Buying a used handgun.

[Grotto]

Yesterday I finally took the bull by the horns and passed my restricted, and now all I can think about is that I soon can (legally) purchase and fire handguns. I am thinking of buying a "brand name" used rather than going the Norinco route.

I want both a double action revolver and a 1911 type .45acp or 9Mm. What recommendation do you suggest for buying such a gun at a gunshop. What are the dangers of buying through the mail or even from people here at CGN. Thanks in advance.
Grotto.

 

[tangroup]

congrats

Well done. Congratulations and jointhe club.

From experience, I have never had trouble buying second hand from this board or from the internet, altho you have to use the "buyer beware" policy and know what you are looking for and what to ask.

Nothing beats looking at and feeling the gun before making the decision, although a new one will cost you taxes and depreciation.

The guns I have purchased, some new and some used have always functioned well. The members of this site are above board and honest toward each other and they usually stand behind what they sell.

I recommend going to the gun store first and getting a feel for things, and then shooting with friends before making the decision.

Making that purchase depends on your budget, but the common handguns to trust are the Colts, Springfields and Smith & Wessons for the 1911. The upper models like Para, Sig, Kimber, Sti will cost a pretty penny.

Hope this helps

Good luck

 

[Stevo]

I've never bought a new handgun. IMO it's better to let someone else take the depreciation.

Buying in a store or in the EE is a matter of reputation. I wouldn't buy from a store with a bad rep, or from someone on CGN with a bad rep or without references.

Make sure you do your research, and figure out what you really want and like. Then buy it and shoot it.

 

[waynesixgun]

Depending on your budget you may be able to purchase new instead of used.
Determine how much you want to spend ..then price out Rugers..thats what I did.

 

[Ripstop]

Congratulations!

There is a big difference between 9mm and .45acp, DA revolver or Semi-auto. First figure out what type of calibre you would like to start with, most people start with .22 so they don't develop a flinch right off. Figure out which you would want this calibre in, revolver or semi. From there it is easier to narrow it down to certain models of manufacturers that you would like it from.

Check out the feedback under a user's name and perhaps PM one of his feedback sources. If he doesn't have feedback, ask in the proper forum what others think of this individual. I did this with a seller (no feedback) in this forum and there was great response from the people here. Now, everyone is different and some people preform better than others but when in doubt, ask around. You'll find the majority of members here to be great people.

Good luck. I bought my first handgun (Ruger MKII) and am waiting for my second (S&W 686) from CGN members. Both have very low feedback but both are top people.

 

[CanFire]

I would suggest picking up a new Ruger 22/45 in .22LR ($310) to start with and you'll probably keep it forever. If you have the bucks already, add-in a Norinco (Sig, CZ, or 1911 clone) in 9mm (~$350) or pick up a brand-name used gun in 9mm. The Ruger's are ugly but they work well, are inexpensive new, and are very easy to sell used. I bought a .45 for my first handgun and I ended up selling it and buying a Sig Mosquito (.22LR - $515) because of the ammo cost. I'm trying to decide which 9mm to get myself now.

 

[Stevo]

I think the best place to buy is the EE on CGN. You still have to know your prices as some may be overpriced. There's still lots of deals available. I picked up a nice S&W M39 this afternoon for $300 shipped. Gotta love CGN.

A .22 will always be a great choice for a first handgun, but it's not mandatory. My first was a .357/.38 Smith M28-2, but I'd grown up shooting 9mm and BP revolvers. Great gun and the price was right. I don't think you can go wrong with a 586/686 as a first handgun.

 

[DrakeriderCa]

I definitely recommend the EE. I spent a few weeks watching prices and movement before I bought my Hi Power from a member here, and I'm very happy. If he's reading, I'm sure I could have given him a harder time to get a cheaper price, but what I paid was more than fair. In return, I got a great handgun that's treated me well.

Be patient, polite, and don't be afraid to barter or ask for a lower price. Everyone on here seems to be pretty realistic, so as long as everything is done in good faith, you should be alright.

Welcome to the sport!

 

[Pure Energy]

As soon as my restricted came in I bought a nice Springfield 1911 on the EE here. Was in great shape and shot very well. I have since bought and sold 3 or 4 more pistols here. Great system.

 

[Rapt]

You can get just a screwed or more so from a gun store if you don't know your stuff...

I have done most of my buying either here, or through in person sales at the local club. Just let out word at the local gun clob that you're looking for XYZ and pretty soon someone will mention they have or know someone who has one that they'd be willing to sell.

 

[Urban]

just buy slightly used. Its practically brand new...
Youll be saving At least 15% off retail. People who buy new usually take a hit b/c they gotta pay for s&H + tax.

 

[spi]

For used guns I definately can recommend the EE here - lot of good people on the board.

Also, check out the Armco site every once and a while. Lots of good pistols move through Armco and Gunnar is a well regarded pistolsmith - he'll do right by you.