How to Safely Buy a Used Gun

If you have decided you want or need to have a gun to protect you and your family, you may be a bit worried and scared about what to buy. Your first step should be to go to a gun store and ask about the different makes and models available. You can then decide which type suits you and whether to buy a new one or look for a used one.

Unless you are familiar with firearms, buying a used one can be difficult. You do not want to end up with a gun that does not fire correctly or, even worse, misfires and ends up injuring you or someone nearby. Here are a few tips you should know that will help you safely buy a used gun that will fit your needs.

Find a Reputable Dealer

Buying a gun online or from an individual seller is not a good idea unless you take someone with you who is familiar with guns. Remember to check the local pawn shops when looking for a dealer. These establishments are required to have the proper licensing to sell firearms and must fill out and submit the correct forms when making a sale.

A pawn shop that deals with guns as a regular part of their business will have at least one employee who is knowledgeable about firearms. Ask to speak and work with that person, making an appointment for when they are available if necessary.

Inspect the Gun

Even if you do not know much about guns, you can inspect it to look for flaws or problems. Look closely for rust or any pitting, and examine the screws and fittings too. All the pieces and parts should be flush with the weapon and not have any scratches or be stripped.

Ask to have the weapon taken apart so you can look over each piece. Watch the employee take the gun apart; the pieces should come apart and go back together smoothly and without force. While the firearm is apart, look through the bore to make sure there is no rifling in the barrel.

Ask if all the parts are stock or if aftermarket pieces have been added or upgraded. Sites, triggers, and magazine rails are the most common upgrades to look for. Make sure the upgrades fit and were installed properly. If they were forced into place, they may have been damaged and will not work properly.

Check Moving Parts

Once the gun has been reassembled and you are positive it is not loaded, check all the moving parts. Shake the weapon a bit to see how it feels. The gun should not feel as if parts are jiggling about. Pull the slide to see how easily it moves. It should glide without sticking anywhere.

Don't forget to flick the safety switch, making sure it moves well but does not fall open. Also, slip an empty magazine in and out a few times, making sure it goes into place and slides out when the release is pushed.

Fire the Gun

If the establishment happens to have a firing range, ask to fire off a few rounds. However, most stores don’t have a firing range available, so you will need to fire the gun without any ammunition. This will give you an idea of how the different pieces move when in use. You will get the feel of the trigger and find out if the bolt or slide sticks when fired.
If you are in the Davie, Florida area, stop in at 2 J's Pawn & Gun and check out our gun inventory. If we don't have what you are looking for, we can keep your contact information and try to find the right gun for you.