3 Important Tips Before You Buy Pawnshop Firearms

Pawnshops are an amazing source for deals on electronics, jewelry, power tools, and even musical instruments. You may even find a one-of-a-kind item that only you can appreciate for its value, beauty, or usefulness.

Many pawnshops offer a variety of firearms like handguns, rifles, and antique guns for purchase for hunts, collections, or protection. If you have your eye on a pawnshop gun or rifle, check out these three important tips first.

1. Understand Florida Gun Laws

Every state differs with regards to laws or requirements for firearm purchases, which can make the process seem confusing. If you are a first-time purchaser of firearms in Florida, you need to understand how to do so properly in the state of Florida.

First and most importantly, Florida gun laws are relatively lenient. Florida residents do not need a license to purchase a firearm in Florida, and you have no limit to the number of guns or rifles you can buy at once.

However, Federal law prohibits gun purchases from specific categories of people like those convicted of a felony or fugitives from justice. The state of Florida further restricts the sale of firearms under certain circumstances involving crimes.

You must be over the age of 21, or you must be over 18 if you are a law enforcement or corrections officer or a service member. If you are a legal permanent resident alien, you may purchase a firearm after you provide a valid alien registration number. Otherwise, you must provide a border crossing number and a valid exception document.

Finally, you must have a background check before you can claim your gun or rifle, and you must complete the three-day waiting period.

2. Recognize Value Before You Buy

You probably wouldn't buy a car without first making an effort to find out how much money you should expect to pay.  Like any investment, firearms are no different. Before you hand over your cash, make sure you know what you're about to buy.

First, research the type of gun or rifle you're interested in and its relative value with regards to condition or age. You can check websites like Blue Book of Gun Values or Firearms Price Guide that price guns according to manufacturer and model.

After you find a piece in a pawnshop you like, you can determine condition when you inspect it. Take a few minutes to disassemble the gun or rifle. Then, wipe off any grease and dirt and look for rust or dents. The barrel should be smooth and free from pitting in the bore. Remove the stock, and check for rust or cracks. Try the trigger. Better yet, ask if you can fire the gun. If a dealer refuses to let you disassemble or fire a gun, walk away.

Don't be afraid to ask the dealer questions about a firearm, which shows you are willing to learn more and are serious about a purchase. If a gun doesn't work for you, ask the dealer to let you know when they find something you may like better.

3. Don't Wait Too Long

When you find a gun or rifle you really like, don't wait too long to buy it. You may miss out on your top pick simply because you took too long to do your research about value or condition or were unsure of Florida gun laws. Many pawnshops with a good reputation for quality guns and rifles have inventory that simply does not last long. Firearms like AR-15s, the Smith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver, and the Colt M1911 are popular with many gun enthusiasts and sell quickly.

Fortunately, 2 J's Pawn & Gun offers a large inventory of firearms like Glock and Sig Sauer in addition to favorites like Smith and Wesson, Colt, Browning, and Winchester. We can even help transfer firearm purchases from online or other retailers. Contact us for more information about our inventory of firearms.