Used Air guns?

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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.......

I have sold several airguns that were solid and good guns, but they just didn't strike my fancy, or I preferred others. I only have space for so many airguns so if it doesn't keep my interest it goes elsewhere. In fact, I tend to not sell a gun that has a known problem unless I get it fixed, or am very open and specific about it. To do otherwise is "dirty pool".

 

[Franklink]

I have sold several airguns that were solid and good guns, but they just didn't strike my fancy, or I preferred others. I only have space for so many airguns so if it doesn't keep my interest it goes elsewhere. In fact, I tend to not sell a gun that has a known problem unless I get it fixed, or am very open and specific about it. To do otherwise is "dirty pool".

I agree. Passing on a gun with known issues or defects and not including that in the description is a low integrity move.

Mental tally came up with 4 airguns that I've bought used. Two were as-desribed. 2 had problems that were not disclosed. One of the two with problems had a small nail in the compression chamber and the seals were falling apart = complete rebuild. The other one with problems had damage to the stock that was conveniently left out of the 6+ picture ad and a regulator that needed rebuilt. So I guess I'm 50% on my used gun purchases.

I've also sold a couple that I simply lost interest in but were otherwise fine. The only one that I moved on that had problems was a Diana 34 clone that wouldn't shoot any pellets I tried worth a dang. I included that detail in the ad and my sale price was what it cost me to ship it. New owner told me he found a pellet that would shoot to his satisfaction, but the important part is that he knew what he was getting into.

So, yes, I agree that selling a used one with without full disclosure is a low-integrity move, but some people do it to get rid of their problems and I've been on the receiving end.

Trust, but verify.

 

[cjtamu]

Solid advice from SHOMER. I've only bought one used air gun and that was from a well-known gunsmith. Gun is wonderful. But, I've done 100+ deals with used RC, bicycle, and slot car items. I always look up some of their previous posts to see if the person I'm dealing with knows what they're talking about or is a knucklehead. Then I know what type of credence to give to statements that" "It's in like new condition" etc.

 

[Jasonmc]

Nope never have I bought a used airgun. It would be different if I was able to hold it, look it over but unfortunately that’s not an option for me (I have trust issues) My first used purchase was here when I bought a barrel from a member for my rifle. At that time I was fallowing his post and seen the groups the barrel done on his rifle. (He actually contacted me when he seen a post I made about buying a barrel around the time he wanted te sell his barrel ) I researched this forum member and seen he was well thought of and his opinions respected (still is) so I bought it. Am I sorry I did? Not at all. I’m very happy with the barrel

 

[JoeWillie]

After buying and selling 10-12 guns here over the years, I have to say I believe that at least 80% of the people on this Forum understand Airguns and will be forthright in any issues they may have. The other aprx. 20% I believe, either don't know what they don't know or vastly overestimate their mechanical prowess in modding/repairing/servicing Airguns. A lot of good advice given in this Thread, Check the seller out, he/she may have posted about problems with the exact gun they now have up for sale, don't hesitate to ask for more pics of the gun, shot strings if available and what if anything has been done to the unit. If work has been done research the forums to see if that is typical for the Brand and Model in question.

The members here are a great group and a Heck of a resource, take your time and ask questions.

 

[beerthief]

"and lastly would I be comfortable walking down a Chicago alley with them? I understand this may sound somewhat judgmental" said Shomer

great line of thought love it . but really true Stan in Kentucky

 

[Plinker1962]

I am considering buying an M3. I have given some thought to finding a used one to save a few bucks. Have to not look at retail outlets as their used prices are borderline ridiculous.
After pondering the situation for a while I am wondering just how safe it is to buy a used air gun from a private party. Obviously they are not going to have a staff technician to go through the gun and most likely would not want to bear the expense on a gun they are selling.
I buy powder burners on forums from private parties but am well versed in the practice.
I guess the question for the forum is how comfortable are all of you buying a used air gun from a private party?

It’s the same as buying a used car from a private party or dealership. It’s only as good as the previous owner kept it up.

 

[Chukar60]

Thank you all for the advice. Buying used powder burners is one thing. Buying used air guns is just too sketchy for me. All the O rings, regulators and such just leave me more comfortable with buying new. If it is a late model or edition of a popular gun there ain’t enough difference in price to offset risks. Not that I don’t trust people it would be much easier to just send it in for warranty work if something took a dump on me.
Then this morning I am staring at the screen on the ol iPad ready to pull the trigger on a new M3 and get to asking myself what it is exactly this M3 is going to do that my two Mavericks cannot do.
I couldn’t come up with enough to justify getting the new M3, this week. Maybe net week will prove different.

 

[Hal4son]

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.......

These are two great posts. I'm surprised and suspicious of how many "recently purchased" airguns are in the classifieds. These are almost always priced at full retail or nearly so.

 

[Hal4son]

"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

Every time money parts our hands, we are making judgements. It is only recently that "judgemental" has been considered a negative trait. Over the history of mankind, being judgemental has saved countless from grief and personal injury.
Judgement is a good thing.

 

[dimwitrj]

Pay with something that gives you buyer's protection incase you end up dealing with a scammer.

 

[ChRiSiS]

I have bought and sold many airguns and other items here on AGN over the last two years. I am diligent in finding out about the seller when I am buying things, and completely open to discussing with a purchaser the things I am selling. Generally speaking I have always been completely satisfied with my purchases. I’ve certainly never had anyone sell me a defective gun and I have definitely never sold one.

I have sold airguns within months after purchasing them brand new from dealers. Why? Because after setting them up to suit me I realize that its either not what I really want, or something better comes along and I decide to help fund the new purchased by thinning the herd a bit. I also know of many people on AGN who buy new airguns simply to try them out. They are comfortable with the knowledge that they will be able to recoup most of their purchase costs by selling int he forum. Needless to say, I often buy from these people since I understand what they are doing and they usually have great feedback.

Once one starts paying real attention to the classifieds you actually start to know who does what on here. Some people are serial sellers, some, like me, pop up every now and then. I find that I will often buy more than once from the same person.

I do not think that you should be afraid to buy from the Classifieds. Pay attention, do your diligence and go with trusted sellers. Also, have some idea about what you are buying, what it is worth, what similar things have previously sold for and have realistic expectations about the potential accuracy (IN YOUR HANDS) and reliability of the platform.

Basically, my rule when buying or selling is “Don’t be a dick”.

Chris

 

[Trucker3573]

I used to be heavily into archery. Buying used bows was a huge savings well worth the risk. This is just my opinion but with airguns the savings just don’t justify the means. You always risk getting screwed. I’ve bought 2 used airguns and took it hard without lube on one of them. I would buy new especially with a high end gun like that. No idea what you mean by ridiculous retail outlet prices. I mean the prices are what they are and the used prices aren’t gigantically lower.