Let's be real for a second: buying firearms isn't getting any cheaper. Between inflation, demand spikes, and the occasional panic-buying frenzy, finding a quality gun that won't drain your bank account can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But here's the thing: some of the best deals in the firearms world aren't sitting in the "New Arrivals" section. They're hiding in plain sight in the used inventory.
Buying used isn't about settling for less. It's about being smart. A well-maintained firearm doesn't care if it's had one owner or three: it'll run just as reliably as the day it left the factory. And when you can snag a proven performer for hundreds less than retail? That's not compromise. That's victory.
Today, we're breaking down five of the best used firearms you can score for under $500. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a budget-conscious collector, or just someone who appreciates a good deal, this list has something for you.
Before we dive into the picks, let's talk about why buying used makes so much sense.
Cost Savings Are Real. A firearm loses a chunk of its value the moment it leaves the store: kind of like driving a new car off the lot. That depreciation is your gain. You can often find guns that are barely broken in for 20-40% less than their new counterparts.
Proven Reliability. Here's a little secret: a used gun that's been shot and maintained is often more reliable than one fresh out of the box. Why? Because any factory defects or break-in issues have already been worked out. What you're getting is a tool that's been tested in the real world.
More Gun for Your Money. That $500 budget suddenly opens doors to firearms that would normally be out of reach. Trade-in Glocks, police surplus shotguns, classic rimfire rifles: all fair game.
If there's one gun that belongs in every collection, it's the Ruger 10/22. This semi-automatic .22 LR rifle has been in production since 1964, and there's a reason it's still going strong. It's accurate, dead-reliable, and has one of the largest aftermarket support systems of any firearm on the planet.
Used 10/22s regularly pop up in the $250-$350 range, leaving you plenty of budget for optics, extra magazines, or a few bricks of ammo. Whether you're teaching a new shooter, plinking on the weekend, or keeping varmints off your property, this rifle does it all.
Pro Tip: Look for models with the factory birch or walnut stock: they tend to hold value better and look fantastic.
Glock trade-ins are the holy grail of budget handguns. Law enforcement agencies cycle through their duty weapons every few years, and those trade-ins flood the used market at seriously discounted prices. We're talking Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks: battle-tested by professionals: for $350-$450.
The Glock 19 (compact) and Glock 17 (full-size) are both legendary for their simplicity and reliability. A little holster wear on the slide? That's character. These guns have thousands of rounds left in them.
Why It's Worth It: Glocks eat any ammo you feed them, parts are everywhere, and resale value stays strong. It's hard to go wrong here.
Smith & Wesson's M&P (Military & Police) line was designed to compete directly with Glock: and it does so admirably. The M&P9 and M&P Shield are favorites among concealed carriers and range enthusiasts alike.
Used M&P pistols typically run between $300-$450, depending on condition and generation. The ergonomics are fantastic (many shooters prefer the grip angle over Glock), and the trigger on the 2.0 models is genuinely impressive for a striker-fired gun.
Bonus: S&W's customer service is top-notch, so even if you buy used, you're still backed by a company that stands behind its products.
When it comes to shotguns, the Mossberg 500 is a legend. It's been the go-to pump-action for hunters, home defenders, and military personnel for decades. Used 500s in good condition regularly sell for $300-$400, making them an absolute steal.
If you want to stretch that budget even further, check out the Maverick 88. It's essentially a Mossberg 500 built in Mexico with a few cost-saving measures (like a cross-bolt safety instead of the tang safety). Functionally? It's the same rock-solid platform. New Maverick 88s retail around $250, so used examples can dip even lower.
For more shotgun guidance, check out our breakdown on how to choose the best shotgun under $300.
Don't Forget: All long guns ship free from Wholesale Hunter. That's more money in your pocket for shells.
There's something special about owning a piece of history. Military surplus rifles like the Mosin-Nagant, SKS, or various Mauser variants offer a connection to the past that modern polymer pistols just can't replicate.
Prices on surplus guns have climbed over the years, but patient hunters can still find solid examples under $500. An SKS in good condition typically runs $400-$500, while sporterized Mausers and other bolt-actions can be found for even less.
What to Look For: Bore condition is everything with surplus rifles. A bright, sharp rifling pattern means accuracy. A dark, pitted bore means you've got a wall-hanger.
Buying used requires a little more due diligence than picking something off the shelf. Here's a quick checklist:
When you shop used firearms through Wholesale Hunter, our team inspects everything before it hits the site. No guesswork required.
Here's where things get really interesting. With Sezzle, you can split your purchase into four interest-free payments. That means a $500 firearm becomes just $125 today: and you walk away with your new (to you) gun immediately.
No credit checks that ding your score. No hidden fees. Just a smart way to spread out the cost while you're stacking range days.
When you shop with Wholesale Hunter, you're not just getting competitive prices on used firearms. You're also getting:
You don't need to drop a grand to own a quality firearm. The used market is packed with diamonds in the rough: guns that have plenty of life left and won't empty your wallet. Whether you're after a versatile rimfire, a duty-proven pistol, a reliable shotgun, or a piece of military history, there's a sub-$500 option waiting for you.
Browse our current used inventory and see what treasures are in stock today. Happy hunting!
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