Jeff,
I agree with you that a used gun is often a good choice,but I caution against the Gunsamerica idea for a new shooter. For starters,it seems Murphy steps in and all the guns you like are from out of state sellers[tack on FFL fees to your bargain].Second,most of those guys know guns,if your getting a lower price there's probably a reason for it.That reason is often difficult to detect by looking at a couple of pictures.Third, most of those guys know guns,but some of them will play dumb when you contact them for more information.I won't go into a lot of detail now,but I recently got one that was off face severely and had a badly cracked stock,after being assured that it was "safe" and "shootable".IMO a used gun is very often the way to go,kind of like buying a slightly used car,let someone else take the initial hit for driving it off the lot.But I would suggest browsing the local gunshops,prefferably with a friend who knows guns fairly well.It's a fair bet that almost every small shop has a few decent used 870's around.While some of these guys can be less than honest,most don't want a bad reputation circulating around the local hangouts.BTW,I also buy new guns from small local shops. I pay a little more,but if I have a problem they will generally bend over backwards to help me out.The larger chains usually have the better price,but any problems and you're on your own.I still look for and buy the more unusual over the net,but I research as well as possible,and still brace myself for potential differences of opinion as to condition.
Just My THoughts,
Jim
I agree with you that a used gun is often a good choice,but I caution against the Gunsamerica idea for a new shooter. For starters,it seems Murphy steps in and all the guns you like are from out of state sellers[tack on FFL fees to your bargain].Second,most of those guys know guns,if your getting a lower price there's probably a reason for it.That reason is often difficult to detect by looking at a couple of pictures.Third, most of those guys know guns,but some of them will play dumb when you contact them for more information.I won't go into a lot of detail now,but I recently got one that was off face severely and had a badly cracked stock,after being assured that it was "safe" and "shootable".IMO a used gun is very often the way to go,kind of like buying a slightly used car,let someone else take the initial hit for driving it off the lot.But I would suggest browsing the local gunshops,prefferably with a friend who knows guns fairly well.It's a fair bet that almost every small shop has a few decent used 870's around.While some of these guys can be less than honest,most don't want a bad reputation circulating around the local hangouts.BTW,I also buy new guns from small local shops. I pay a little more,but if I have a problem they will generally bend over backwards to help me out.The larger chains usually have the better price,but any problems and you're on your own.I still look for and buy the more unusual over the net,but I research as well as possible,and still brace myself for potential differences of opinion as to condition.
Just My THoughts,
Jim
