Finding and buying used guns

[seneca1980]

In a thread on the general forum, I was advised to find a  "used Remington 870 or Mossberg 500" as my first turkey gun (under $200).

Any tips on where I can find a gun like that? I have no idea where to start. Any stores, online sources, etc.?

Also any tips for evaluating a used gun before I buy it?

Thanks!

[eddie234]

I've got both my winchester 1300's at a local pawn shop. Check for rust and general wear and tare

[Tail Feathers]

Lots of places have local sales papers like the Thrifty Nickel, Peddler, either on line or in paper form.  Facebook often has area "for sale" groups, just google stuff for your area.
Pawn shops usually carry guns and you have plenty of time to shop (or save up a little more money) before spring.  Good luck in your search.
Avoid rusty guns, check to see that the choke isn't frozen in the barrel, work the action and try the trigger before you buy one.  If one of those guns you mentioned pumps without binding, and all the rest is in order, you should be OK in buying one.

[allaboutshooting]

Good used guns can command as much as new guns, so you'll need to really shop around. Either of the guns you mentioned can last a lifetime, it cared for properly.

I would however recommend that you shot some big box stores, along with whatever local gun shops or pawn shops you have in your area. Sometimes, with mfg rebates, a new gun can be less expensive than a used one.

Good hunting.

Thanks,
Clark

[longislandloco]

Local gun shops, pawn shops, local range adds..........the key is patience.

[decoykrvr]

Put the word out w/ other local turkey hunters that you're looking for a good used turkey shotgun.  "Word of Mouth" among turkey hunters is a very powerful thing, and the lure to "buy up" sometimes only requires the knowledge that someone will buy their used turkey shotgun.  Several years ago I was in attendance at a local NWTF function when the MC announced that we had a novice turkey hunter who was a college student attending his first banquet and requested assistance from the crowd to help him get started.  The response from the crowd was overwhelming and resulted in the donation of alot of used turkey hunting items and offers by several to sell used turkey shotguns