Tips for a first-time used gun buyer?

[TVegas]

Howdy y'all,

I'm planning on upsizing my carry gun to a Glock 19, and I'm considering buying a used one to save some money. I would like to buy something off one of the "eBay for guns" sites.

I've never bought a used gun before, so is there anything in particular I should look for or be aware of?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[carlson1]

I would try first to buy from someone here on the Forum.

If I was going to buy one from someone I did not know and sight unseen I would:
1. Get all the information you can and pictures from every angle possible of the pistol.
2. Get their address (then I would use Google Earth to make sure it is not a vacant lot).
3. Phone number (make sure you call them).
4. Use a USPS Money Order, send it certified with signature confirmation.
5. If they are using a FFL on their end I would also call his FFL.

All of that said I have never had a bad deal on Gunbroker or other sights, but I stopped buying from online unless it is a gun store or Forum members years ago.

[MONGOOSE]

If you have decided on a Glock, I would buy a Police trade in from a reputable dealer

[TVegas]

I would try first to buy from someone here on the Forum.

If I was going to buy one from someone I did not know and sight unseen I would:
1. Get all the information you can and pictures from every angle possible of the pistol.
2. Get their address (then I would use Google Earth to make sure it is not a vacant lot).
3. Phone number (make sure you call them).
4. Use a USPS Money Order, send it certified with signature confirmation.
5. If they are using a FFL on their end I would also call his FFL.

All of that said I have never had a bad deal on Gunbroker or other sights, but I stopped buying from online unless it is a gun store or Forum members years ago.

A lot of good points! I was hoping to find one in the Houston area that I could buy face to face.

If there is anyone on the forum looking to part with a Glock 19, PM me!

[TVegas]

If you have decided on a Glock, I would buy a Police trade in from a reputable dealer

Honestly, the only reason I am planning on a Glock is because there isn't an M&P with a 4 inch barrel and a full firing grip (without a mag extension).

In fact, from the research I have been doing, it seems like there are VERY few guns that fit into that niche. Most manufacturers make a full size that is too big for concealed carry in light clothing, and then a compact/sub-compact that doesn't offer a full firing grip (again, without a mag extension).


Anyway, I have looked at some police trade-ins, but most are 17s or 23s.

[MONGOOSE]

The only 19s I know of were back ups used by detectives.

[The Annoyed Man]

You can easily find a 4" 1911 with a full length grip.

[Taypo]

If you have decided on a Glock, I would buy a Police trade in from a reputable dealer

Honestly, the only reason I am planning on a Glock is because there isn't an M&P with a 4 inch barrel and a full firing grip (without a mag extension).

In fact, from the research I have been doing, it seems like there are VERY few guns that fit into that niche. Most manufacturers make a full size that is too big for concealed carry in light clothing, and then a compact/sub-compact that doesn't offer a full firing grip (again, without a mag extension).


Anyway, I have looked at some police trade-ins, but most are 17s or 23s.

Take a look at the VP9 as well. I went shopping for a 19, ended up with the HK.

[TVegas]

You can easily find a 4" 1911 with a full length grip.

Very true, but for CC I'm partial to 9mm and the polymer genre. My apologies, I should have been more specific.

I'll probably end up getting into a 1911 at some point though!

[TVegas]

If you have decided on a Glock, I would buy a Police trade in from a reputable dealer

Honestly, the only reason I am planning on a Glock is because there isn't an M&P with a 4 inch barrel and a full firing grip (without a mag extension).

In fact, from the research I have been doing, it seems like there are VERY few guns that fit into that niche. Most manufacturers make a full size that is too big for concealed carry in light clothing, and then a compact/sub-compact that doesn't offer a full firing grip (again, without a mag extension).


Anyway, I have looked at some police trade-ins, but most are 17s or 23s.

Take a look at the VP9 as well. I went shopping for a 19, ended up with the HK.

I really liked the VP9 I shot, but it's just a little much for my law student wallet.

[Taypo]

If you have decided on a Glock, I would buy a Police trade in from a reputable dealer

Honestly, the only reason I am planning on a Glock is because there isn't an M&P with a 4 inch barrel and a full firing grip (without a mag extension).

In fact, from the research I have been doing, it seems like there are VERY few guns that fit into that niche. Most manufacturers make a full size that is too big for concealed carry in light clothing, and then a compact/sub-compact that doesn't offer a full firing grip (again, without a mag extension).


Anyway, I have looked at some police trade-ins, but most are 17s or 23s.

Take a look at the VP9 as well. I went shopping for a 19, ended up with the HK.

I really liked the VP9 I shot, but it's just a little much for my law student wallet.

Yeah, that's the rub. Definitely a little pricier than the Glock

[The Annoyed Man]

You can easily find a 4" 1911 with a full length grip.

Very true, but for CC I'm partial to 9mm and the polymer genre. My apologies, I should have been more specific.

I'll probably end up getting into a 1911 at some point though!

No problem. And the G19 is a very good gun. By the way, if you do decide to get a commander sized 1911 down the road, you can get them in 9mm if you want to so you don't have to complicate your caliber picture.

[SoloXCRacer]

If you have decided on a Glock, I would buy a Police trade in from a reputable dealer

Honestly, the only reason I am planning on a Glock is because there isn't an M&P with a 4 inch barrel and a full firing grip (without a mag extension).

In fact, from the research I have been doing, it seems like there are VERY few guns that fit into that niche. Most manufacturers make a full size that is too big for concealed carry in light clothing, and then a compact/sub-compact that doesn't offer a full firing grip (again, without a mag extension).


Anyway, I have looked at some police trade-ins, but most are 17s or 23s.

I've carried my M&P 9 with relative ease concealed with t-shirts. I'll admit it is a little heavier, but with a 2 clip holster (like a hybrid style holster) it helps distribute the weight so it's not an anchor. But the weight is noticeable. Loose fitting t-shirts conceal well, but I could probably see how you could print with tighter fitting shirts.

I also have a Springfield XD-S 9mm 4" barrel with the 8-round mag extension. With the 8-round mag extension, the grip length is almost identical to my Glock 19. Of course the XD-S is much thinner with it being single stack, and that makes it easier to conceal. Either way, with the mag extension, I get a full grip just as easily as with my Glock 19. I've attached some pictures with the XD-S 4" barrel stacked on top of my Glock 19. Length wise, they're almost identical, with the XD-S being much thinner.

Thought I haven't tried one, I would imagine an M&P 9c with the mag extension would feel similar. The Glock 19 is a great gun though and I'm sure you'll like it.

[couzin]

I was going to say field strip any Glock first and visually inspect plus list out what I look for - BUT, this person is way more eloquent. http://looserounds.com/2014/09/30/buyin ... -look-for/

[carlson1]

I was going to say field strip any Glock first and visually inspect plus list out what I look for - BUT, this person is way more eloquent. http://looserounds.com/2014/09/30/buyin ... -look-for/

Thanks for posting. This is a fantastic article and I believe is also useful on other pistols purchase also.