{"id":2454,"date":"2026-01-28T14:04:28","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/the-hunt-for-value-5-best-used-firearms-to-buy-for-under-500\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:04:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:04:28","slug":"the-hunt-for-value-5-best-used-firearms-to-buy-for-under-500","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/the-hunt-for-value-5-best-used-firearms-to-buy-for-under-500\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hunt for Value: 5 Best Used Firearms to Buy for Under $500"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why Buy Used? The Case for Pre-Owned Firearms<\/h2>\n

Before we dive into the picks, let's talk about why buying used makes so much sense.<\/p>\n

Cost Savings Are Real.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Proven Reliability.<\/strong> Here's a little secret: a used gun that's been shot and maintained is often more<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

More Gun for Your Money.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Used<\/p>\n

The 5 Best Used Firearms Under $500<\/h2>\n

1. Ruger 10\/22 : The Ultimate Rimfire Workhorse<\/h3>\n

If there's one gun that belongs in every collection, it's the Ruger 10\/22<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip:<\/strong> Look for models with the factory birch or walnut stock: they tend to hold value better and look fantastic.<\/p>\n

2. Glock 19 or Glock 17 Police Trade-Ins : Duty-Proven Reliability<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Glock 19<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

Why It's Worth It:<\/strong> Glocks eat any ammo you feed them, parts are everywhere, and resale value stays strong. It's hard to go wrong here.<\/p>\n

\"Police<\/p>\n

3. Smith & Wesson M&P Series : American-Made Excellence<\/h3>\n

Smith & Wesson's M&P (Military & Police) line was designed to compete directly with Glock: and it does so admirably. The M&P9<\/a> and M&P Shield are favorites among concealed carriers and range enthusiasts alike.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Bonus:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

4. Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88 : Pump-Action Perfection<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If you want to stretch that budget even further, check out the Maverick 88<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

For more shotgun guidance, check out our breakdown on how to choose the best shotgun under $300<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don't Forget:<\/strong> All long guns ship free from Wholesale Hunter. That's more money in your pocket for shells.<\/p>\n

\"Pump-action<\/p>\n

5. Military Surplus Rifles : History You Can Shoot<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What to Look For:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

How to Inspect a Used Firearm Before You Buy<\/h2>\n

Buying used requires a little more due diligence than picking something off the shelf. Here's a quick checklist:<\/p>\n