3 Signs that Indicate a Used Gun Is a Lemon

When you're shopping for a used car, you'll always want to steer clear of a "lemon"—a term that describes a bad deal that will only give you trouble in the future. Being aware of a lemon extends to shopping for other used products, including firearms. If you're in the market for a gun and have decided to focus on a used product to save some money, there are several ways that you can avoid buying a lemon.

One idea is to carefully research what you plan to buy and read lots of reviews, while another idea is to only shop at a reputable gun dealer that refuses to stock poorly made and maintained used firearms. Here are some other signs to watch out for that could suggest a gun is a lemon.

Gun Shows Signs of Abuse

Although guns can get banged up over years of use by responsible gun owners, you'll sometimes come across a used firearm for sale that has taken its share of abuse. Visual issues such as rents, scratches, and other problems don't necessarily affect the performance of the gun, but they can indicate that the previous owner didn't take proper care of his or her weapon. If he or she allowed the exterior of the gun to take a lot of damage, it's not a stretch to assume that he or she didn't properly maintain the firearm, either.

Recent Model Sold as Used

You should also be wary when you see a gun that was produced recently, but that is now being sold as used. For example, if you see a gun that was produced just a year ago, it's easy to question why it might be up for sale. While it's possible that the previous owner bought the gun new, and then sold the gun a short while later because he or she needed some quick cash, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, a gun owner will find that even a new firearm has problems such as a lack of reliability. In this scenario, the gun owner will often sell the weapon and buy a new one.

Multiple Owners in a Short Amount of Time

Some gun shops can provide you with a history of their used firearms. Be cognizant of any that have been bought and sold repeatedly in a relatively short amount of time, as this can sometimes suggest that the firearm is a lemon. For example, if a gun has had three or four different owners in just two years, it's a bit of an anomaly and you should proceed with caution.

If you're looking for a gun for sale, it's best to rely on professional vendors or gun sellers. You'll find the right gun for you through them as opposed to an online forum or through an individual seller. Contact local sporting goods shops to learn more about your options.