2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: Glasser on January 27, 2020, 10:18:49 PM

Title: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Glasser on January 27, 2020, 10:18:49 PM
I am seeing a lot of good deals on used Law Enforcement trade-ins popping up on the interwebs. Anyone have experiences good or bad buying used cop pistols sight unseen? Folks say that the tritium sight in them are usually dead or about to die by the time they retire them. I figure most cops probably dont actually fire many rounds thru their service weapon. The prices I am seeing are tempting to roll the dice.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Heavies on January 27, 2020, 10:29:47 PM
I am seeing a lot of good deals on used Law Enforcement trade-ins popping up on the interwebs. Anyone have experiences good or bad buying used cop pistols sight unseen? Folks say that the tritium sight in them are usually dead or about to die by the time they retire them. I figure most cops probably dont actually fire many rounds thru their service weapon. The prices I am seeing are tempting to roll the dice.

I have never owned one, so with a grain of salt, I'd say they are probably kept in good order and fully functional, carried a lot and fired a little.  Go for it if the price is right.

Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: oldfart on January 28, 2020, 12:48:57 AM
I bought an hpd sw 38 spl revolver for 125.00
It was ok but it didn't tickle my pickle, so I sold it.
I know the guy who owns it and he is very happy with it.

A few years ago hpd replaced the sw5906 service pistols with block 17s.
Then Kealoha proceeded to destroy a half million dollars worth of pistols....some were still nib.
They wouldn't even let the officers buy them.
Shortly thereafter, Chief Kealoha got paid a quarter million to retire.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Inspector on January 28, 2020, 06:54:22 AM
...Shortly thereafter, Chief Kealoha got paid a quarter million to retire.
And now they want their money back!!!  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

https://www.khon2.com/top-stories/city-sending-demand-letter-to-louis-kealoha-for-250000-severance-payback/
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: zippz on January 28, 2020, 07:36:38 AM
I'd buy a Leo trade-in.  They may be beat up with pitting and holster wear, but shoot good and maintained
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: ren on January 28, 2020, 07:47:11 AM
bought a used LEO Sig 226. Frame cracked after a few boxes of 9mm
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: oldfart on January 28, 2020, 08:28:56 AM
And now they want their money back!!!  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

https://www.khon2.com/top-stories/city-sending-demand-letter-to-louis-kealoha-for-250000-severance-payback/
....
Our state and city officials have a dismal track record in financial matters, eh? :rofl:
 :stopjack:
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: drck1000 on January 28, 2020, 08:44:07 AM
I'd say go for it.  :thumbsup:

I recall seeing a LOT of LEO trade-ins in gun shops on the mainland, particularly when I lived in WA state.  Every gun shop had almost a full case of trade-ins.  Some were in really nice condition, some had some holster wear, some were a little more "used".  The pricing generally commensurate with the condition.  While I never bought one, I think they offer excellent opportunity for value.  Sort of like used cars though, there's risk but can be mitigated if you know what to look for.

Buying online is a different story.  A buddy in Houston has bought a few LEO trade ins (or other trade ins) online.  I think he picked up a Browning Hi-Power, Sig P22something in .357 Sig, and a few others.  He mostly bought them to tinker with and not have to spend a bunch of $$$.  He ended up refurbishing the Browning though.  I think he mostly ordered from AIM Surplus.  I am often tempted to buy a trade-in, especially for a beater fun or something to use in handgun classes.  But I'd want to inspect the gun's condition in person. 
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: changemyoil66 on January 28, 2020, 08:58:50 AM
If the price is right. Assume they will have holster wear. 
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Rocky on January 28, 2020, 09:02:18 AM
I once picked up a previously owned .38 wheel gun at SEC  that was from a Private Security firm.
They had several and all looked the same, mostly un-fired, little holster wear.
Was good enough for introduction instruction..
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Glasser on January 28, 2020, 09:08:26 AM
I'd say go for it.  :thumbsup:

I recall seeing a LOT of LEO trade-ins in gun shops on the mainland, particularly when I lived in WA state.  Every gun shop had almost a full case of trade-ins.  Some were in really nice condition, some had some holster wear, some were a little more "used".  The pricing generally commensurate with the condition.  While I never bought one, I think they offer excellent opportunity for value.  Sort of like used cars though, there's risk but can be mitigated if you know what to look for.

