Gun Guys: Where to buy a used handgun, and what to look for?
 

So I'm on the verge of picking up my first handgun, but I need some tips. Thanks to past advice from here and others, I've decided I'd like to go with a 9mm, hopefully a CPO Sig Sauer 226 if I can afford it. I'd like to shop around a bit though, both online and locally, any suggestions as to online sellers? What should I look for when I check one out in person?

Ordnance Outsellers has one CPO 226 in stock for $509, good price?

about what they go for.... check auctions (completed ones too) at www.gunbroker.com

I'd start by going to a local dealer, ask if he/she can get you one and at what price, and if they can't, ask about cost of doing a transfer if you find one elsewhere...

Get the best you can afford.

I have an H&K USP Compact (.45). It was pricey but it has turned out to be worth it.

There really isn't much to look for in person on one of these. The newer guns, from reputable manufacturers, are all but indestructible these days. They simply cannot be shot enough in a whole lifetime to wear them out, much less in the time this model has been on the market. That leaves the only real issue being any kind of obvious abuse or unusual wear. A cursory visual inspection will reveal any of that. One area of abuse to be particularly aware of is the muzzle; look for any nicks, dents, or other marks. Often improper cleaning will result in muzzle damage from scraping the cleaning rod up against one side. Aside from any of that, there really isn't much that can go wrong.

Have you actually shot that gun? I found it really helpful to go to a shooting range that rented all the guns they sold. I got to try a bunch and THAT is probably what let me to be happy with my gun, over and above the gun itself. Find the right mate.

Rather than shopping soley on price try to find a good local gunshop that gives you service. With a first handgun you may need it.

Unfortunately, price is an issue, I can't afford to take a "price is no object" approach. The joys of college. I'm planning on taking a trip to a local range before I make a purchase, I'd like to rent a 226 along with some of it's competitors, and they have quite a few available.

Matt, I am no gun pro, but I have quite a few guns and after doing some research, I found that the Argentina made Bersa .380 Thunder is a great gun for the money. I just bought one new at Gander Mtn for $229 and I have seen them at gun shows new for $199. It all depends on what you are after, but Google Bersa .380 and you will be pleasantly suprised by many of the reviews that rate it quite high even though it is sold at a low price (most "cheap" guns jam often, the Bersa does quite nicely though).

I am not knocking Glocks, Sigs, Berettas, Walthers and the like, I just wanted to let you in on this little bargain I happened upon.

A pic of a Bersa Thunder .380.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1164732867.jpg

thanks for starting this, matt..i'm like you and thinking the same thing about picking one up for basic home defense/occasional shooting range stuff.

what model was the 9mm beretta used by mel gibson in lethal weapon? was it a common model and is a used one pricey? decent gun for this purpose? i'm thinking that the ammo wouldn't be as pricey as some..?
ryan

I collect Colt 1911 style 45's, nines and 38's.

Ffor the money, personal carry or just shooting with little maintenance. I would go with a Sig, awesome pistols.

Hundred bucks cash straight up gets you a nine up in Compton. How many you want? I can swing by there on the way home.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

In a used gun, I take it apart. Strip the slide off and inspect for rust, pitting and dirt. Get a flashlight and look at the barrel. Do the grooves look just clean and sharp or are they just barely there? Is the barrel dirty?

Now take the grip off the frame. This will let you look at more of the mechanism and again, look of dirt, rust and pitting.

Re-assemble it. How does the frame fit? Does it move when you shake the pistol? There should be a little slop in the slide, but not too much.

Matt
I purchased a 226 Navy from Ordanance Outsellers last year, good folks to deal with. CPO guns are under sig warranty and in tip top shape, you should not have any issues. 226 is an excellent pistol.

bigchillcar - Beretta 92, the current military issue sidearm. Taurus makes a copy as well (lifetime warranty, less expensive than the beretta)

id10t...thanks, now i remember it was a 92 from somewhere..just rings a bell somehow. what would a used one range in price you think? guess i could phone local gun shops instead of pawn shopping. isn't there like a waiting period now for gun purchases..some background checks?
ryan

I bought a Sig P239 earlier this year from a cop (property officer who only fired it once) for $500, which included the plastic case and extra magazine. I really like the Sig even more than my Beretta 92FS, it fires very smoothly and is easier to aim. Try before you buy and take your time...

Matt,

my system at work is not allowing me to PM you, but anyone can feel free....

Why, exactly, did you decide on a semi-auto? In 90%+ of all situations if you need to use your weapon and you do not "get it done" in three shots or less then you are in BIG trouble.

Take a look at revolvers also. I ALWAYS reach for the revolver (5 rounds one cylinder empty), my semi-auto (15 round clips, one in the chamber) just sits there. A nice .357 will do very well and you can shoot .38 rounds out of a .357. The size of the revolver will lessen the recoil and .38 from a .357 (larger, heavier frame) will have little recoil, especially compared to a semi-auto. You can easily find Colt Anacondas in your stated range that are in good shape. The Ruger and the JP Saur are also very fine weapons in your price range, much lower actually. I'm not a Smith type of fellow, but I understand they make some good ones according to those who like their weapons. I like the .45LC, my wife likes the .357/.38.

Semi's: If you do not keep it clean, it will not function properly. If you have never shot one, try it first. I never had issues with my Ruger, my wife has never had an issue with her Glock (both 9s). The 1911 is a very fine weapon as is the Browning but they are out of your stated range. Stay away from Smith Semis, I don't care for Barettas but that is my personal issue.

I STRONGLY suggest (following the laws in your state/county/city) that you take CASH to a gun show. Look around at the sellers displays and keep an eye on people carrying weapons. Look for people you suspect would be honest who are carrying a weapon (don't laugh at me, we all have impressions of people), I like older people dressed in good quality clean clothing not in top dollar clothes flashing a Rolex. They might not have signs or anything showing they are trying to sell. Most people will not be upset if you ask if they are trying to sell their weapon. You will be able to pick up a nice piece from an individual for less money than you will spend from a dealer and the seller will make more money than the dealers can give them for their weapon. Make sure such transactions are legal in your area!!!!

Lots of good info here, thanks guys. As far as semi-auto vs revolver, I can't really say why I prefer the semi-auto. I suppose I've just always liked the size a bit better, it could partially be a looks thing as well.

The Bersa for $200 is interesting, considering my situation, and desired use, something like that might be ideal. To pose a second question now, are there cheaper used/new guns that are reliable, quality weapons? I would love to have a Sig, but considering my current finances, I'd prefer not to spend $500+. Also, I was thinking 9mm due to wanting something affordable to shoot, what other calibers are relatively cheap?

If you want cheap ammo, you can't beat a .22. As far as I know, most ammo has gone up in price considerably this past year. FWIW, the cheapest plinking ammo I have found thus far for my Bersa .380 is $8.00 for a box of 50 at a gun show. The plinking stuff typically sells for between $10.00-$13.00 for a box of 50 at a store. I am guessing that 9mm is within a buck or two of the .380 ACP.

If you have not yet, search for some reviews of the Bersa .380 on the internet. Most of the reviewers were all suprised by the performance of the "cheap" little Bersa. I believe Bersa makes other models in different calibers, but I can't comment on whether they are also receiving rave reviews. For the money, I am confident you will be more than satisfied with a Bersa. Once again, I have nothing against the big name handguns, I was just looking to spend a couple hundred bucks like you and a friend who is a certified gun nut told me he heard good things about the Bersa. It seems quite a few folks are picking them up for concealed carry as they have some features that are desirable.