Used Guns

Where Our Used Guns Come From

Our used inventory comes from a few sources, and knowing the difference matters:

• In-store demonstration guns — Firearms we’ve used for videos, photography, or showroom display. Many have been fired only a handful of times. These are typically in excellent or very good condition.
• Police trade-ins — Service weapons traded in by law enforcement agencies when upgrading to new sidearms. These are professionally maintained firearms that have seen regular use. Condition varies but is typically good to very good. Cosmetic wear is common; mechanical condition is sound.
• Customer trade-ins — Firearms traded in by customers against new purchases. Each is inspected and graded before listing.
• Rebuilt / refurbished — Some firearms are professionally rebuilt or refurbished to factory spec. These are clearly labeled and represent excellent value.

Condition Grading

We grade our used firearms honestly. Here’s what our condition descriptions mean:

• Excellent — Little to no visible wear. May have been fired but shows minimal use. Mechanically perfect.
• Very Good — Minor wear consistent with light use. All functions work correctly. Good overall appearance.
• Good — Moderate wear, possible holster marks or handling wear. Mechanically sound. Standard condition for police trade-ins.
• Fair — Significant cosmetic wear but fully functional. Deep discounts reflect the condition.

Buying Tips for Used Firearms

• Used inventory moves quickly — if you see something you want, don’t wait. These items are typically one-of-a-kind.
• All used firearms ship to your local FFL dealer. The same standard background check applies regardless of whether the gun is new or used.
• Police trade-ins are an especially good value in service calibers like 9mm and .40 S&W — you get a professionally maintained firearm at a fraction of new price.

What to Inspect on a Used Firearm

When buying a used firearm, four areas deserve close attention. First, the bore — look down the barrel (with the action open and magazine removed) for rifling clarity, pitting, or erosion. A clean, bright bore with sharp rifling indicates a well-maintained firearm; a dark, pitted bore may affect accuracy. Second, the action — cycle it multiple times to check for smooth operation, proper feeding, and positive lockup. On semi-automatics, verify the safety functions correctly and the slide locks back on empty. On revolvers, check that the cylinder rotates smoothly and locks up tightly. Third, the frame — look for cracks, particularly around the frame rails on semi-autos and the forcing cone area on revolvers. Fourth, the finish — holster wear and handling marks are cosmetic and normal; deep gouges, rust, or signs of improper modification deserve explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Used Guns

Are used guns safe to buy?
Yes — used firearms from reputable dealers are inspected for function and safety before sale. Impact Guns inspects all used firearms and grades their condition accurately. A used gun in good mechanical condition from a quality manufacturer is as safe and reliable as a new gun. Avoid used firearms from private sellers where condition is unknown or inspection is not possible.

How much cheaper are used guns than new?
Used firearms from quality manufacturers typically sell for 20–40% less than new, depending on condition and demand. Police trade-ins and department surpluses often represent the best value — lightly used duty-grade firearms at significant discounts. High-demand models (Glock 19, S&W M&P) retain value better than less popular models.

Do used guns come with a warranty?
Manufacturer warranties typically do not transfer to second owners. However, most major manufacturers (Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson) will repair defects regardless of ownership history at their discretion. Impact Guns stands behind the used firearms we sell — contact us with any concerns about a used firearm purchased from us.

Can I return a used gun?
See our return policy for specific terms on used firearms. As with any firearm purchase, once transferred through an FFL the transaction has legal implications — review our return policy before purchase if you have questions.

See Also: Police Trade-In Guns • Handguns • Rifles • Find an FFL Dealer

• Questions about a specific used firearm’s condition or history? Call us at 800-917-7137 and we’ll give you an honest assessment.

We’ve been buying and selling used firearms since 1992 and we take our reputation seriously. Every used gun we list has been personally inspected by our staff. Call us at 800-917-7137 or use live chat with any questions.