Gun-buying advice

[Anna]

I found two possibilities for my first Sig. One is a used stainless P230 for $350. It comes with two magazines and an inside-waistband holster. Some dings on the slide "but not too noticeable." I think the seller is a police officer and he uses this as a carry gun sometimes.

The other is a used two-tone P232 for $500. Also comes with two mags.

I'm torn. The P232 is the newer model, but the differences between the two are generally cosmetic. And $150 will buy a bunch of rounds.

Any advice?

[smorris]

Ask the seller to field strip them and examine the slide and receiver wear marks. I made the mistake of not doing that once and had constant jams because the slide had excessive wear. The previous owner had shot it to death.

[Anna]

Ask the seller to field strip them and examine the slide and receiver wear marks. I made the mistake of not doing that once and had constant jams because the slide had excessive wear. The previous owner had shot it to death.

Ooh, good idea. It's over the internet, but I'm guessing there's a degree of honesty expected if they all belong to the same gun owners' forum, right? I'll ask both sellers to at least examine the slide and receiver wear marks, and send pictures if necessary. They already sent pictures of the guns.

Does it matter that one is being sold by the owner, and the other is going through a dealer?

[Black wallnut]

IMHO there are usually two main reasons used guns get sold. The first, also the worst, is that there is actually something wrong with the gun. The second is the seller really just needs the cash. There is also a third reason that the one for sale is simply not one the owner really likes. I've made several trades for this reason. Once traded a .44 Mag Redhawk for a Browning High Power; we both were happy.

I've sold guns for both of these two reasons. The few times when it was because there was something wrong I was honest with the buyer. It is always not easy to tell which of these two reasons something is for sale. the best advice I can offer to you Anna is to see if both parties will allow you to have a competent neutral gunsmith examine each for any possible serious, non-cosmetic defects.

The low price on the P230 has me wondering a bit on why it is so low. It might be worth a look at the Blue Book of Gun Values to see if either price is in line with a reasonable expectation. I don't have a copy or I'd look it up.

[Anna]

IMHO there are usually two main reasons used guns get sold. The first, also the worst, is that there is actually something wrong with the gun. The second is the seller really just needs the cash. There is also a third reason that the one for sale is simply not one the owner really likes. I've made several trades for this reason. Once traded a .44 Mag Redhawk for a Browning High Power; we both were happy.

I've sold guns for both of these two reasons. The few times when it was because there was something wrong I was honest with the buyer. It is always not easy to tell which of these two reasons something is for sale. the best advice I can offer to you Anna is to see if both parties will allow you to have a competent neutral gunsmith examine each for any possible serious, non-cosmetic defects.

The low price on the P230 has me wondering a bit on why it is so low. It might be worth a look at the Blue Book of Gun Values to see if either price is in line with a reasonable expectation. I don't have a copy or I'd look it up.

Mark, thanks. I was also wondering about buying used guns, that's why I haven't really jumped on these yet. I think the P230 was a backup gun that he bought from another police officer. From what I've read in the forum, he sells some of his guns to buy new ones.

The P232 is a consignment sale by a dealer for one customer to another.

I guess I can ask for their reasons for selling, but it might seem a little rude. They're also both out of state, which makes it even more difficult. Maybe I should just wait for the new Sigs that the gun store is getting.

[Bruce Cohen]

Anna,
Unfortunately, a picture will not show a sloppy slide to reciever fit. Although this is not too expensive to fix, it's akin to buying a car thaat needs new brakes or sloppy steering.

If you're going to use this for the range only, no big deal buying used.

If you're going to use it to save your life, sight unseen is a funeral waiting to happen.

Bruce

[Uncle Cracker]

I have always shied away from buying a gun sight-unseen. Unless you know exactly what to look for, you might do well to deal with a reputable local gun dealer, even if you pay a little more. If you establish a good relationship with one and give them some ammo or range business, they will often be willing to look at a prospective private purchase you are considering and give opinions as to wear and condition, even if you aren't buying the weapon from them. Even if they charge a modest fee, it's worth it to get it right, so you don't find yourself with a faulty weapon at a critical moment (or even have one blow up in your face on the range).

[Anna]

Bruce and Unc,

Thanks. I've never bought a gun before and you're right: I have no idea what to look for. The P232 is by a dealer, and he's doing it is a consignment sale. Maybe I can ask him to check out the gun and give me his opinion. He seems to be pretty well-regarded in the gun forum.

Otherwise, I'll wait for the local gun shop to get its shipment in. A new black P232 is $600 plus tax and other fees. The used two-tone for $500 shipped seemed really tempting compared to that. I'll have to sleep on this and think it through.

[Hellrazor]

I would consider an online purchase of a new firearm, but I would not buy a used one.

[4estgump]

Anna,
You might find what you are looking for on gunbroker.com or auctionarms.com.
Just type in what you are looking for. I use both and have never been burned.
Plus its free to sign-up to bid and sell.
4est