Pawn shop guns, are they worth it?

[h2ofowlr]

If they have sat on the shelf at a pawn shop for a while you might get a good deal.  Many times it is close to the price of a brand new one.  Just know your prices when you go in.  They typically have 30% plus mark up on them at a minimum.   

[MikeWalking]

I think they're always worth a look, never know what you'll find.  I got my Belgian made Browning Hi-Power in one for half of what they sell for now..missed a Savage 99 in 308 with a decent scope for 300$

Saw a whole bunch of Browning A5's in one for cheap...

[Bscman]

If you know what you're looking at, and are good at the art of haggling...pawn shops can be a great way to get firearms. In fact, I'd venture to say close of half of mine came from pawn shops...

For instance, new in box Henry Golden BoY lever action 22lr for $250 OTD when they're $400 at the local shops. Kimber Compact II stainless in like new with all accessories and extras for $500 OTD when it's nearly $800 new, and selling for $650+ on GB.

The biggest problem with pawn shops and firearms isn't the prices, or the dealers...it's the regulars that are always stopping by to see the new stock. Often times there's a list of "buyers" on the shops buddy list--when good items come in, the regulars get first dibbs. Ask me how I know...  

Mark-up in a pawn shop is usually more than 30%...they typically aim for about 50% on many items. Often times they do even better than that on firearms--as the sellers are usually desparate and/or don't know the value of what they have.

[Ray]

Man I better go check the pawn shop. I'm ready to toss this ruger 10/22 into a ditch for a golden boy.

[tlbradford]

I have had better luck with pawn shops that cater to firearms rather than those that have them as an afterthought, and yes you can get great deals.  I have purchased one new gun in my lifetime and that was my SKB O/U.  Just make sure you know what to look for in evaluating a guns condition, wear, and function.

[Sarnesr]

I have gotten a few good deals from Pawn Shops, picked up a Springfield M-14 for $500 and a Browning Hi-Power for $450. With that being said, like the other guys have pointed out, you can also get raped on the prices. It helps if you know a little about the firearm before you buy it. Things like price new, know what parts may wear out fast (ie: barrel life on a SSWM) and basic function of the firearm. Little things like being able to tell if the "timing" is off or going bad on a revolver or if extractors are worn on a rifle helps also.
 I am far from an expert, but 10 minutes reading on the net can save you from either over paying or buying something that needs repairs. Hope that helps.

[addicted]

I've never tried haggling with a pawn shop, but I might now.

For about $300 bucks you can grab a Stevens, Marlin XL7, Mossberg, or Remington entry level rifle. I've bought a few Stevens model 200s to use as donor actions, and they are a heck of a buy. I've also heard good things about the Marlin and Mossberg entry level guns.

Andrew

 

[moreno1]

Like Tony 270WSM said chek Wal-Mart.  I picked up a  Savage youth model 243. with scope for $150 a few years ago.

[snocohunter]

I was working in a pawn shop before I started my current job. I can assure you that the markup is generally 50%+ I was blown away at how little people sell and pawn their guns for. I picked up an XD40 from there for $400. The owner had bought it from a guy for $150. So he doubled his money and then some. But the price was still a decent deal.

[hornhunter]

DJ's in Bothell.  I have bought guns there for years.  They have new stuff also.  The guys in there know guns and values. Prices are alays fair.   

[Ratdog68]

DJ's in Bothell.  I have bought guns there for years.  They have new stuff also.  The guys in there know guns and values. Prices are alays fair.   

I'll second that.  Nice folks... I've bought a couple of black powder firearms from them as well as some gun stocks. 

[thinkingman]

DJ's in Bothell.  I have bought guns there for years.  They have new stuff also.  The guys in there know guns and values. Prices are alays fair.   

You are also likely to see some really rare, collectible stuff.
Great shop.
Pricing is fair, not the cheapest but you never feel like they're ripping you off.
I enjoy the haggling when I think both parties are fair and honest.
Kind of part of the experience of getting a new(to you) piece for the collection.
Certainly more fun than a bigbox store or online purchase.

[snocohunter]

DJ's is great. Friendly folks, very knowledgeable. A little bit of a drive for me these days, but I spent many a lunch brakes in there when I worked in Bothell.

[brush hunter]

Man I better go check the pawn shop. I'm ready to toss this ruger 10/22 into a ditch for a golden boy.

When you ready to toss that 10/22 in the ditch let me know were it is