New or Used for first timer ?

[Chas59]

a well maintained firearm can easily last 100 years.

There is no "need" to buy new
you buy new because you "want" new

Absolutely agree. I just look at my firearms, some made in the 30’s and 40’s and they are as good as new (and well made).

[Jmcc]

Absolutely agree. I just look at my firearms, some made in the 30’s and 40’s and they are as good as new (and well made).

many years ago, the first gun i ever shot was my grandmothers 22lr made in the early 1940's

that exact same gun was the fist gun my oldest child shot a few yrs ago

There is good chance it will be first gun my yet to be conceived grandchildren shoot

It will be close to 100yrs old by then

[RiMP9]

I would go with used at first, at least until you can figure out what is going to work well for you. IE learning how the gun handles, feels in your grip, shoulder comfort, your sight and pull length, gun length and weight, plus the game your after is this gun appropriate? Last but not least do you feel confident of your safe handling of the gun?

One special note for you Rob, just be safe and always remember there are NOT any deer out there wearing camo!

[alberta tactical rifle]

2 major questions for you and only you can answer.

Do you have enough knowledge or experience to know by looking at a rifle is a good 1 or not?
What is your trust level when it comes to purchasing used? There are many so no trustworthy guys dumping guns that have issues, yet they claim they function perfectly and all are tack drivers.

There are many used guns out there that are in great condition and will last a lifetime and there are also many bubba specials. It all comes down to buyer beware.

[Jmcc]

2 major questions for you and only you can answer.

Do you have enough knowledge or experience to know by looking at a rifle is a good 1 or not?
What is your trust level when it comes to purchasing used? There are many so no trustworthy guys dumping guns that have issues, yet they claim they function perfectly and all are tack drivers.

There are many used guns out there that are in great condition and will last a lifetime and there are also many bubba specials. It all comes down to buyer beware.

what are your thoughts on used but from a larger retailer?

[alberta tactical rifle]

what are your thoughts on used but from a larger retailer?

I can't speak for all obviously but most legit retailers should stand behind their sales. Before starting ATRS every firearms store I ever worked at checked over the used stuff prior to offering it for sale.
Consignments can be a different situation, but guns the store has purchased or taken on trade I would hope have seen some scrutiny prior to being offered for sale..

[stampede]

Rifles are not like bicycles. They do not wear out unless they have been badly abused.

By a used rifle from a local gun shop Start to establish a relationship with your local guys. This will pay off in the long run.

[audiologyrob]

i'd be tempted to tell you to scoot over to tradeex (a site sponsor, and anthony is a great guy to deal with) and see if anything strike your fancy.
- he's got plenty a nice used hunting rifle and shotgun, brought over from europe

there are many ways to go about it, depending on your interest and if you want to hunt with scope or sights.
- you could go milsurp. There's nothing wrong with felling a deer with a k31 or a nagant.
- with the current crisis, there will most likely be some interesting sales. Either by stores or individuals

thanks man~!

[MD]

I'd look at the Husqvarna rifles at Tradex.

Super quality rifles. You'd have to make up your mind on calibre. Ask questions here first.

[Bubbafett33]

It's incredibly likely that you will end up with at least one .22 before all is said and done, so I'd suggest starting there. That way you can "get shooting" for a low financial barrier to entry. Also, if this doesn't pan out as a hobby long term, you've invested little (into a very resellable firearm). And if you do catch the bug, .22 ammo is cheap.

My thoughts:

Buy a .22
Specifically, a Tikka T1x or CZ 457 synthetic heavy barrel varmint. At around $700, these ain't cheap, but they will retain value quite well...because someone will buy it from you if you don't want it...and do exactly what you'd probably do next:

Customize it.
You'll check out Boyds stocks...maybe a KRG Bravo...scopes....bipod.... and quickly realize that bicycle and rifle customization are equally expensive!

Then buy the hunting rifle
After a few thousand .22 rounds down-range, and months of talking to fellow hobbyists, you'll have a far better idea of what to look for in a hunting rifle, and find the right mix of calibre, weight, cost and flexibility.

And worst case scenario you sell your Tikka/CZ to someone for a $100 loss.