A police trade-in is a firearm that’s been carried by a law enforcement officer and has been turned in and resold. These aren’t beat-up range rentals, they’re usually well-maintained, lightly used, and built for duty. You’ll see some holster wear on the frame, maybe a scratch or two, but inside, most have a low round count and run like new. We’re talking Glocks, Sig Sauers, S&W, and other trusted models, often with night sights and other extra features. If you want a reliable used pistol with real-world experience and a better price tag, police trade-ins are hard to beat.
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Yes, but it’s not as simple as selling to a private buyer. Law enforcement agencies typically work with licensed firearms dealers when purchasing or accepting trade-in firearms. If you’re a dealer or manufacturer, you may be eligible to sell to police departments through contracts or buyback events.
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are among the most commonly issued police handguns in the U.S., thanks to their reliability, ease of use, and high-capacity magazines. Other popular choices include the Sig Sauer P320 and Smith & Wesson M&P series.
Police departments sell or trade in their firearms when upgrading equipment. It could be to adopt newer models, change calibers, or standardize gear across the department. These trade-ins are often in great shape, with a low round count, and are passed along to licensed dealers like Gunprime.