Buying a 2nd hand Gun Safe

[Colin]

Was thinking that I might be a little sketchy to buy a used or 2nd hand gun safe of Craigslist or Armslist. I mean, maybe it will be fine? Am I just being paranoid? Just thought I should hear some thoughts and take some of them under consideration before I decide to buy used or new.

Besides the price vs. condition etc pros and cons is there other stuff I should be worried about?

Thanks!

[elkaholic123]

Pretty hard to abuse a gun safe I would think  I bought a used one and got a sweet deal on it 

[Knocker of rocks]

Besides the price vs. condition etc pros and cons is there other stuff I should be worried about?

PU and delivery?

[rittem1]

If it smells funny it probably is. If it seems too good to be true...

It comes down to a few different factors. How much are you saving? Are you sure what you're buying wasn't stolen? What's the condition? Small handgun safes aren't terribly expensive when they're brand new so I guess you just have to weigh the potential cost savings vs the headaches of going used on CL or Armslist. You could always post a WTB on this forum. At least you know you will be dealing with *mainly* law abiding, good guys.

Hope that helps

[Woodchuck]

I would look here first.  This looks like it could be a nice buy.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,161231.0.html

[Greenhorn]

I can't imagine that stolen gun safes are much of a problem.   How does the thief break into them without damaging them and then how do they know the combination to give you?  I have bought a high quality brand new one and a cheaper made used one on CL and they both are exactly what I expected.   I saved a few bucks on the used one.

[Colin]

Appreciate the input gents! Thanks! Will follow the leads and check around a little more.

[slm9s]

Absolutely buy used.  If the lock works and there is no signs of abuse it should work fine.  Then take the money you were going to spend on a new one and buy TWO used ones! 

I've moved a few by myself and its not that bad if you take your time.  I even went up some stairs with one, rocking it side to side to get it up to the next stair. 

A decent fire-proof safe will never depreciate either.

[tbotts]

I have bought a used safe.  It is kinda hard to go wrong with a used gun safe, as long as the combo dial/keypad works as it should.   And they could also be replaced by a locksmith.