I bought my used gun from a really shady character somewhere in East Texas. I was at my weekend job as a valet car parking attendant and I was on my way to park a car and this guy on a Harley went, "Psst! Wanna buy a gun?"

I said, "I don't have much money."

Pulling out an XD-40 subcompact he goes "Well, I gots this small gun I'll sell ya for cheap. My wife will kick my ass if I don't get rid of some of these guns. She's already on to me. The gun safe is full."

I looked in the glove box of the car I was parking and found a few hundred bucks. I said "Ok buddy. I'll help you out."

The rest is history.

Youse guys are just too funny. But, buying from someone you know is probably the best place to purchase. You'll be more apt to get honest info about the history of the unit, and they most likely won't try to gouge you, price-wise.
Second would be from a dedicated gun store. Not a Wally-World. The store owner wants your repeat business, and isn't likley to mess around.
I prefer a mom n pop size store. I may pay a couple of dollars more, but. I'll get better customer service.

I would say that where to buy a used gun dependson who you are and what experience you have.

Those who aren't "lifelong gun nuts" who know every bitty detail about the most obscure weapons would be better off buying from a reputable shop where they will return or are already a customer. There is less risk of being taken or making a mistake legally.

Those who ARE "lifelong gun nuts" usually have the experience which allows them to buy/sell whenever, wherever with confidence that they will minimize the risks of being scammed or investigated by LEO.

The biggest way you can get burned is buying a stolen weapon or one that was used in the commision of a crime. Something you may invest money in and lose in the future. That being said, if you buy quality weapons most problems you have,if any, will be minor. Springs mostly, but without knowledge it's best to purchase "used guns" from "reputible dealers/shops" just for the ability of problem resolution if nothing else.

It's difficult to state what's the best place to buy used guns because there are so many variables. I'll relay my experience.

When we had a real gunshop where I live, I got to know the owner after a while. After I bought my first two handguns, he always gave me a discount on my purchases, at least 5-6 percent. He usually had a very good inventory of used handguns. He also would take the time with each customer to ensure they were getting the best choice for what they wanted.

Since he closed, I've used several other dealers, but they don't have a good inventory of used handguns, or they want sky-high prices, or it's a two hour one-way drive in traffic, and you're always in traffic here. Consequently, I hit the gun shows hard for used handguns. Prices usually are no better, but the selection is. Although, I must say, of the few occasions when I bought more than one, I've always gotten some of the the price off each.

If I'm after a new handgun, there's a small dealer here who doesn't have much inventory but will order just about anything you want. Again, gun shows are the usual choice.

As for pawnshops, few here sell handguns, and the ones that do want twice what they're worth.

I've never sold any of my firearms, except for a 12-gauge Mossberg 500 I didn't need anymore after I bought my 590, and I sold it to a friend at a good price for him. If asked, I'll use the usual references and also do some research on the gun auction websites to get an estimate of value.