New or Used for first timer ?

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audiologyrob

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I'll start by apologizing if this is a thread I haven't already seen.

I'm just getting into hunting, and want to buy my first firearm. There seems to be a divide in people I speak with regarding 'new' versus 'used' .
Some are urging me not to buy new entry level rifles or rifle/scope combos on, account of their 'cheap, plastic, garbage' structure.

Others argue they're perfectly fine.

I have a background in triathlon, so, for example, bike quality is pretty darn important - and something of an analogue as far as I can see... I'd seldom want somebody buying a bike from Canadian Tire if they were serious about it long term.
Is this the same thing?

Buy cheap, buy twice; or are these entry level products completely okay for a long time?

Also, what are some of the better manufactures and material types I should be looking for?

Thanks all.

R
 
So, white tail deer are the main thing.
Would also love to be able to hunt rabbit, squirrel, grouse - realizing multiple firearms likely required there.

Was thinking on either a two-barrel shotgun setup (one rifled, one smooth) + a .22 LR.

Part of me wants to say no to that, however, given slugs and potential meat damage, and just buy a quality .270, 30.06, .300, .30.30

My budget for all things hunting is around $1500 (also need a stand, and some cheap clothing, ammo, possibly scope).
Insights continue to be welcome.
 
think of it like Car's

You can buy one fully loaded brand new car for a lot of cash
or for the same money you can buy a few of well maintained used vehicles

since you have a bit of a shopping list there, id def say go used so you can get them all!!
 
have you gotten to access to the Equipment Exchange yet?

sometimes there are package deals that are MUCH better than anything you'd ever get in a store

Always look at sellers profile and see if they have other items up.
 
It all depends on what (make, model and year of production) you decide to buy. Very much like cars.
Don’t want to start up a “which oil is best” type of thread here. lol
You can post a more detailed question once you get closer to an actual purchase. CGN is a great resource, lots of knowledgeable people here. I end up using the ee as my extended gun safe.
 
All great replies. I'm definitely prepared to make a buy, but I'll diligently wait until I have access to the EE.

....For anyone interested, the majority of people are saying to buy well-maintained, good quality/value for dollar, rather than new.
I think the informal score is like 10-1.

Very helpful to know. Thanks again.
 
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
 
Jmcc said:
a well maintained firearm can easily last 100 years.

There is no "need" to buy new
you buy new because you "want" new
Click to expand...

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).
 
Chas59 said:
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).
Click to expand...

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
 
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!
 
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.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
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.
Click to expand...

what are your thoughts on used but from a larger retailer?
 
Jmcc said:
what are your thoughts on used but from a larger retailer?
Click to expand...

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..
 
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.
 
sillymike said:
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
Click to expand...

thanks man~!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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