Buying online is a different story.  A buddy in Houston has bought a few LEO trade ins (or other trade ins) online.  I think he picked up a Browning Hi-Power, Sig P22something in .357 Sig, and a few others.  He mostly bought them to tinker with and not have to spend a bunch of $$$.  He ended up refurbishing the Browning though.  I think he mostly ordered from AIM Surplus.  I am often tempted to buy a trade-in, especially for a beater fun or something to use in handgun classes.  But I'd want to inspect the gun's condition in person.

Yeah buying anything sight unseen online is a gamble (ebay taught me that lesson many times), most of the online listings I have seen give you a 3 day window to inspect and return on these used LEOs. They warn you they pull them randomly off the pile and their conditions are all over the map. Saving $200ish off the price of a pistol is a fine line to walk if you have put money into it to make it go bang. 
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: drck1000 on January 28, 2020, 09:21:57 AM
Yeah buying anything sight unseen online is a gamble (ebay taught me that lesson many times), most of the online listings I have seen give you a 3 day window to inspect and return on these used LEOs. They warn you they pull them randomly off the pile and their conditions are all over the map. Saving $200ish off the price of a pistol is a fine line to walk if you have put money into it to make it go bang.
I hear ya.  I recall some sites having grade options, but that may have been for surplus guns.  Then again, I also remember the disclaimer on the very subjective nature of the grades and pretty much came down to "you get what cha get".  I'd be ok with that given enough discount.  I qualify for a number of different discounts on new guns, so I'm usually only tempted by the more unique guns.  Say a Browning Hi-Power, older CZ, etc.  I wouldn't mind a nice used P226 though.  Those early models seemed to be built like tanks! 

What are ya looking at? 
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Glasser on January 28, 2020, 09:47:30 AM
I hear ya.  I recall some sites having grade options, but that may have been for surplus guns.  Then again, I also remember the disclaimer on the very subjective nature of the grades and pretty much came down to "you get what cha get".  I'd be ok with that given enough discount.  I qualify for a number of different discounts on new guns, so I'm usually only tempted by the more unique guns.  Say a Browning Hi-Power, older CZ, etc.  I wouldn't mind a nice used P226 though.  Those early models seemed to be built like tanks! 

What are ya looking at?

.45s - Glock gen3 30s and S&W gen1 M&Ps. Gs are about $380. SWs are $300.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Heavies on January 28, 2020, 09:58:50 AM
I've been very tempted to get a surplus trade in hi power from classic firearms..   :love:


If you count this, I recently picked up a 100 year old Colt 1917.  Has holster wear, bore and cylinders look like it's been shot very little.  It works and I'm very happy with it.


I once owned a Smith 65-3.  Not sure of where it came from originally, bit it did have a lot of holster wear. It was a very nice piece, action smooth as butter.  Only problem it had was after a few cylinders fired the cylinder pin would back off, sometimes jamming the cylinder from opening.  Other than that I loved that revolver. Just had to be sure to check it once and a while.


Buying anything is a gamble, and in Hawaii, a headache to send back, even factory new.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: drck1000 on January 28, 2020, 11:52:13 AM
.45s - Glock gen3 30s and S&W gen1 M&Ps. Gs are about $380. SWs are $300.
$380 for the G30 sounds a bit high, unless it's in really nice condition.  If you're set on .45 ACP, keep an eye out for the 21 in LGSs.  I've seen them here and there (since I've been sort of half-ass considering one recently).  Not sure about M&Ps, but I do have a M&P .45.  The trigger could use some work, but I rarely shoot that gun. 

Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: drck1000 on January 28, 2020, 12:03:31 PM
1) I've been very tempted to get a surplus trade in hi power from classic firearms..   :love:


If you count this, I recently picked up a 100 year old Colt 1917.  Has holster wear, bore and cylinders look like it's been shot very little.  It works and I'm very happy with it.


I once owned a Smith 65-3.  Not sure of where it came from originally, bit it did have a lot of holster wear. It was a very nice piece, action smooth as butter.  Only problem it had was after a few cylinders fired the cylinder pin would back off, sometimes jamming the cylinder from opening.  Other than that I loved that revolver. Just had to be sure to check it once and a while.


2) Buying anything is a gamble, and in Hawaii, a headache to send back, even factory new.
1) I've also been tempted to try a Browning Hi-Power and some other surplus handguns.  Since I have a CZ 75, that sort of satisfied that itch for a while, but I've always liked the look of the Hi-Power. 

