Ash
Member
I have learned the same lesson. I have a Montgomery Ward's Western Field rifle, 30-06, that is a perfect demonstration of this. It was made about 1968 or so, sports a walnut stock, polished blue finish, adjustable trigger, hinged floor plate, and iron sights. This was a store-brand rifle, hardly what was supposed to be the example of the gun-maker's art, and yet it is far nicer than what we consider mid-grade from the big guys. Now, don't get me wrong, while this rifle is accurate, the new ones are, too. But what would never have been tolerated three decades ago is considered the norm now.
My newest hunting rifle predates Reagan's presidency (though the optics are Nikon Monarchs and are less than 3 years old). My revolvers are: Webley Mk VI in 455, a Ruger Service Six, two Colt Trooper III's, Soviet Nagant target, and even a Taurus 82. None of them came to be new, all came to me in excellent condition, all are superb shooters.
Ultimately, you can tell how hard a revolver has been used by looking it over and following Jim March's revolver tips guide here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430.
After the first shooting range, the revolver is used anyway.
My newest hunting rifle predates Reagan's presidency (though the optics are Nikon Monarchs and are less than 3 years old). My revolvers are: Webley Mk VI in 455, a Ruger Service Six, two Colt Trooper III's, Soviet Nagant target, and even a Taurus 82. None of them came to be new, all came to me in excellent condition, all are superb shooters.
Ultimately, you can tell how hard a revolver has been used by looking it over and following Jim March's revolver tips guide here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430.
After the first shooting range, the revolver is used anyway.
