Buying a used gun from a private party or at a gun show is a money-saving option to consider, but personally, I don’t buy a used gun if I think it will ever be used in a self-defense situation. I want to have total confidence that when I need it, it’ll be in proper working order. For hunting and target use, no problem, but for self defense, I buy new.
Notwithstanding, if you are intent on buying a used shotgun, bring along a knowledgeable friend to help you inspect the gun. If possible, take the gun to a range before making your purchase, and test it using different shot-shell loads. Try it with the powerful 3-inch self-defense loads (00-Buck or #4 Buck) and also with low-power birdshot or target loads. If the gun fails to work flawlessly, don’t buy it.
If you aren’t able to try the gun before making your purchase, check it over closely for damage and repairs.
First, open the action and verify that the gun is unloaded, and check the magazine to make sure that there are no shells in the magazine. (A shotgun may not have a shell in the chamber, but operating the action will draw a shell from the magazine if there are any in the gun, so you need to make sure that the chamber AND the magazine are both empty).
After you have verified that the gun and magazine are empty, with the action open and exposed to light, look down the barrel to check for pitting or rust. The bore (inside of the barrel) should be clean and smooth. Next, hold the shotgun away from you, or have a friend hold it, and inspect the barrel from the top, and then from the side, to make sure that the barrel isn’t bent. (It may still be bent, but all you can do is check the obvious).
If the surface of the gun or stock shows scratches or wear, this does not mean that the gun should not be considered. More important than reasonable wear is the condition of the barrel and internal workings, and if the shotgun looks like it has been well cared for by the owner. If it isn’t clean and well-oiled when you’re looking at it, there is a good chance that it has not received basic care and maintenance.
If you don’t know how to break-down the shotgun as you would for cleaning, have the owner show you how to accomplish this basic-level of disassembly. Again, look for rust and signs of wear or damage. Are there any nicks in the interior metal parts or friction points? Look at the screw heads to see if they are stripped or show telltale signs of disassembly, which may indicate that there has been a problem with the gun. Operate the action slowly to make sure it functions smoothly and uniformly from start to finish, and then operate the action quickly to make sure it doesn’t hang up or hesitate.
These steps are about all the inexperienced buyer can do to check-out a potential purchase, but be cautious about buying a seemingly fine gun from a flaky seller. And if you buy a used gun, be sure to take it to the range as soon as possible, to verify that your shotgun is working properly. If you have a problem and can’t return the gun, take it to a gunsmith right away, to have it repaired. Don’t trust your life to a gun that may not function properly.
Before you agree to purchase a used gun, get the seller’s assurance that of the gun is 100% sound and in impeccable working order. Ask them, “Would you trust your life to this gun?” Get a commitment from the buyer that you can return it if it fails to operate flawlessly. You may not be able to enforce this warranty, but if the seller seems forthright and honest, this may be the best you can do. Get a bill of sale, too. This won’t provide you with full protection if the gun turns out to be stolen, but it will at least show that you tried to be responsible.
If you purchase a gun from a private party, you do not need to register the gun. However, even though you are not required to complete the gun-transfer paperwork, you still must comply with the law. If you cannot legally own a firearm, don’t buy one.
A responsible private seller will check the buyer’s drivers license, just to verify that the buyer is a resident of the State, and will ask the buyer if they are a U.S. citizen, and if they can legally possess a firearm. (There are certain exceptions allowed, but most sellers will only sell to a U.S. citizen who has a valid driver’s license from that State).
But even if the seller doesn’t ask you any questions, it is still your responsibility as the buyer to be certain that you have a legal right to possess a firearm. Generally, if you are an adult, a U.S. citizen, and without a criminal history, nor a history of mental illness, you can probably own a shotgun – but you need to be aware of the particulars. If you have any doubt, go to a gun store or sporting goods store that sells firearms, and ask to read the form which gun buyers must complete. Ignorance of the law and the legal requirements of ownership is not an excuse which will protect you from arrest and prosecution. If in doubt, verify your status before entering into a transaction.
If you purchase a used gun from a store, or from a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer, you will still need to complete the federal paperwork and undergo the background check, just like you would need to do for the purchase of a new gun. Thankfully, this whole process can usually be accomplished in 15-20 minutes.