Most people shop at their local gun store or a big box sporting goods retailer like Sportsman’s Warehouse or Cabelas when buying a firearm. These aren’t necessarily the only places you should look. You should look everywhere if you are looking for something unusual or a great deal. It might be worth looking around and considering buying a used gun from a local pawnshop.
Understanding the difference between a Pawn Shop and a Gun Shop before you buy one
In case you’re not familiar with pawn shops, here’s a definition from the Cambridge Dictionary: “A store that lends money in return for a valuable item that they can sell if it is not paid within a specified time.”
People give items to pawn shops in exchange for cash. Sometimes they sell the item, other times they use the item as collateral and borrow money from the shop. The shop can take the collateral and sell the item if the borrower fails to repay the loan amount within a specified time.
Although pawn shops sell jewelry, tools, musical instruments, electronics, some also deal in firearms. It’s not a scam, but they must be licensed federal firearms dealers like your local gun shop. To legally sell guns, they still need to pass a background check. The main difference lies in how they obtain their inventory.
Many pawn shops do not have a regular gun counter. Instead, they order guns from a distributor. While some may do this, most pawn shops rely on guns being brought in to be pawned or sold. This means that they often have a variety of used guns. This can lead to some great deals for gun buyers.
A Pawn Shop can help you buy a gun
I have visited pawn shops many times in my 20 years as a police officer. Some pawn shops are disorganized, dark, hole-in-the wall places. Others are well-organized, well-lit shops with lots of selections. Both can offer unique finds or great deals.
When a loved one dies, pawn shops have a lot of firearm inventory. The family doesn’t want to sell their guns or don’t know what to do. They’re often happy to get cash for them and get them outside the house. You might find some interesting items, such as nice hunting rifles or shotguns or old war relics. Perhaps granddad’s police pistol or grandma’s.22 rifle grandma used for plinking critters in her backyard. You’ll often see lots of modern stuff.
You should carefully inspect the inventory as it will be used. If the shop doesn’t, ask if they offer any guarantees regarding function and coverage. It’s like buying a used gun from a friend, or a local gun shop.
(Photo by Thayne Tugason: WikiMedia Commons).
Ask for help. Keep in mind that owners and employees of pawn shops are the same as those working at sporting goods gun counters or gun stores. Some may be knowledgeable about the subject, while others may not.
They might even have some background information about the gun and who brought it in. Remember, unless you have the paperwork to back it up, a great story about a war captured gun or a unique history on a gun is just that: a story. Remember to buy the gun and not the story.
Not just brick and mortar
Although it is always nice to visit pawn shops in person, many pawn shops also sell online through Gunbroker or Armslist. A lot of pawn shops have popped-up as sellers in my search for pre-1960s Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers. Some even have an online inventory. It’s been fun to browse and see what the shops have.
If you find the item you like and are satisfied with its condition, it is worth checking if the shop has the ability to lower the price. Although not all shops will haggle, it’s possible that they have more bargaining power than shops buying new guns at fixed prices.
You can politely ask if the price is fixed or offer a counter offer. Sometimes you may find the right item at just the right moment.
Pawn shops offer great deals for great guns, no matter if you shop online or in person. Get to know the local shops and those that ship to your area. You never know what treasures you might find if you are polite, fair, and get along with the staff.
Continue Reading
Are you still having trouble finding what you were looking?
Search
Personal Defense World published the article What to Consider Before Buying a Gun From a Pawn Shop.
