Using Second-Hand Legionaries: A Used Miniatures Buying Guide

Quick answer

Buy second-hand Legionaries only when the listing shows every part you need and the price reflects the risk of missing or damaged components. Treat used Warhammer lots as a parts-and-project purchase, not a guaranteed ready-to-play squad.

Why Legionaries are a practical second-hand target

Chaos Space Marines are a popular army, so used Legionaries appear often in second-hand lots. That volume gives you more chances to find a squad at a lower price than new, but it also means listings vary widely in completeness and condition. The key is to compare what is actually included, not just the unit name.

Second-hand miniatures are sold as-is, and the photos are the product. That makes the listing itself your main inspection tool. If a seller does not show a part, assume it may be absent until the description confirms otherwise.

The backpack question: what “no backpacks” means for your squad

Some used Legionaries are listed without backpacks, often because the parts were used elsewhere or lost. Backpacks are visually prominent on Chaos Space Marines, so a missing set changes the look of the squad and may require sourcing replacements. If you already have a bits box with compatible backpacks, this can be a cheap route to a playable unit. If not, factor in the time and cost of finding replacements before you commit.

Check whether the listing shows the torsos and arms assembled or still on sprue. A “no backpacks” lot can still be a good buy for converters, but it is a weaker choice if you want a unit that looks complete out of the box.

How to judge a used Warhammer lot before checkout

Look for clear photos of every angle, especially the joins and any painted areas. Ask yourself whether the models are assembled, primed, painted, or partially built. Each stage adds cleanup work: paint stripping, mold-line removal, or repairing weak joints. The listing’s wording and photos are your only evidence, so do not rely on assumptions about what is included.

Price the lot against the cost of a new squad, then subtract the value of your time for stripping and repairs. A discount is not a bargain if you need to buy missing parts or spend hours fixing mistakes.

Decision rules for buying used Legionaries

• Completeness check: If the listing does not clearly show or state that all arms, weapons, and backpacks are included, treat it as an incomplete lot and price it accordingly. Ask the seller for a photo of the exact parts before paying.
• Condition threshold: Buy assembled and unpainted models if you want the least cleanup. Buy painted or partially built models only if the discount covers your time for stripping and repairs. Set a maximum acceptable level of paint or damage before you browse.
• Price rule: Compare the total cost of the used lot plus any missing parts against a new squad. If the saving is small, choose new for the guarantee of complete parts. Include shipping and replacement bits in your comparison.
• Final-sale rule: Because second-hand sales are final and as-is, only buy from listings with clear, well-lit photos and a description that matches what you see. Screenshot the listing before purchase in case the photos change.

Product facts

• Warhammer 40,000 Legionaries no backpacks GCO-15: Secondhand Shop product sales are final and sold as-is. You cannot return the models for a refund, so confirm completeness and condition from the listing before buying.

  

Who should buy used Legionaries?

Best for

• Hobbyists with a bits box who can replace missing backpacks or weapons
• Players looking for a lower-cost route to a Chaos Space Marines squad

Not for

• Buyers who want a complete, ready-to-assemble squad with no extra sourcing
• Anyone unwilling to accept final-sale, as-is condition