89nasupra;1659752 said:
No one has answered my question on pawn shop guns. I guess once I go look I will post up what I found and get some advise about it before I make a final decision.
Took me a minute to find it.
89nasupra;1659478 said:
What should I look for when I go to the pawn shop?
First, be sure you know what guns are worth (street value, not MSRP) before you go.
MSRP on the Maverick 88 is about $230
I've seen them sold as high as $260 in some "boutique" gun stores, which is damned near criminal.
Real world street price runs about $195-200
Buying used in a pawn shop you're going to want to pay $175 or less. If they want more, just go buy a new one.
Remember that just about everything in a pawn shop is used. Since it's in a pawn shop, it's likely be owned by someone who is either poor, or having a hard time financially. This is not the best combination to create a good environment for care and maintenance, so check everything over to be sure it's serviceable. Check the barrels & action. Dirty is fine, you can clean it. Rust and pitting is not. On wooden stocks, check carefully for cracks. Cracks in wooden stocks turn guns into huge impaling spikes. Overall you're looking for a weapon that looks like its been cared for, not neglected. You could find a gun that looks like complete shit on the outside yet functions perfectly, but it's unlikely. Generally, if they didn't take care of the parts you can see, the parts you can't see are even worse.
Taking 2 or 3 snap caps with you is a good idea so you can test the action by dry firing.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=107676
If you do take them get permission from the store owner to use them. Be sure you show them to the owner so he understands you're not loading live ammo. You just want to cycle the pump and check the trigger pull without damaging the firing pin.
It's really just like buying anything else used. Understand what things are worth, inspect the one you're buying and expect reduction in price for anything that isn't perfect.