Buy New or Used (Guns)

Some people buy only new cars.  Some people, like me, only buy used cars.  Buying a new car allows you to get what you want in regards to color, options, make, and model.  When you buy a used car, often times you have to compromise on many of those choices.  The plus side is that you save a good deal of money on depreciation, and you can choose a model with known reliability.  Purchasing guns presents many of the same types of choices.

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to buying a new or used handgun.  I find it interesting, though, that the pattern in which people purchase cars pretty much follows how they purchase firearms.  For example, someone who buys only new cars will be more likely to buy a new firearm as opposed to a used one.  That's not always the case, but it seems to be that way more than not.

Some people avoid buying used guns like the plague.  I don't know why.  I guess they're afraid they might get cooties or something from the previous owner.  However, if you know what to look for, then buying a used handgun should pose no such cootie inducing problems.

Buying New:

Everyone loves that "New Car Smell", and new gun smell produces no less an amount of olfactory euphoria.  Plus, you get the exact make and caliber you want, and in some cases, even the color.  There is no compromising for the new gun only buyer.  The idea of an Idiot Scratch on their 1911 that was placed there by someone else sends them into an uncontrolled rage that can only be soothed by an episode of Matlock and a tall, cool glass of Yoo-Hoo spiked with Prozac.  No one wants that.

New guns allow you to also be on the cutting edge of technology.  If Glock were to come out with the G40 Pulse Cannon, you would be the first in line.  It's exciting and new.  Like love.  You've gotta have it.  And you'll pay for it.  However, sometimes, it isn't all you bargained for.  Like love.  It may be the most beautiful looking gun in the world.  Flawless finish, smooth operation, feels great in the hand, and sexy.  The gun, that is.  Not the girl you were just thinking about.  Then you find out there are little problems that pop up.  Maybe it fails to feed or eject.  Maybe there's something going on inside that isn't quite right either by way of design or manufacture.  It's kind of like meeting the girl of your dreams and then finding out that she can fart louder than you, and more often.  Much more often.  Really takes the shine off that new gun smell.

New guns are still a great way to get the most out of your firearm.  You'll be the beginning of its history.  You can also accessorize it the way you want.  It will quickly become a part of you.  At least for a while anyway.

Buying Used:

Like buying a used car, you can save a good deal of money buying a used gun.  The obvious reason is cost.  Like cars, most guns depreciate saving you hundreds of dollars on similar makes and models.  Guns are built to last, unlike some cars that I've owned in the past.  However, there is a lot of exploding and pressure that occurs inside firearm when it's doing its thing.  Guns need to be robust to take the pounding of sending a projectile downrange with authority.  Granted, there are also some firearms that I wouldn't trust to contain a sneeze, let alone rapidly expanding gasses spewing forth from the mouth of a 45 caliber shell casing.  However, for the overwhelming majority, guns are designed to handle the pressures.

Sure, you may have to compromise on things like make, model, and even color.  However, if you know what you're looking for, you can get a great gun at a great price leaving you more money for things like ammunition.   If you know what to look for, you can tell if a gun came from a good home, was well taken care of, and fed good ammo.   I mean, just because she's back on the market doesn't mean that she's not a great find.  Sure, you have to do some more work and not have set in stone the parameters of your relationship between you and your new firearm.  You can be just as happy with that more experienced model.

A great thing to look into is a factory refurbished or reconditioned firearm.  Most of these come from law enforcement or other similar agencies that are looking to either upgrade or just re-equip their forces.  Manufactures will buy back these guns, replace any worn parts, refinish the metal if needed, and then repackage it and send it back out to the marketplace with a factory warranty.  You still get a gun that is often times like new for a used gun price.  It's like sending Lindsay Lohan to a rehab and attitude adjustment program that actually works and getting something back that performs like new.


So, don't be afraid to go either route.  A new or a used gun can both bring happiness and satisfaction to all involved and become the beginning of a beautiful relationship.  One of respect, admiration, and hours of fun blowing stuff up.