Hi Fred. New firearms will carry the same manufacturers warranty at gun shows so always get a receipt and dealer/vendor contact information. New firearms are easiest to buy. Any used firearm or private sale firearms, ask the seller to field strip the firearm so you both can take a good look at the internals to make sure there are no exceptionally worn parts and things are in order. Personally, when I'm shopping particular caliber firearms, I take s snap caps so I can function check the firearm. If the seller is not willing to abide by these checks before purchase, keep stepping. The main thing is to be vigilant, pay attention to details and you will be fine.

new guns no real issues except know what the prices should be (its easy to pay too much) I use sites like Buds so I know where the new prices should be. If you are looking at used gun KNOW the gun you are looking at and the value. I know a person who bought a beretta A300 and it was missing the gas piston and the dealer was on the other side of the state he had to purchase a new gas piston from Beretta. for private sales at a gun show KNOW your local laws and get a bill of sale