Tips on buying used guns

[bulletman]

I’m looking at the possibility of buying a couple of pre-owned guns from a friend. They’re budget-friendly but they’re definitely not new. How can I check them out to ensure I don’t miss any hidden wear?

 

[KonoctisWigwam]

I’m looking at the possibility of buying a couple of pre-owned guns from a friend. They’re budget-friendly but they’re definitely not new. How can I check them out to ensure I don’t miss any hidden wear?

That's something you'll need to be able to do yourself, or have a gunsmith that you can take it to and have the seller agree.

I did a private transfer about 4-5 months ago, it was really no different than a DROS, to be honest. You need to fill out the same forms, and you need to pickup at the FFL you do the transfer with.

I did mine at Sportsman's Supply in Campbell, CA.

If you can ship to an FFL, that is more convenient, as then you can ship it to an FFL by you. In my case this was where the seller wanted to use. I used to buy powder from them, so I was ok with that.

 

[Saudade]

Depends on the friend. Do you have an approximate round count for each of them? If you can tell us what they are , we might be able to provide some additional insight.

A field strip should be enough. The overall visual inspection, function check and Bob's your mother's brother. That's assuming they are fairly clean. If they are a good friend and you trust them, a field strip may not be needed but definitely an overall visual and function check with all magazine if they are semi auto.

More like an acquaintance (or friend of a friend, or I know a guy), then field strip, look closely with flashlight, check barrel rifling, remove grips if removable (ask if that's OK). You won't be able to look too deeply without further disassembly so just be thorough with what you can reach/see. Remember, just because it shows wear doesn't mean it's worn out.

If you're unfamiliar with the specific firearms, watch a few vids on each and ask the friend to field strip and reassemble.

 

[xchecker]

I did a PPT transfer couple years ago. The FFL I chose was a gunsmith. So I had him inspect them when we brought the guns in for the paperwork. Easy-peazy!

Since he's a friend, do you not know his history of shooting these firearms? Ask. Did he clean them after use? Ask.

In my case, the firearms had been safe stored dirty for many years and one had the safety rusted in safe position. Took a good soaking of an anti-rust solution for several days to loosen up. She is now a wonderful shooter!

Be your own best investigator. Learn as much about each firearm, i.e. go online and find the owners manuals and learn the disassembly(field strip) and do so before purchase.

 

[Javbike]

I did a couple with a friend my advantage was I got to shoot them a lot before I bought I got two a s/w model 29-3 and s/w model 17

 

[waveslayer]

What kind of guns are they?

 

[Javbike]

What kind of guns are they?

Both revolvers like I said I got to shoot them a couple of range trips before I purchased them

 

[waveslayer]

If you like them buy them. Doubt they are shot out!