First Firearm. Buy Used or New?

justinb1981

justinb1981

Regular
Rating - 100%
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Location
Hamilton, Ontario
I will be purchasing my first rifle soon. I was wondering if I should buy new for my first one? I know used is a bit cheaper but other than the obvious things like a rusty barrel or chamber I wouldn't really be able to tell if there's anything wrong with it.
 
It's kind of like buying a car, new is good, but there's always a chance of warranty issues, small defect or just working out the bugs. Buying used can get you some great deals, or could get you dumped with a lemon.

I would say where you get it from matter more than what you get. If it's new or even used from a reputable business who will support you after the fact, then you're probably safe with either used or new.

Similarly if you're looking on the equipment exchange on here, people with very high feedback scores that are all 100% (with the occasional unreasonable -) are generally quite accurate in describing condition and take their reputations quite seriously and won't rip you off.

What kind of rifle are you looking for, wood/blue hunting rifle, something tactical for the range, .22 for plinking, etc? There are lots of the sponsors up top who will have what you are looking for.
 
Right now I'm looking at the Ruger American Ranch and Mossberg MVP Patrol, both are 5.56\.223. Buying used might get me something that's a little better quality but for now I just want something cheaper that's also cheap to feed. Eventually I will be looking at a quality rifle in 270 thufh
 
justinb1981 said:
Right now I'm looking at the Ruger American Ranch and Mossberg MVP Patrol, both are 5.56\.223. Buying used might get me something that's a little better quality but for now I just want something cheaper that's also cheap to feed. Eventually I will be looking at a quality rifle in 270 thufh
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I got a "used" savage axis with scope in 223 for 330$ shipped from P an D. was only missing the decal sticker, still had the tags. Quite accurate with the cheap ammo I am running.
 
for what its worth, I have always had luck buying a good quality used product vs a cheaper new one; provided that the used one has been properly taken care of by the previous owner. In fact im hoping to get a good quality used 12ga. o/u from the EE once the mods get around to my request.
 
Buy new or used from a dealer/consignment that way you always have a safety net.

I usually don't see the used one being that much cheaper and with all the risks that present with buying used, I'd rather pay a few extra $. But being in Canada, we don't have the luxury of having a complete selections of brand new firearm. So buy a used one only if it's super cheap (money saved offset the risks etc) or if you really want that particular model and no one is selling it new.

It's true as another poster said, it's like buying a car
 
You should buy new until you know what to look for in buying used, or if you have a friend who is knowledgable bring him/her along
 
justinb1981 said:
I will be purchasing my first rifle soon. I was wondering if I should buy new for my first one? I know used is a bit cheaper but other than the obvious things like a rusty barrel or chamber I wouldn't really be able to tell if there's anything wrong with it.
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You may have or have not missed a good deal on those Weatherby Vanugard Rifles for $399 plus applicable taxes .
But, in order to find that deal you had to be into the brightly colored gun stock and the three or four limited calibers.
Buy what you can afford to spend and just because the gun costs $400 you still need to pay the tax, then outfit it with some scope rings and bases a scope a sling and of course you have to feed it too.
So it doesnt take long to tally up a grand in a matter of mere seconds shopping online.
You can spend considerably less shopping in the EE, but first you have to read some quasi legal mumbo jumbo and understand and abide by the rules of the CGN ownership.
So, what is it you are looking to accomplish with the gun you are thinking of buying ?
There are lots of guns and a few are always looking for a new home.
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
FLHTCUI said:
So, what is it you are looking to accomplish with the gun you are thinking of buying ?
There are lots of guns and a few are always looking for a new home.
Tight Groups,
Rob
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Right now mostly just something to get out to the range with and shoot. The next rifle after that will be bpught for hunting so I will definitely get something that is a bit higher quality. I am thinking a short bolt action that's relatively inexpensive for a first rifle and when I upgrade I have a good beater gun for the truck or ATV.
 
I picked up a slightly used(60 rounds) savage axis in .243 for my 10 year old daughter for $300 for her christmas this year,I started loading 55 grain rounds for her to practice at the range,and will step her up to 80 grain when she finishes the 55's that way she is used to the rifle and can use it for hunting deer when she turns 12.
Might be worth looking into something like that yourself!
 
I have bought new, and I have bought used. I buy what I think is the best deal, do your part, do diligence, is up to you .
Happy shooting
 
Im a big proponent for buying used firearms. With the exception of buying used models that are known for issues typically semi-autos Mini-14s, keltecs, etc. do your research, find out the known problems (if any) of the firearm you're looking into. Most boltguns are problem free, used or otherwise.

but if you're looking for something cheap. look no further then this. Zastava M85 in 7.62x39.
https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/m85-7-62x39-iron-sights-sporting-rifle-variation/
$500+ optic might sound a bit expensive. but the ammunition is the cheapest around 1300rounds for $225. no other caliber can beat it.
also has a model with iron sights if you want to forgo the scope.
https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/m85-7-62x39-iron-sights-sporting-rifle/

I doubt you can find these used, people tend to wanna keep them.


remember if you're looking for cheap, the cost of the ammunition will far exceed the cost of the rifle in the long run.
you could spend 400 on something like a savage axis, but you will still be paying more for ammunition in the long run. Even if you get one in .223

With the money you save on ammunition you could buy anouther gun! Perhaps even a 270!
 
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justinb1981 said:
Right now I'm looking at the Ruger American Ranch and Mossberg MVP Patrol, both are 5.56\.223. Buying used might get me something that's a little better quality but for now I just want something cheaper that's also cheap to feed. Eventually I will be looking at a quality rifle in 270 thufh
Click to expand...

Both are pretty good, inexpensive rifles. The Ruger is a more like a standard hunting rifle, the Patrol is a short barrel kinda tactical rifle with a rail and accepts AR15 magazines. They are both pretty accurate with good ammo although I would say the edge *might* go to the Ruger. Really depends if using AR mags is important and if you prefer a tactical or hunting style rifle.

One of these and a case of PMC .223 ammo from Canada Ammo will go a long way to make you a good shooter.
 
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