Buy A Gun At A Gun Show

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WiLLtallica

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Next week they'll be a gun show in a busy town next to me that I'll be going to, and the last one I went to I almost bought a Le En-Field Jungle Carbine which seemed to be in excellent shape for just $250, but that was just on the outside. I don't know how to fully expect a rifle properly, and what not to do which would be considered impolite, so can you guys give me some techniques for expecting a rifle to make sure it's good inside and out?
 
I almost bought a Le En-Field Jungle Carbine which seemed to be in excellent shape for just $250
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As I recall, there were a lot of those made by another company far later, and they sell for much less than that. I see them at a local shop for not over $200.
 
I don't know how to fully expect a rifle properly
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I suppose you mean inspect...

I guess have a bore light, stick it in the breech end of the barrel, look down the business end of the barrel, to see how good or bad the bore is.

Besides, that just general inspection on the outside to see if it looks like it was mistreated...
 
Every time I go I find something I "ought to" buy...

last weekend, a Kahr PM40 for an asking price of $450, might have got it for $400.

Colt Defender with night sites, NNIB, 2 mags, asking $675. We just about had a deal at about $620, private sale, no tax (8.25% on a $620 is about $50). I was about $18 short...still kicking myself.

S&W 642, no integral lock, asking $300, probably could have had it for between $250-275.

Not steals, but very reasonable prices on desireable guns.

They are out there if you know what you want and what you are willing to pay.
 
Here's what I do when shopping for a used firearm...

1. Learn about it. Go to websites like surplusrifle.com and familiarize with what the rifle should look like (key for determining if parts are missing) and how to take the bolt out (key for inspecting the bore).

2. Look at overall condition. You don't want rusty, dented and abused. Some finish loss is OK, its the insides that need to be perfect. Make sure the sights aren't damaged/missing. Make sure bubba didn't drill holes in the receiver or barrel for scope mounts. Barrel should be centered in the stock. Stock should not be cracked.

3. Do the parts have matching serial numbers? Matching serial numbers are a good thing.

4. What is the bore condition? This is the single most important factor in a good shooting firearm. Take the bolt out and look from both the muzzle and breach ends. Its really hard to see the breach by looking through the muzzle, that's why I never use a borelight. No rust, no pits, no frosting (tiny pits)...bright shiny lands and grooves, lands with sharp shoulders. Be aware that many military rifles have worn out rifiling at the muzzle due to poor technique with a cleaning rod.

5. Check the muzzle for uniformity. No dents, dings or gouges.

6. Check the bolt. No damage or pits on the bolt face. No galling on the back of the bolt lugs. Extractor has sharp edges without chips and has spring.

7. Check the trigger, magazine and safety for proper operation.
 
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