Used Air guns?

If I'm spending close to 2k? I'm going new. Depends on how good a deal you're getting, knowing what you're looking at, and the rep of the seller.... Lots of good buys from AGN members in the classifies. Due diligence always required. Good luck.

Chukar60,
I'm fortunate to be able to buy new, however, one of the perks of following this forum is that you get to know and trust many of the members. For instance, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from L.Leon, and he's one of many I feel the same about. Of course, there are some I wouldn't, guess that comes from hanging around long enough. You've been with us since March so maybe following a little longer might help you determine a comfort level sufficient to purchase. Best of Luck, WM

In the old format there was a "member feedback" category where one could get a feel for who you might be dealing with & if they had a good reputation for honest dealings. If there's one like that on this newer format I haven't found it.

Chukar60, I believe the advice from both @L.Leon and @WorriedMan is solid. AGN is another real world option to build relationships and trust with the many that have so much to contribute and share to this great sport. You will hopefully find, over time, this group on AGN to be all you expect, whether it's about troubleshooting a problem or recommendations on buying a used airgun. Be diligent and thoughtful and you will be rewarded.

Patrick

Gerry52 said:

In the old format there was a "member feedback" category where one could get a feel for who you might be dealing with & if they had a good reputation for honest dealings. If there's one like that on this newer format I haven't found it.

Click to expand...

If you click on someones name there is a feedback status tab to check someones "rep" and in the classified section its listed right under the persons name, not sure if there was another system in the older format.

Lots of good guys to buy from. I've purchased many used airguns on this forum and expect full disclosure and honesty just as i do when i sell. Of course feedback by members and standup guys on the forum help. Just have to be careful who you buy from, use your best judgment and keep positive thoughts.

Same advice as other people already gave but I would add ask lots of questions. Condition, last time it had any work and what was the work done and who did it. Ask for extra pics and why are they selling and anything else to get the seller to talk. If the seller doesnt like my questions, doesnt provide clear answers or dodges anything I move on. Any good seller will happily answer any and all questions in a timely manner I know I do if I am selling something and thats been my experience buying on the forums.

"There are lots of good buys from AGN members in the classifies" ~L. Leon

I humbly submit in exercising my due diligence of a seller not known to me, I always check their past posted writings. For me anyway the true personal characteristics are revealed. Do their writings have any meat on them, is there depth of thought, and lastly would I be comfortable walking down a Chicago alley with them? I understand this may sound somewhat judgmental, perhaps even heretical.

Bottom line is since it's my money on the table, I get to set any bar height before releasing my hand from my precious frog skins. Am I getting a square deal while also helping a fellow member in their selling for what reason or am I being played by a grifter? Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills it's pupils and perilous times do always require a 24/7 buyer beware reality friend.

"Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools. They don't have the brains enough to be honest" ~ Ben Franklin

Hello Chukar60,

I agree with everything already stated and pointed out in this thread. However there is one item that is always at the top of my list to consider before buying any used item and that is the possibility that the item can fail after the purchase. The seller may have used the item without any problem and had been 100% truthful when representing the item for sale. You as the buyer must be willing to understand that all man made items are subject to fail at any time and you should not expect the seller to warrant the item or be responsible for any repair cost. I am not saying that you cannot make a great buy on a used item, just use due diligence and sound judgment.

Have a great day,
ThomasT

Don't know how many pcp's I've owned but I think I've owned 10 or 12 and 5 right now. Of this guessed number, 4 I bought brand new. Of all the used pcp's, I only had one problem with one person. What worked for me is talking with the seller. You can get a good feel of the person if they're legit.

I have no problem buying a used airguns or accessories from forum members here that have a solid reputation also with references on Ebay and other forums. Feedback is most important as it shows the seller's history. I haven't seen any negative/neutral feedback posted on this forum but not sure if the moderators allow posting them if it was honestly a poor transaction? If it was, both parties should also post if the other made it right in the end. Actions speak louder than words and there are lots of smooth talkers that can convince you of anything over the phone. I've had that happen with a couple retailers in the past. If a deal could have gone better due to one issue or another, I choose not to leave feedback instead of leaving negative comments.

Make sure to check out the classified rules and safe practices.
I've had a few on that "LIST" contact me when I posted a WTB ad.

I buy almost all my airguns used, with due diligence of course. My most recent was a purchase here on AGN, and all went well.

The majority of my airguns have been purchased used. I’ve bought used airguns from retailers and AGN members and have been satisfied with my purchases thus far. I wanted to add that I found it helpful when people I trust can vouch for someone I do not know. It’s very helpful when they have experiences with members that I am not acquainted with. If you are unsure about a a gun or a seller, in addition to checking their posting history and feedback, consider asking around the forums. I’ve encountered some very helpful people and good information this way.

IMO, there are two important factors in buying anything used. First, how technically familiar are you with the item? You should be comfortable asking the right questions, to which you know the answers. Second, what do you know about the seller? Most of us buy from individuals we do not know. A satisfactory comfort level can often be reached, or eliminated, with a good conversation. It is not unreasonable to request a short "inspection period", say one week, during which time you can return the item for a refund. Ultimately, you pay the money and you take the chance. You can't eliminate the risk, so a used discount should be a meaningful amount.

Thanks guys for "edumacating" me on where to find a member's feedback. Slowly but surely I'm finding my way around.

I’ve only purchased three used airguns. I didn’t purchase any of them for me. I definitely paid more than I felt they were worth. Two of them were victims of rookie gunsmiths and the other had an issue that wasn’t the sellers fault, but probably contributed to him selling it. Believe me, there are plenty of guys here that bought screwed up guns from the classified. With PCP’s, it’s almost a given that guys will be taking them apart either to fix them or mod them. Are they qualified to do so? You just can’t compare buying used airguns to firearms. With a firearm, the only concern is if the guy is selling it because it’s not accurate. With a PCP you have to wonder about a ton of things.

Trust, but verify.

Personal opinion is that guys don't tend to sell exceptionally accurate and troublefree airguns. Exceptions exist and might include somebody completely getting out of airguns, but then again, maybe they're getting out of airguns b/c the one(s) they have/had weren't exceptionally accurate and troublefree.......