Buying used shotguns

[Gil Martin]

From the observations at several gun shops that i visit there are lots of used shotguns available and prices are all over the place. Not sure how these gun shops determined prices because there is not any consistency. Some rusted junk buckets have very high prices while other very decent other shotguns are dirt cheap. I bought a High Standard Model 20 12 gauge pump shotgun (sold by Sears as a J.C. Higgins) in excellent condition for $80. So it depends. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I am seeing lots of used shotguns in the local gunshops. I believe the principal reason is the lack of small game anymore. In the mid-1980s, the federal government extended protection to all avian predators including hawks and owls. I see many hawks about daily, but very few rabbits, grouse or pheasants. I rarely ever see small game hunters hereabouts in the Fall. Unless we control avian predators, we will not see small game numbers rebound.

There is some interest in turkey hunting, but those bird numbers are dropping in PA. Also, with turkey, it is One and Done unless one buys a second turkey tag and that is two and done.

Adam