Looking over used Rifles

[boatmanschneider]

My wife is talking about buying me a rifle for Christmas. I don't have a centerfire rifle, she has 3 from her father. A Winchester Model 100 .243, a Winchester lever .308 and a 94 30-30.


I like bolt guns and am interested in practicing out to 400 yards at the local range.

She is considering getting a Savage Axis for me as they are cheap(and so are we), but I would rather buy a quality used rifle like a Rem 700 or Savage 110.

What should we look for when inspecting used rifles? Aside from rust, broken parts and missing pieces.

 

[M-Cameron]

• inspect the bore, look for a nice bright bore with strong and well defined rifling
  
• inspect the muzzle, look for a nice clean and sharp muzzle crown
  
• check for signs of 'kitchen counter' gun smithing

other than that just check the basics, make sure everything locks up like it should, make sure the safeties and all that jazz work as they should, ect.

its alright if the rifle shows use (afterall, a rifle that has been used is a rifle that can be used)......but it shouldnt look abused.

buying a used rifle really isnt much different than doing a preliminary check on any new firearm you are about to buy.

 

[Abel]

Do a functions check/test. Make sure that the safety works, that it cocks, that it loads ammo from the mag to the chamber, ect. Check wooden stocks for hairline cracks.

 

[nastynatesfish]

Have her look at a Stevens instead. You can get a new one for about 325. I saw a used one in 308 and 22-250 today at a pawn shop for 229 and 249. They are interchangeable just like the savages just a different stock screw spacing and center feed instead of stagger feed

 

[nastynatesfish]

Check out budsgunshop.com

 

[Pacsd]

Wait a minute!!! You say SHE has a .243, 308 & a 30-30? Why go looking for a gun when ya got a real good spectrum of calibers? Or doesn't she share?

 

[GlockNation]

rem 700

There are people who will tell you not to get a remington 700.

 

[CApighunter]

Here is my checklist:
Used gun checklist:
1-Used not abused
2-Straight barrel, no bulges
3-No hairline cracks in stock around tang
4-No discolored wood around action
5-Check barrel bedding/free floating
6-No flex in stock
7-No rattleing
8-Smooth action with no slop
9-Check bolt face for erosion
10-All metal free of rust and pitting
11-Check trigger pull, smooth, no creep, not too heavy or light
12-Strong rifling
13-Minimal throat erosion
14-Crown is free of nicks
15-Safety works flawlessly

 

[adelbridge]

Go to a gun show and buy a used rifle that looks brand new. Bring a bore light or flashlight to look down barrel. A used Remington 700 will be much nicer than a Savage Axis. Nothing against Savage/Stevens- good guns but aim for a Savage with an accutrigger . Also Ruger American is pretty nice for a budget gun.

 

[boatmanschneider]

I will take a look around tomorrow. It would be nice to find a 25-06 or 6.5 Creedmoor, but .243 to 30-06 will do if I find the right deal.

 

[adelbridge]

It would be nice to find a 25-06 or 6.5 Creedmoor

If you are on a budget you best be a reloader if you want either of these.

 

[30Cal]

I review a lot of outgoing reports and such and I simply apply the same frame of mind when looking at used (and new) rifles:

There is something wrong with it; I just need to look carefully enough to find it.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I've seen Savage 11s/111s used for about the same as a new Axis OTD. I'd MUCH rather go that route. Just to reiterate some of the comments here...

1) make sure the bore is clean and smooth, and
2) make sure it feeds several types of ammo.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

With what you already have, I'd say the .270 would make a lot of sense. .30-06 (for more powerful loads) or .223 (for lighter game and punching paper) would be my next choices.

 

[boatmanschneider]

I ended up getting an AR.

Oh well, maybe next time. The search goes on.