But as long as frame is good you can change bbl's and rebuild it and keep ok keeping on right?Do you have an idea of what you want? Not what the yahoo behind the counter says you need. Is it for E.D.C.? Is it a truck gun, or a range toy? Is it strictly for a nightstand/home defense gun? As with everything, new or used, every item has a purpose.
Generally speaking, Sig, CZ, Glock, Springfield, S&W and most Ruger hold up well. Some lemons in every barrel, of course. Take a look for obvious signs of abuse and home done gunsmithing. As stated before, dremel marks where there shouldn't be any, cuts or cracks in the slide or frame that shouldn't be there, missing or obvious loose pieces parts that ain't supposed to be. Check the fit of parts as best you can, and if possible, do a basic field strip to get a look inside and at the barrel. While springs and sights are important, they can be changed out relatively quickly and inexpensively, depending.
As for round count, that's debatable. I've talked to folks and heard of guns that'll go 100k+ rounds before finally being put out to pasture. I've also heard of the same thing happening to 'em with less than 1k rounds. I had a Stoeger of the latter variety once (and never again will I buy another firearm from that company), and I've got a Glock that will most likely outlive me. Sure, the springs will eventually wear out, but as said above, that's little stuff. And quite often you can feel things like that before they fail on you at the worst time. And like an oil change on the truck, that's preventative maintenance.
So, in essence, stick with the major brands, find what you want, look it over as best you can, and if it fits you, run with it.
...and I've got a Glock that will most likely outlive me. Sure, the springs will eventually wear out, but as said above, that's little stuff.
See my sig lineIndeed. I've got a 1942 Walther P.38 that I can absolutely guarantee you will be good for another 75 years at least. Round count? Who knows? Also, I have no idea how people keep track of how many rounds they've fired through their guns. I pack up my guns and accessories, on the way to the range the range bag weighs a ton and on the way back home I can almost lift it easily with one hand.
The only gun I've ever had that was worn out was a Mauser C-96 from around 1920. That one rattled like a baby rattle when you shook it, the bore was smooth and free of any rifling, it was all mixed and matched parts, the finish was gone, it had been refinished at some time and THAT finish was gone. Eventually traded it for a Walther PPK that's 50 years newer.
Hey guys,
Starting to look for a good used pistol. What is the norm and what should I run away from when I hear it? Looking at 9mm Sigs & CZ based on what I've been reading. Throwing this out there and I'll be back later today. Thanks in advance
Always learning........
Most guns are shot very little. The average owner probably shoots less than a box of ammo a year.
If a gun is just plain wore out it will be obvious. Most shooters don't sell guns they like to shoot.
The odds are highly in your favor.