Tips on buying used rifles

R

reeler

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I am going on my first deer hunt this fall. I have everything I need except a rifle!!! Family and friends are telling me to buy used, verses new. For the fact of cost...cheaper, might get a scope, clips, strap, etc.....

The help I need is...what to look for, and steer clear of when buying a used rifle. Whether to gun is damaged, signs of wear, etc..

I am pretty sure I want a bolt action .270...if that helps.
 
Do you know an experienced hunter or shooter?

You should keep up your research, you've got six months, but keep asking questions like this, and learn a little bit about how to read bore condition.

If you have friends with rifles, learn what the diference is between push-feed and controlled feed bolt actions and see what you like.

The reason I say this is that Remington makes good rifles, but they are push feed, whereas many other makers make controlled fed actions.

I'm partial to old Mauser action Husquvarna rifles myself, mine is 53 years old.

But go to gun shops, look at Winchesters, Remingtons, Rugers and Savage rifles.

Savage 110 series bolt actions are supposed to be among the cheapest to buy new, but many people use them.

That should give you a start.
 
the savage rifle are indeed a great rifle , and the Pkg is cheap cheap around $600 I think (scope gun clip) About the same price that a decent used rifle is going to run you.
 
thanks for the help guys

i've been checking some websites....remington, winchester & browning....i will check out the savage.

it sounds like the controlled feed is better???

probably keep my first deer rifle forever...so i dont want to buy a peice of crap.

what do you guys think of the Browning " A Bolt Hunter"
 
The push feed vs controlled round feed discussion has gone on for generations. Personally, I don't know that it is that big a deal for a deer rifle. Buying used can work out very well, assuming that there is nothing wrong with the rifle - or if there is a fault, it is readily and economically repairable. If you are personally unsure if you could inspect a used rifle, have an experienced friend check it over, or buy from a reputable established dealer. A private sale might be cheaper than one through a dealer. Buying a used rifle is less complicated than buying a used car. In what part of Ontario are you located? There are a number of shops where you could do business with confidence.
 
Well reeler on this forum objectivity is scarce... everybody has their favorites... and they will argue which is better until the cows come home.
For deer hunting push feed or controlled feed is not an issue.... either or is just fine.
There are many new economy priced rifles available... and the quality varies dramatically with price.
A good used rifle is a great idea and the exchange forum here will give you an idea of price.
Browning A-Bolts are very nice rifles and are in the high-end price wise for new Factory built rifles.
How much money are you planning on spending on a rifle... scope... etc. Where are you going to be hunting... what type of country.... etc.
How are you hunting... dogs... pushing... stand hunting... still hunting?

Right now there is a lot of good, new, last years model firearms on sale at most gunstores... where are you located?
Come on down to Peterborough and I'll let you see and shoot my rifles.
 
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am located in the kitchener-waterloo region

plan to do must of my hunting on the bruce pennisula

type of hunting....pushing and tree stand...no dogs
 
Tree stand huh?, can't go wrong with a Ma Deuce. Seriously though fondle as many guns as you can, shoot your friends guns. When at the range with friends talk to other people, get their opinions, offer them cash to shoot their guns, they won't charge. You'll find most people like talking about their guns as much as their cars. It probably won't be the only deer gun you'll ever buy so don't put that kind of pressure on yourself, you have lots of time 'till opening day. Good luck and welcome to a whole new world.
 
Well if your in the K-W area you should look at getting a good slug gun. There are a pile of deer in the K-W guelph area. You can also get multiple tags in the K-W areas. No centerfires are allowed in that area.
I'm from the Bruce myself. I live in the Port Elgin area. We have a lot of deer around here but are only allowed 1 tag. As for the peninsula there are a good amount of deer up there but you will need to know someone for permission etc. Also it's a lot of bush pushing. There are some county forests that are public land but you can imagine how busy these areas are. If you are a newbie and just starting out I would suggest a slug gun for the K-W area. Short drive instead of 2.5 hours and easy to go around and get permission. Go to Shooterschoice and talk to the guys in there. Lots of guys up here use slug guns when pushing the bush. It would save you from having to buy another gun if you want to hunt down in your area. If your heart is set on bolt action rifle then 270 can't be beat. It's the local fav caliber around here. Take a look at Tikkas. Great shooter and great price.
Take care
Bill

Later
Bill
 
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For your first deer rifle never mind push/control feed or other technical jargon. For your first deer rifle, something that fits you well is more important. Sounds like you have done some shooting, but practice alot with your new rifle.

You can't go wrong with a brand name rifle (as long as the model isn't 710:eek: )if you are going to buy new. If you go the used route and are concerned about what you are buying, ask to run it over to a gunsmith for a check over if you are at all concerned, or get a second opinion from someone with more experience.

A 270 or any other suitable small-town-hardware-store caliber is a wise choice for a first rifle. Makes it easy to find ammo to practice with.;)
 
As mentioined earlier, you have months between now and next season. I would recommend visits to some of the gun shops (like Gobles etc, in your area)......if possible try to look at used .270 of different makes and get the feel of each. You never know, you may be fortunate to come across a really good firearm that tend to show up on the used racks. Also, if possible have an experienced person (family/friends) accompany you.

The CGN site and it's firearms exchange forum is another excellent place to do your research and obtain an idea on makes/models/pricing etc.

Some points to pay attention to:

-personal fit of the firearm i.e. how does it feel when you heft/shoulder it ( the "feeling" comes from experience, nevertheless, when you've handled a few you will have a better idea).

-Overall external condition at first glance i.e. condition of wood or synthetic (look for cracks, dents etc), metal (look for rust, pitting etc).

-Metal to wood fit.

-Screw heads are not deformed etc (this will provide an idea that the fiream may have been disassembled at some point).

-No damage to threads (for scope).

- Action, bolt should be smooth (specially in used ones) with very little to no play.

- If detachable mag, ensure it fits right each time. Ask for a couple of snap caps, load the mag and work the action to ensure feed, extraction, ejection works fine.

- Observe the function of the Safety catch. Feel the trigger a few times by "dry firing" using the snap caps.

-If iron sights are present, look closely to ensure ready alignment when you shoulder the firearm (i.e. front sight is not bent etc). Ensure rear sight windage, elevation adjustment components work smoothly. Ensure both front/rear sights are held tight on the bbl.

- Most importantly, look very closely inside the barrel (ask for a bore light) to check this, the rifling inside must be sharp and mirror bright. Check for rust, pitting inside the bbl.

- Look at the "crown" (muzzle) for any visible damage.

Hope this helps. You may be surprised at what you find. Good luck in your search.

Regards,
 
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just remember when you are deer hunting you will be wearing bulkier clothes . keep that in mind when you are trying out assorted guns
 
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