Thread: Buying second hand - Gun City

I couldn't agree more then to buy a rifle off the forum. Prices are realistic and if an issue did arise then you have a contact point. I have seen some very good buys on here and like most people there have been times when I think "if only" when I see a nice bit of kit.
I would post what you want to purchase, and I am sure you will get some good options.

Thank you everyone for your replies, I'm glad I asked on here first! I will hold off and wait to see if anything comes up on the forum or TM.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

what exactly are you wanting?

I would not jump in and outright ignore Gun City - barter - does not hurt - Kiwis need to learn how - some stuff sits on their shelves for some time -well make an offer - and they are bound by various acts to protect consumers althoughaccuracy and barrel condition thats a bit problematic - but if there was a firearm at guncity you were keen on and you bartered them down - then some beers and maybe someone of the forum could have a look at it for you - or try them with a quarantee - if not up to scratch money back - I would not just right them of - barter haggle argue its your money - hey they do it when you sell to them ( ohh hang on maybe thats getting ripped of rather than sell lol lol )

Originally Posted by Greyman

I'm assuming they'd make sure they were only selling quality as their reputation is on the line

Don’t make that assumption. They will sell anything they can turn a profit on regardless of condition.
Personally I wouldn’t buy from them, as their profit margin on used firearms is unreasonably high but that’s another discussion. However, if you are inclined to do so, ask for a written description of the condition and additional photographs of the rifle if you are not able to see it in person, and get some help in assessing your potential purchase from who better understands the particulars, if you are not confident to do it yourself.

You are probably better off buying a firearm from someone on this forum instead.

I bought a left hand Anschutz 22 from Guncity, and it was about right in pricing (maybe 10% high, but the market is not awash with LH 1416s). It turned up as described and I'm happy with it. That said, nearly 40 years ago I bought a .308 BAR from them that had a broken firing pin and I wasn't happy at all.

Used rifles are worse than used cars for BS, and given the multiple factors in inaccuracy - barrel condition, bedding, ammo quality, suitability of ammo to that particular barrel, scope and mount condition and, not least of all, the shooters ability...... it is a real minefield sorting out why your new toy doesn't work as it should if it fails to perform at the range.

The biggest advantage of a shop is that you can go in, look, buy and go off with your new/2nd hand rifle in a few minutes vs waiting who knows how long for what you want to appear on the market.

Guncity bashing is popular here amongst some - after the BAR I was off them for 30 years or so, but I've been impressed with the service I've received from them of late and now I wouldn't write them off out of hand.

Thanks team, you've given me something to think on.

Originally Posted by Ross Nolan

I bought a left hand Anschutz 22 from Guncity, and it was about right in pricing (maybe 10% high, but the market is not awash with LH 1416s). It turned up as described and I'm happy with it. That said, nearly 40 years ago I bought a .308 BAR from them that had a broken firing pin and I wasn't happy at all.

Used rifles are worse than used cars for BS, and given the multiple factors in inaccuracy - barrel condition, bedding, ammo quality, suitability of ammo to that particular barrel, scope and mount condition and, not least of all, the shooters ability...... it is a real minefield sorting out why your new toy doesn't work as it should if it fails to perform at the range.

The biggest advantage of a shop is that you can go in, look, buy and go off with your new/2nd hand rifle in a few minutes vs waiting who knows how long for what you want to appear on the market.
Guncity bashing is popular here amongst some - after the BAR I was off them for 30 years or so, but I've been impressed with the service I've received from them of late and now I wouldn't write them off out of hand.

Yep same experience. I've purchased 3x rifles from them over last 10-15 years, 2 of them were 2nd hand. Both times I got what I paid for and I was more than happy. In a world where our liberties around purchasing are getting slowly restricted, I for one really appreciate having shop doors open where I can duck in at short notice and grab what I need with no fuss. More than happy to pay % more for that luxury.

Originally Posted by Greyman

Thanks team, you've given me something to think on.

Give us some idea of what you would like and your budget and Im sure there will be some good options here on the Forum. Timaru aint that remote if you want to look over a rifle before you purchase.

Originally Posted by Husky1600#2

Give us some idea of what you would like and your budget and Im sure there will be some good options here on the Forum. Timaru aint that remote if you want to look over a rifle before you purchase.

I'm still working on this, something reliable but not too expensive maybe Tikka t3x or similar with a decent but not break the bank scope. At the moment my budget is around $2600 for a full setup.

GC what yr money like any other gun shop.Walk around their shop with a thick wallet,theres always room to wheel and deal.

As for scopes: some manufacturers (leupold, burris come to mind but there might be others) have unlimited warranty, i.e. even second hand scopes are covered. Essentially eleminites the risk.

While I would be cautious with regards to second hand rifles, i would happily buy second hand leupold or burris scopes. Some good deals to be made there.

However I would always stay away from GCs ranger scopes and rings. Complete and utter rubbish.

Don't go there. End of discussion.

Personally unless buying secondhand from someone you know or trust is a gamble, 50% of the time it was traded because a new caliber tickles there fancy but the other 50% is it doesn't shoot or had problems, and sometimes they are only a few hundred dollars cheaper then a new one. There is some good reasonable priced glass out now at $2600 you could get a brand new howa around $1000 leaving 1600 for a scope a good secondhand leupold will fit into that price bracket and are know to have a good lifetime warranty where rifles dont

Bought a mint semi mossberg 22 of them s/h it looked and operates like brand new. Im happy with what I paid. Funny how they are still in buisness after all these years??? Just have a look at prices and youll get a feel for whats a good price and what isnt...