2) Very true about the gamble part and why I tend to avoid used guns in general.  I would prefer to know the original owner and have an idea of how well the gun was taken care of (or not).  If I did decide on a used gun, the price would definitely have to reflect that "gambling factor", which is why I usually find pricing on used guns way too high for me to pursue.  LEO trades do tend to be priced closer to where I would take a chance on one though. 
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Glasser on January 28, 2020, 12:09:22 PM
$380 for the G30 sounds a bit high, unless it's in really nice condition.  If you're set on .45 ACP, keep an eye out for the 21 in LGSs.  I've seen them here and there (since I've been sort of half-ass considering one recently).  Not sure about M&Ps, but I do have a M&P .45.  The trigger could use some work, but I rarely shoot that gun.

Yup, the price points arent quite attractive enough to jump on anything I have seen pop up yet. But a .45 is my next box to check.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Inspector on January 28, 2020, 12:14:17 PM
Yeah buying anything sight unseen online is a gamble (ebay taught me that lesson many times), most of the online listings I have seen give you a 3 day window to inspect and return on these used LEOs. They warn you they pull them randomly off the pile and their conditions are all over the map. Saving $200ish off the price of a pistol is a fine line to walk if you have put money into it to make it go bang.
I agree. I have been sort of burned by buying sight unseen. I have 2 guns that looked in great shape when they arrived (I paid for best of 5 pick also). One is falling apart due to excessive wear on certain parts. The other was a revolver and had a burr inside one chamber until I filed it down. I would not buy a gun again without a return guarantee or being able to inspect it before I buy it.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: aieahound on January 28, 2020, 05:19:40 PM
Take a chance if you find something you really like and want and the price is right.
( consider FFL fees into the price)

I bought a surplus from Danger Close Tactical that was a ugly duckling but I really wanted it.

Model 10-2 Military and Police, Double Action, 4" Tapered Barrel, Blue Steel Finish (worn), Surplus, Import markings "AA280", ."JP1712" D63xxx Year of manufacture between 1969-1970.  ($250. It’s still on his website listed as not in stock)

More import markings than my passport.
More worn than my favorite jeans.
Almost won Inspector’s fun shoot with it but they didn’t count surrounding the target.
(At least I didn’t come in last though. Got 1/2 a point for hitting a different target  :D)
I love that gun. (But don’t shoot plus-P out of it.)
I did get to check lock up and alignment before I bought it though.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: eyeeatingfish on January 28, 2020, 06:28:03 PM
I am seeing a lot of good deals on used Law Enforcement trade-ins popping up on the interwebs. Anyone have experiences good or bad buying used cop pistols sight unseen? Folks say that the tritium sight in them are usually dead or about to die by the time they retire them. I figure most cops probably dont actually fire many rounds thru their service weapon. The prices I am seeing are tempting to roll the dice.

Well, figure that they probably shoot 100 rounds every year for training multiplied by how many years they had the gun plus the 2000 or so rounds they initially trained on the firearm with if it was a department duty firearm.

I think the real wildcard is whether the officer took care of his gun or not.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: tim808 on January 28, 2020, 07:16:44 PM
My brother in law picked up a trade in Beretta 1201 inertia shotgun. 

It was in decent shape.  The most wear was on the trigger guard from being secured in the squad car

We’ve only put about 60 slugs thru it, no malfs yet. 

For me, generally, trade ins are fine if you don’t mind cosmetic wear
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: spicynoodle_1 on January 29, 2020, 06:42:28 AM
A few months ago, picked up a couple of S&W model 64-4 trade-ins for under $300 each. Happy with them, perfect functioning and good condition. I would assume that the people carrying them had needed them for life saving situations, so they were probably kept in good working order, and highly likely that they were hardly fired. I would have no reservations buying more LEO trade-ins in the future...
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Rocky on January 29, 2020, 08:35:04 AM
Take a chance if you find something you really like and want and the price is right.
( consider FFL fees into the price)

I bought a surplus from Danger Close Tactical that was a ugly duckling but I really wanted it.

