For the budget-conscious shopper, used gun safes can be an excellent alternative to new gun safes. With proper maintenance, gun safes are a lifetime investment that can be passed down from generation to generation. Those willing to spend time searching for a used gun safe that fits their needs can take advantage of this long lifespan and secure a gun safe for less.
Have a gun safe you want to sell or trade in? Check out our Buy Back & Trade-In Program.
Top 3 Reasons to Sell Your Gun Safe?
While the reasons you may want to sell a gun safe can be endless, the following are the most common:
1. You Need a Bigger Gun Safe
When we talk to gun safe owners — whether they’re our customers or not — the most common regret we hear is that they bought too small of a gun safe. Unlike a house, gun safes cannot be remodeled. The only way to increase your cubic square footage is to upgrade your safe (or purchase another one.
For those looking to upgrade their safe, trade-in programs (like ours) are a huge advantage. Like trading in an old car on a new vehicle, they can help cover part of the purchase price.
2. You Inherited a Gun Safe You Can’t Use
Losing a loved one is never easy. The grief alone is a huge burden. Funeral arrangements and estate management can be a headache. Add to the list of to-dos, figuring out what to do with huge items you don’t want — and typically can’t physically move — and things can just get messy.
In some instances, individuals inherit a gun safe that can’t be opened. The reasons can be numerous, including:
- Lost combination.
- Unmaintained locking mechanism.
- Dead batteries.
In instances such as this, the inheritor not only wants to sell the safe, they want to be able to go through the contents inside the safe. In order for any certified safe technician to help you gain access to a safe that you’ve inherited, you are legally required to provide proof of ownership.
3. You’re Moving and Don’t Want to Move Your Gun Safe
Moving, especially out of state or across the country, is a lot of work. And, most moving companies are not equipped to handle moving a gun safe. Furthermore, your new home might not have room for your gun safe. In instances such as this, you might decide it’s best to sell your gun safe rather than move it.
Are Used Gun Safes Worth It?
If you can find the gun safe you want used, it is definitely worth buying a previously owned gun safe. Unlike electronics, machinery, or cars — high-quality gun safes are built to last. Buying used allows you to spend less or buy a little more safe. That being said, buying a new gun safe can be more time efficient.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Buying a Used Gun Safe?
There are some serious perks to buying a used gun safe (namely the price). There could be some drawbacks to buying a used gun safe, some of which are dependent on where you buy your safe. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Time
When it comes right down to it, there’s no guarantee you can find the exact gun safe you want used. If you want or need a specific make, model, and color of gun safe, you may be waiting a long time.
2. Not Getting Exactly What You Want
Even those who wait may never find the exact gun safe they want, which leaves them either buying new or settling for something else.
Want a specific safe? Shop our collection of new gun safes for sale.
3. Outdated Security Features
Technology is a moving target. While gun safes don’t tend to change as frequently as smartphones, there have definitely been improvements made over the years — especially in the case of fire protection.
Many old safes, in fact, were built with little to no fire protection. Depending on your needs, this may be cause for concern.
4. Wear and Tear
Gun safes are meant to be used. This typically means gun safes that have been used have some visible wear and tear. Small blemishes on their exterior. Small scuff marks inside the safe. This type of wear and tear does not impact the functionality of the safe. It is purely aesthetic.
What you want to be conscious of is anything that could impact the locking mechanism, door swing, or locking bolt. If you are unsure as to the quality of a used gun safe, we recommend hiring a professional gun safe technician to inspect the gun safe before you purchase it.
Our in-house gun safe technician can look at the safe to help you determine if you are getting a good deal or if the safe may need service. He can also be hired to perform an inspection before you guy the safe.
6. Gun Safe Delivery & Installation
Purchasing a used gun safe directly from a homeowner can seem like a great way to save money, until you start to think about how you're going to get the gun safe home. Gun safes can weigh 1,000 pounds or more. Safely moving them requires the proper tools, vehicles, and expertise.
Saving a few hundred dollars on the purchase price is all grand and dandy, assuming you don’t have to shell out more than that to get the darn thing home. If you buy a used gun safe, it’s always best to consider how you’re going to get it home.
What is a Used Gun Safe Trade-In Program?
As the name would suggest, a used gun safe trade-in program allows you to apply the value of your old gun safe towards the purchase price of a new safe. This can be a great way to save money when you’re ready to upgrade.
Learn more about our trade-in program and how much you can get for your used gun safe.