People who want a new gun for the price of a used one.

[cysoto]

Why is it that, when it comes to people wanting to purchase a used gun, they are always so concerned with the appearance of it. Over and over again I see WTB ads where the poster says that he is looking for a "New" or "Like New" gun but they don't want to pay full price price for it.

In my case, I couldn't care less about the looks of a firearm. I don't buy guns to collect; I buy them to shoot them. If they show holster wear or if the finish is less-than-perfect, I don't care as long as it is mechanically functional.

If you are so focused on purchasing a new-looking pistol, why not simply buy a brand new gun?

[stenz]

Because people are trying to find the best deal possible. Why would you not want to by a "used" weapon that looks brand new that is $50 cheaper then you could buy it new?

I like my guns to look nice and perform great. Its the best of both worlds.

Just my .02c

[tmckay2]

because testing function is awfully hard to do well before you buy it, checking appearance is easy. a good appearance likely means the person either didn't use it much, took great care of it, or both. few people are going to sell a daily carry that they have used for years and even if they did youd expect the price to reflect the significant use. as such you expect a firearm you but to be in pretty decent shape appearance wise. most people have a pistol and a rifle they beat up training, but rarely sell these. if they did and it wasn't hardly any cheaper than new or like new, id just buy my own for fear the person beat it up too much, possibly wore out springs, etc.

[HBARleatherneck]

i would like a deal, of course. but...

i really dont care about exterior condition. i will screw that up soon enough, wearing it while working on the car, throwing it on the counter or bench, laying on the ground shooting, changing the oil on cement, SHOOTING. My guns all look, very used. Unless its a gun I dont like, then it just sits in the safe waiting to be traded. I cant help but krylon most of my rifles, stipple my polymer pistols, practice drawing a zillion times.

[Wiggity]

The resell value is higher...

[cysoto]

i really dont care about exterior condition. i will screw that up soon enough...

My exact sentiment!

[cysoto]

Because people are trying to find the best deal possible.

I cannot disagree with your statement; in fact, I think it is spot on. And along those same lines I ask: is it really worth a person's time and effort to try to locate the "perfect" gun if all they are saving is $50? Isn't your time more valuable than that?

[Goodburbon]

conversely why do people want new gun prices for used guns?

Sure I might entertain that gen 3 Glock 19, but if I can get new for $510, why would I consider buying used for $500?

[kwando]

I buy and sell a lot of camera gear... people can get higher resale value when original boxes, instructions, unfilled warranty cards, etc are with the lens/body... compared to no box or refurb boxes.

for guns, i don't care... but camera gear or electronics, i care what it looks like as well as functions.

[ray1970]

If I can buy "like new" and save a few bucks I will. If not, I'll just buy new. If I am going to buy something that shows lots of use it better be priced right.