Over the years I've seen a few used (estate) or consignment handguns in lgs that had obvious signs of blood staining, which leads me to believe that the previous owner committed suicide with that handgun.  Some of the guns were great deals but for me I would not buy such a gun.  Would you buy a handgun that you strongly suspected was a "suicide special?"

Over the years I've seen a few used (estate) or consignment handguns in lgs that had obvious signs of blood staining, which leads me to believe that the previous owner committed suicide with that handgun.  Some of the guns were great deals but for me I would not buy such a gun.  Would you buy a handgun that you strongly suspected was a "suicide special?"

Wouldn't bother me, especially if the discount is deep!

It's not like it's haunted or anything, right? 

Depends on the firearm.

I saw a 4" Colt Diamondback .38 today, it was $100.  Bloodstains removed about 50% of the finish, the whole piece was pitted (absolutely no pride in ownership on this one).  Grips not original but pretty nice.  Some corrosion in the bore and chambers.  Action worked okay.  I almost bought it but decided to buy a S&W 2206 from the same estate (no bloodstains).

Why would a relative sell the firearm rather than destroy it? Bad juju...   

Could have other reasons for blood stains.  Slide bite, cylinder gap accidents, hunting, etc.  Or might not be blood.   Could be other chemicals, hoppes, etc.

Could have other reasons for blood stains.  Slide bite, cylinder gap accidents, hunting, etc.  Or might not be blood.   Could be other chemicals, hoppes, etc.

That could be, but if you saw this revolver and the extent/pattern of the staining there's little doubt that it could have been caused by anything else.  Also, it was an estate consignment. Someone bought that Colt today--it's gone.

Why would a relative sell the firearm rather than destroy it? Bad juju...   

I agree--that's why I generally don't buy suicide specials.  However I do own several vintage military firearms and one could assume that some of those weapons may "have blood" on them in the sense that they may have been used against the enemy but that never seemed to have bothered me. 

As for selling the guns, there were a few handguns from the same estate on consignment so perhaps the NOK just brought in a box of guns without really looking them over.  It took me a while to figure out what bloodstains looked like on firearms, to the NOK it may have just looked like a rusty old gun--who knows?  LGS are generally tight lipped about their customers.

Could also be used on farm animals or finishing off game.  If it was used in a suicide, the police would've taken the gun.  I doubt the family would go through the effort to look get it back

Lots of explanations for it and it may not be what you think it is.

Imagine how much Kurt Cobain's shotgun would fetch at an auction. Ugh...

I agree. It's probably locked away in an evidence vault in Seattle or destroyed by now.

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/photos-shotgun-found-at-kurt-cobain-death-scene/

Yes. It's just a gun. Not some kind of unholy relic of evil.

Could also be used on farm animals or finishing off game.  If it was used in a suicide, the police would've taken the gun.  I doubt the family would go through the effort to look get it back

Lots of explanations for it and it may not be what you think it is.

Yes very difficult to get back from HPD.  need court orders and such.  Its evidence in homicide, so it remains, unless a lot of hoops get jumped through. 

Yes very difficult to get back from HPD.  need court orders and such.  Its evidence in homicide, so it remains, unless a lot of hoops get jumped through.

I know a few guys who's HD gun is very simple and not Gucci'd out for this reason.  The range gun is Gucci'd.

If it was known that it was used in a crime or suicide, I’d probably avoid. I generally don’t buy heirloom or collected type guns, so I tend to buy new anyways. More about me wanting a new gun and not have to wonder about what the previous owner did or do in terms of use. Mostly maintenance and abuse than bad juju.

That said, if someone got a really good deal on one in an estate sale, used gun rack, etc, it’s an inanimate object and tool to be used.

I know a few guys who's HD gun is very simple and not Gucci'd out for this reason.  The range gun is Gucci'd.

I know a few like that. And some who gave expansive guns for range fun and less for carry. One friend has a Wilson Combat and another expansive 1911 and he carries a less expansive 1911. I think a Kimber. I wish I had a Wilson Combat level 1911.