Shooting Industry Magazine Used Guns

Buying Used Guns
For Resale

Click Here To Read Full Article

20-Point "Buying Used Guns For Resale" Check List

1. Note general wear: mechanical, wood and metal.

2. If gun is in sound working order, bluing condition is not vital.

3. Wood can be refinished with simple tools and supplies sold by you.

4. Be wary of wood cracks. A stock with a wrist crack demands professional repair or replacement.

5. Minor mechanical problems are acceptable only if gunsmithing is available.

6. All safety devices must be in full working order or capable of being made so. Only safe guns are worthy of resale.

7. Beware of guns with missing parts.

8. The action must function smoothly.

9. Inspect bolt face carefully, with magnification, for damage, especially chipping or cracking.

10. Extractors and ejectors must function properly.

11. Bright bores are ideal, but a dark bore may still shoot very well. Customer must be made aware of dark bores.

12. While a damaged muzzle crown can be re-cut by a gunsmith, it’s better to avoid guns with crown damage.

13. Scopes on firearms do not enjoy a high value. Customer may opt to keep a scope.

14. Burred screw heads may indicate “tinkering.” However, screws can normally be replaced.

15. If the rifle or shotgun has a recoil pad, the pad should be functional, not hard. If hard, customer should be apprised of the fact. (A good add-on sale for you.)

16. Ensure your clerk is gun knowledgeable, in the mechanical sense, before permitting him to buy or sell used guns.

17. Do not let your own particular firearm interest sway you. A firearm you like may not have wide resale appeal.

18. Remember, not all old guns are collectible, valuable antiques. Most are simply old guns.

19. If you don’t know a lot about a used gun, look it up.

20. Finally, ask yourself, “Can I warranty this firearm for 30 days?”