few of the big name stores but their used guns seem the same price as new ones at the big gun show. I looked at a few local pawn shops but their selection is very small.

[TheArmedFarmer]

I can't speak to buying used guns from stores, but you can't beat many of the bargains found on classified sections of websites like this one!

[amber]

Thanks armed farmer. If I knew exactly what I wanted the classifieds here would be a good choice but half the fun of shopping is looking and touching in person and seeing what bargains I find.

[roman3667]

Most gun shops have used guns for sale and they mark them almost retail but are willing to sell them fair.

[amber]

Hi Roman. What are the names of the gun stores near me that have a good selection of used guns at good prices? Thank you.

[Jeremae]

Tomball Pawn

[USA1]

Tomball Pawn

thumbs up for Tomball Pawn ...plus they have lay-away

[joe817]

I've been buying guns going on 50 years, more or less.....anywho since I was 14. In those 50 or so years I've purchased only 4 guns that were NIB, unfired(except at the factory of course). A PPk/s, Browning BDA, S&W Mod.39 and a Rossi Mod.68.

In all my purchases experience, only 1....yup only one failed me. It was a WWII production commercial Mauser HSc, 7.62mm, that I picked up in trade at the Ft.Worth gun show in 1980. Bad firing pin. And I've owned hunting rifles, shotguns and pistols. All used. Out of the 200+ guns I've owned in my lifetime that was the only failure.

Needless to say, I'm a strong advocate of purchasing used guns. But I say that with a caveat emptor. When purchasing a used gun, be absolutely sure on what you are going to buy. Have exactly what you have in mind before taking the plunge. Research the gun before you buy it. When holding the prospective purchase, look very, very closely at the smallest detail of the gun to find any stress marks or fractures in the frame, grips, slide, cylinder, etc. If it has a visible problem, put it down and walk away. It is not worth the expense of trying to fix a broke gun.

And always....always have a qualified gunsmith look at it before shooting it.

That's my $0.02 worth.

[shootthesheet]

...But I say that with a caveat emptor. When purchasing a used gun, be absolutely sure on what you are going to buy. Have exactly what you have in mind before taking the plunge. Research the gun before you buy it. When holding the prospective purchase, look very, very closely at the smallest detail of the gun to find any stress marks or fractures in the frame, grips, slide, cylinder, etc. If it has a visible problem, put it down and walk away. It is not worth the expense of trying to fix a broke gun.

And always....always have a qualified gunsmith look at it before shooting it.

Those are the two reasons why I almost never buy used guns and never buy them from someone I don't know. Finding those wear marks and cracks isn't easy at times. I have seen some only after using a bright flashlight and had all the time I needed to break the gun down and examine it.

As well, by the time I pay a trusted gunsmith to look it over I have done away with and savings on a new gun. My qualification for these positions is on guns that are out of production/importation or the seller didn't know the value of the gun and I was REALLY getting a deal. Otherwise, I skip the very overpriced used guns that usually have no warranty at all and go for those with at least a warranty that will get me past the break-in. In the end, especially with replacing springs/other parts and a gunsmith as well as warranty I think buying a used, in-production/import gun is not necessary. But, that is just me. I am not the kind that wants to spend time trying to fix someone else’s problems. That said, if the gun will function without problems and a person cannot afford a new gun it is better to have something than nothing. Having a pool of trusted people is good for this purpose too. A long time poster here and/or a CHL holder might be less likely to pass their problems along when they know they will be "outed" here as someone that cannot be trusted. I am a firm believer that if someone steals money from someone else for a worthless item by even omission the whole world needs to know about it. That is just my opinion.

[joe817]

And a great opinion it is s.t.s.! It is what ever you feel most comfortable with that is the important thing. I do what I do because I enjoy it. I'm not a competition shooter, or an avid fan of burning a lot of ammo at the range. I've been mainly a collector of older guns....thus my opinion on used guns. I don't recommend doing what I do to anyone, unless they share common interests with me.

For one who shoots a lot, enjoys buying brand new guns, I say that's great! Not only that, it's probably more critical to their needs. What ever it takes to expand the numbers base of shooters and/or collectors....I'm always for that.

That's what I love about gun owners and their guns. It is diversity of opinion. Thanks for the comment.

[cling]

To steer it back on topic.

I haven't found any gunshops in Houston with good prices on used guns. I haven't been out to Tomball but maybe guns are cheaper out in the country.

I do know you can safely skip Collector's and Carter's if you're looking for bargains.

[shootthesheet]

And a great opinion it is s.t.s.! It is what ever you feel most comfortable with that is the important thing. I do what I do because I enjoy it. I'm not a competition shooter, or an avid fan of burning a lot of ammo at the range. I've been mainly a collector of older guns....thus my opinion on used guns. I don't recommend doing what I do to anyone, unless they share common interests with me.

For one who shoots a lot, enjoys buying brand new guns, I say that's great! Not only that, it's probably more critical to their needs. What ever it takes to expand the numbers base of shooters and/or collectors....I'm always for that.

That's what I love about gun owners and their guns. It is diversity of opinion. Thanks for the comment.

You are correct sir that it is about opinion and I too enjoy that about gun owners.

[Pete92FS]

To steer it back on topic.

I do know you can safely skip Collector's and Carter's if you're looking for bargains.

When I was looking for a Beretta 92FS last year I bought a new one cheaper at Academy than what Carter's Country wanted for a used one.

[slowrey]

I personally stick to local gun forum classifieds however there has been times where the local dealer had a really good deal.

[TDDude]

Tomball Pawn for used and new.