6 Used Handguns on the Cheap, Comparatively Speaking
By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor
It seems like prices just keep going up. Everything has gotten more expensive the last few years, especially fuel and groceries. Prices on guns have also climbed. Decent prices on new guns can be found, but used handguns often provide the best deals. This is particularly true for those just looking for a gun, rather than a specific model.
With just a modicum of care, guns last a long time. In fact, many handguns are carried more than they are shot, meaning they mostly show holster wear, with internal parts and barrel being in good condition.
One trick to obtaining a good deal on a used handgun is to be patient. Those not in a hurry have time to find the perfect gun for the right price. Considering guns that cost less when new also help the price. A gun that runs $400 when new might be had for $250 or less on the used handgun market. One simply needs to understand the search tool, including maximum amount, and wait until the price is everything one hopes. Here are six that seem to offer excellent deals for those looking to save money on a handgun.
Used Handguns for Potential Deals
Taurus Judge
When the Taurus Judge hit the market, everybody wanted one. This .45 Colt chambered revolver, that could also fire .410 shells, received tremendous reviews for it ingenuity and versatility. Few had anything bad to say about this handgun.
Those who watched the used handgun market, however, quickly noticed these guns becoming available. The Judge puts power in the hand, but it also puts a whole lot of recoil in that hand. A lot of folks bought this handgun without realizing its kick.
New, the Taurus Judge runs between $500 and $700, depending on model and features. However, these same guns can be found for around $300 or so on the used handgun market.
GLOCK Gen3
Many might not realize it, but GLOCK still makes Gen3 pistols in the G17 and G19. There are quite a few Gen3s available. Many come from police buy backs, as the G17 and G19 pistols in Gen3 are the most popular with law enforcement, or more precisely, popular with agency procurement. Swapping guns, even from Gen3 to Gen4 or 5, requires approval from higher ups, who often just don’t feel the need. And when the agency swaps pistols, it usually swaps all of them.
This puts a steady supply of GLOCKs into the used market, many of which were carried often and shot little. Then there is the ever-trading gun buyer and the buyers who regret their purchase for whatever reason. Regardless, there are a lot of used GLOCKs on the market, with some starting in auctions between $100 and $200.
Ruger LCP
When Ruger introduced the LCP, it was almost impossible to find. This wasn’t because Ruger didn’t make many of the guns, it was just that popular. This small, compact pistol in .380 ACP concealed easily, meaning folks actually carried the gun.
Sure, the caliber wasn’t the most powerful and the small size made it pretty snappy, but shooters still loved it. Since then, a lot of other companies have introduced micro compact and compact pistols in both .380 and 9mm. Even Ruger brought out a slightly larger version called the MAX. None of this changes that a lot of LCPs were sold, with quite a few hitting the used handgun market. Of course, new LCPs only run around $260, so used guns should be available for around $200.
SIG SAUER P229
There was a time when the SIG SAUER P229 was the preferred sidearm for many law enforcement agencies, particularly federal agencies. The Secret Service used the P229 for years. This pistol was recognized for its accuracy and reliability. It was also renowned for its price. It currently lists for over a grand.
However, despite still being an excellent handgun, newer models have taken its place in the forefront of sales, such as the P320, or M17 for the military. The P229 is not even in the Top 10 of semi-auto pistol sales, according to Gun Genius. Because of this, the P229 is a great pistol to consider purchasing used, with guns starting at around half the list price.
S&W Model 66
The .357 Mag. has a long-standing history with shooters. It was, in fact, the first magnum handgun caliber. As such, there are literally hundreds of revolvers chambered in this caliber. This includes the Smith & Wesson Model 66.
This K-frame revolver appeared in 1971. Over the years, it came out in four different barrel lengths, with three of the those lengths — 2.5, 4 and 6 inches — being standard. Smith & Wesson built about 2,500 3-inch models. The company discontinued the revolver in 2005, but brought back in 2014 with a 4.25-inch barrel.
The current offering sells for a grand, but used versions can be had for quite a bit less, depending on condition. Even so, the Model 66 can run up to $600 or $700 for a used handgun in excellent condition.
Springfield XD
Another pistol with past vigorous sales is the Springfield XD. This semi-auto is still available in a variety of models and calibers but other Springfield pistols has encroached upon its popularity with shooters; the Echelon and Hellcat come to mind.
While the XD might not be as popular as it once was, it has been out for more than 20 years. This puts quite a few models on the used market. Shooters can find XDs in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and more, along with the powerful 10mm, at much lower prices than when new. Also, the pistol’s polymer frame and excellent coatings means good condition guns can be found often.
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