Are "old" semi-autos any good?

Buying first gun used - help!

Used pistol "should ask" questions?

Those might help a little. If you can afford it, then just buy new.

-Jeff-

Used, but I'm cheap!

Of the three handguns, two rifles and shotgun I own, I've bought all used. The handguns were all bought used from shops and the long guns were bought from private party sales. I've been very happy with all of them and none were misrepresented to me by the sellers.

As for what to look for, do your homework first so you know if the price is right for what your looking at. Then look at the condition. If it looks beat, it probably is. But if the internals look clean and not worn, and the barrel is clean and shiny, I'd be willing to overlook some cosmetic damage (scuffs and scratches, dings in the wood, holster wear, etc) if the price reflected its condition.

If you buy from a stranger, your taking more of a chance. If you buy from a shop, you've got more recourse if something goes wrong. In either case, get a bill of sale with the seller's name (check ID), your name, the serial number and the date.

It would help to know what price range you are going for. Brands? Some brands are semingly forever with good care and maintenance. Difficult to portray the risks to a newbie. Are you a self sufficient sort, or would you depend on a warranty? Some manufacturers re-work used pistols with a specific warranty. SIG for one has CPO (certified pre-owned) pistols, and your local gun shop should be able to go through any Glock traded in and make it par and functionable to go. You just looking for a range gun, or a concealed carry pistol?

Originally Posted by Ram Rod

It would help to know what price range you are going for. Brands? Some brands are semingly forever with good care and maintenance. Difficult to portray the risks to a newbie. Are you a self sufficient sort, or would you depend on a warranty? Some manufacturers re-work used pistols with a specific warranty. SIG for one has CPO (certified pre-owned) pistols, and your local gun shop should be able to go through any Glock traded in and make it par and functionable to go. You just looking for a range gun, or a concealed carry pistol?

Yeah. what RR said.Way too many variables to answer you..Answer those and I'm sure you 'll get the advice you desire.

I just bought my first handgun and I was thinking the same thing. I went to my local gun range/rental to shoot of as many 9mm as I could get my hands on. I figured that would be a good test since the rentals are used alot. I ended up firing a s&w,beretta,glock,sig, cz, and kahr. I thought the sig was the best for me so I bought a used sig pro 2009 with a 15round clip and lifetime warranty for $375. I couldnt be happier with it. I did alot of research..3 days on the internet and the sig pro series was one of the few that 90+% of owners were totally satisfied.

Originally Posted by sig09

I thought the sig was the best for me so I bought a used sig pro 2009 with a 15round clip

The Sig takes a clip?

-Jeff-

Originally Posted by sig09

I ended up firing a s&w,beretta,glock,sig, cz, and kahr.

Congrats on the SIG purchase. Do you remember the model numbers of the others you mentioned?

Originally Posted by BeefyBeefo

The Sig takes a clip?

-Jeff-

Be nice he is learning to speak firearm, it is a learned langugage that most people have to unlearn TV to learn to speak correctly.

Originally Posted by tony pasley

Be nice he is learning to speak firearm, it is a learned langugage that most people have to unlearn TV to learn to speak correctly.

I'm being nice. It's just a little raz to see if he gets it or not.

-Jeff-