Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Kind of an odd experience at Manassas Pawn yesterday.

They have a decent selection of handguns for a pawn shop (10 to 15 at any one time), and it turns over fairly regularly, so I keep checking in to see if they have a Glock 19.

Yesterday I went in and saw that they had a Gen 2 Glock 17, so I asked to see it. They were happy to show it to me, but when I asked if I could field strip it to check the barrel and recoil spring condition as well as general cleanliness of the piece, they wouldn't let me. Nor would they strip it themselves for me to inspect. In addition, the guy behind the counter acted as if I were wasting his time. I was dressed for work (I'm a federal worker, so that means slacks and a shirt w/collar) with a nice coat, so I doubt he thought I didn't have the money.

Is this typical for a pawn shop? There's no way I'm buying a used handgun w/o a good inspection, especially from a pawn shop.

MANY people go into pawn shops to mess around, and they get especially tired of handing over weapons to people who never buy. I would like to think that going in dressed nicely would help, but I guess not.
And the guy clearly knows nothing about firearms. Anyone who buys a used gun is most certainly going to field strip it first, at minimum. I wouldnt even shoot a used gun until I had it checked out by a third party like a proper gunsmith. Too many things can go wrong.

That's what I was thinking. Even more bogus was that his stated reason for doing so was "That's how they get scratched up."

Uh, what?

Oh, and $439 for a Gen 2 Glock 17? I don't think so. You can get a new Gen 3 for $425 through GSSF.

Jamie wrote:That's what I was thinking. Even more bogus was that his stated reason for doing so was "That's how they get scratched up."

Uh, what?

Oh, and $439 for a Gen 2 Glock 17? I don't think so. You can get a new Gen 3 for $425 through GSSF.

Well, I think you've answered your own question. At that price, that gun wasn't intended for purchase by anyone who would field strip and inspect it.

Surely you don't mean a pawn shop would take advantage of someone?!?!?!?!?!!?