Model 10-2 Military and Police, Double Action, 4" Tapered Barrel, Blue Steel Finish (worn), Surplus, Import markings "AA280", ."JP1712" D63xxx Year of manufacture between 1969-1970.  ($250. It’s still on his website listed as not in stock)

More import markings than my passport.
More worn than my favorite jeans.
Almost won Inspector’s fun shoot with it but they didn’t count surrounding the target.
(At least I didn’t come in last though. Got 1/2 a point for hitting a different target  :D)
I love that gun. (But don’t shoot plus-P out of it.)
I did get to check lock up and alignment before I bought it though.

Funny, I heard you hit steel every time at  Inspector’s fun shoot !  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: oldfart on January 29, 2020, 08:41:33 AM
Funny, I heard you hit steel every time at  Inspector’s fun shoot !  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
....
True story. Hahaha
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: aieahound on January 29, 2020, 05:17:01 PM
There’s a few true stories about me on here.....

Zaaaaap !
Ping syncing marksman.  ( actually Rock was the ping syncer and he did a spectacular job.  :rofl: :oops:)
Dog lover. ( don’t ask. It was a loving dog.)
Pizza !  (9pm)

(At least I didn’t sell the shoes off my feet like DirtyL.... or did he buy them off someone else’s feet?)

Hey, has anyone seen Gongho ?

 :stopjack:

Used LEO.....Get a Revolver.
You’ll love it.
And everybody needs at least one. (Just ask Stangs, Inspector, dogman, O.F., .......)
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: aieahound on January 30, 2020, 12:19:54 PM
Check out the S&W models 64 and 65.
.38 spl and .357

Or the S&W 4586 in 45 ACP

https://www.budsgunshop.com/mobile/categories.php?cat=910

Bud’s is reputable and price right.
They Guarantee functionality.  (I can’t vouch for that though.)
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Glasser on January 30, 2020, 09:17:13 PM
Check out the S&W models 64 and 65.
.38 spl and .357

Or the S&W 4586 in 45 ACP

https://www.budsgunshop.com/mobile/categories.php?cat=910

Bud’s is reputable and price right.
They Guarantee functionality.  (I can’t vouch for that though.)

Well that didnt help now I am looking at the cheap  Mini 14s in those listings.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Inspector on January 31, 2020, 08:53:06 AM
Well that didnt help now I am looking at the cheap  Mini 14s in those listings.
LEO and surplus arms can be quite addicting. What I decided to do for my addiction is to limit the type of arms to buy. I went a little too hog wild for a while and bought up every type of Mauser I could find. This includes every type of revolver and rolling block and pump .22 etc. I ended selling off most of the Mausers. Now I am focussing on certain revolvers, certain rolling blocks and certain pump.22’s. Oh, and certain High Standard .22’s.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: drck1000 on January 31, 2020, 09:02:32 AM
LEO and surplus arms can be quite addicting. What I decided to do for my addiction is to limit the type of arms to buy. I went a little too hog wild for a while and bought up every type of Mauser I could find. This includes every type of revolver and rolling block and pump .22 etc. I ended selling off most of the Mausers. Now I am focussing on certain revolvers, certain rolling blocks and certain pump.22’s. Oh, and certain High Standard .22’s.
I’m finally getting around to buying parts for my High Standard 22   ;D
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: Inspector on January 31, 2020, 09:42:18 AM
I’m finally getting around to buying parts for my High Standard 22   ;D
Let me take that POS off your hands for you so you don’t have to worry about messing it up. I’ll give you more than a fair price for it since we are friends.  :love:

But seriously, if you ever decide you don’t want it, please give me a shot at it. I think all it needs is a good cleaning and driving spring replacement. It should be a good shooter for you.
Title: Re: Used LEO trade-ins? Good / Bad?
Post by: drck1000 on January 31, 2020, 10:17:15 AM
Let me take that POS off your hands for you so you don’t have to worry about messing it up. I’ll give you more than a fair price for it since we are friends.  :love:

But seriously, if you ever decide you don’t want it, please give me a shot at it. I think all it needs is a good cleaning and driving spring replacement. It should be a good shooter for you.
Just have to get around to dedicating time to it.  Sometimes I think I'll read up, watch YT and order parts and do it.  Others, I tell myself call John P and see if he can help. 

Now that my friend's kids are showing interest in shooting, I think my 22s will be getting more "exercise".  Been wanting a bolt action 22 or even a nice 10/22 and just haven't gotten around to it.  Think my rifle permit is up in March/April, so might as well get something. . . or two. . . or more  :D

But yup, if I ever look to get rid of the HS, you're first on my list.  8)