Selling nice rifles
- Thread starter kjohn
- Start date
I started by buying "crappy" rifles because that's all I could afford. Teenager with a 1979, 401 4bbl Trans Am liked to spin tires and drive fast. Got expensive real quick. Started to mellow. Sold Trans Am (kept 2 hub caps), started to improve buying choices. As life progressed, had to pay rent, so sold nicer rifles with much regret. One in particular was a 1974 Marlin 30/30 that my dad bought me. As finances stabilized and lines of credit were offered (big grin) I improved buying choices. I have several nice rifles now plus a multitude of what I would consider "work" rifles. My two nicest would be a CZ 550 in 450 Rigby and a ZG 47 in 9.3x62. At some point the 450 might go but not the ZG. That will be one I take to the forever happy hunting grounds. To each is own on whats constitutes a nice rifle. Might be an original Rigby rifle or something someone has scrimped, saved and worked hard to get.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Good point and that's an aspect that has been delt with to a degree. Our Daughter has asked if I'd consider passing on a rifle, my Dads 30-06 Husqvarna model 4000 light weight, down to one of my Granddaughters. That'll happen and my Daughter and Son In Law can pick out another for my other Granddaughter. A 'limiting' factor is myself and Granddaughters are the only right handers
. Then, my Son, Daughter and Son In Law can take what may work for them and flog the remaining.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
Ageed. I've seen a bunch of folks do that over the years & I'll be doing a herd dispersal after we get settled into our new place. Not game huntin' anymore so I'm just keeping me lifelong rifle and a couple others for plinkin' at the range. Age & economics factor in along with changed priorities. Me main priorities these days are hitting the trails with me wife & pooch to keep us going & getting in lots of motorcycle rides.
As fer having folks to give goodies to, I've no problem givin' stuff to friends & deserving folks. Downsizing to improve one's life ain't bad at all fer me. Less stuff to worry about I reckon.
NorthernCX
CGN Regular
- Location
- In My House
It varies for everyone- myself, I like trying different rifles, usually pick up specific types or calibers for different reasons- sometimes sell because I need some quick cash and no more room in the safe, some go because they never get shot or I'm just not happy with them. Some can come and go, others like my Savage 111 30-06 DM will never leave even though I have other, pricier or better rifles- it was my first big game rifle, shot a lot of firsts with it, and carries too much sentiment to move along even though my newest main hunting rifle beats it in every way imaginable.
mosinmaster
CGN frequent flyer
I like buying classic proven designs and actions. For example I wanted a nice M98 action, so I got a Husqvarna FN commercial 98 action in 8x57. The cartridge and action are meant for each other. Other proven designs are anything JMB designed, or industry standard designs like the pre-Freedom Group Remington 700s, or JM-stamped Marlin 336.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
I kinda' feel the same with a few. With bolt actions, my favorite is the Schultz & Larsen. As a 'mini' collection, I went for the three that are chambered for the cartridges shown on the old red covered Norma reloading manual. The three were the result of a joint effort by Schultz & Larsen and Norma. 7x61 S&H, 308 NM and the 358 NM. In lever guns, my pick of the litter is an old mint Winchester model 71 Deluxe in 348 WCF
.
Haha I feel like I'm about to join a flock of vultures circling here.
The phenomenon of making a mediocre rifle into a passable one through expensive gunsmithing and then selling it once its perfect at a massive loss is coming to mind for me reading about "the chase" too...
- Location
- Saskatchewan
I have bought sold and traded many rifles and shotguns, my goal is to have an excellent firearm for each job I may have for it, and to gain experiences. Once a firearm has nothing more to teach me, I consider whether it's the very best I've had for that job, if so I keep it, and if not I sell or trade it. Artistry in wood and metal is another reason to keep a good gun, I am a sucker for traditional hand craftsmanship, fine figured wood, and good engraving. If a better one comes along, the old favourite gets displaced. I keep meaning to downsize, but lately I have been trading "up" - so quite a few "nice" guns go to new homes from mine.
I build them , shoot them and enjoy them.Then get bored and sell a bunch off when I realize how much money I have tied up in them. Then after a short time the pattern starts all over again.... and I always tell myself the 60-70 hour work weeks will slow down at some point and I'll get more time to hunt, which never seems top happen.
I've purchased, sold and traded many firearms. The journey of purchasing, selling and trading is fun. I love to conduct load development, shoot and hunt with them. Once 2 years have elapsed owning that gun, it's on the selling block and time to have fun with another.
This I agree with, but for me building rifles has lost its allure. Sourcing parts that I like has become difficult, and finding someone to do the work more so.
I am with you on that line of thinking. I have given a few to people who will make use of them. I gave my nephew an SKS. He is in his mid 50's. I gave him a 1908 Mauser when he was 13. He'll be in line for more. I gave my Dad's BSA M1917 sporter to his son, after it having been sold 50 years previous. I warned the young fellow that this time the rifle will stay in the family!
I have bought and sold many rifles, I found out quite a long time ago that I like rifles but I don't love them, a rifle or project will catch my eye or imagination and I will sell something to make room or to help pay for what I have in mind. I enjoy hunting with a variety of rifles from single shots to open sighted ones and everything in between. The only rifle I owned that I would never sell is my Dad's 30-06 BSA he bought it in 1952, that rifle has gone to my Son, He got His first deer with it and He would never sell it either. I have slowed down a bit on buying and selling as I lose money every time.
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I keep a taped up gun box laying around the house so the mrs is off balance whether it is coming or going. She must be ok with it because when I tell her I just sold it she rolls her eyes and says “whatever”.
I don’t usually know what I “need” until it pops up in the EE or gun store used rack. Recently picked up a Clackamass Kimber 89 BGR on the EE. I’ve got an 8400 in the same caliber so it was totally redundant as I hunt my rifles. This was the rifle on the magazine covers back in the day and I so lusted for one..... Gotta say fit and finish is beautiful.
I find it’s not a real expensive hobby compared to some grown up endeavours. Lots of golf addicts and 80 thousand dollar fishing boats our there.
I don’t usually know what I “need” until it pops up in the EE or gun store used rack. Recently picked up a Clackamass Kimber 89 BGR on the EE. I’ve got an 8400 in the same caliber so it was totally redundant as I hunt my rifles. This was the rifle on the magazine covers back in the day and I so lusted for one..... Gotta say fit and finish is beautiful.
I find it’s not a real expensive hobby compared to some grown up endeavours. Lots of golf addicts and 80 thousand dollar fishing boats our there.
