um...evil guns, that is...
I need to choose between two possible purchases and would appreciate your input on what y'all think would be a better deal, as I value and highly regard many of the opinions in this community. I have wanted an AR for years and had long ago resigned the hope of being able to afford one to thoughts of "maybe some day." Long story, short...now able and am looking at two from private owners. While I'd prefer the M4 carbine, these are both Bushmaster standard A2 20" .223 cal. rifles.
#1
Owner says he bought it new and hasn't fired it...it's his second AR, has a baby on the way and needs to sell. It appears to be in new condition but I'm not sure how to tell except by his own words. I picked up a slight smudge from the chamber, which he says was probably from factory test fire. Purchase price of $930 includes hard case, sling, two 30 rd mags and one 10 rd mag. Rifle has bayonet lug and flash hider and heavy barrel. For an additional $520, he'll sell his unused Leupold scope (he claims cost $600 plus the cost of rings/mount...I didn't see a model #, but I think it's probably the VX-III...don't know the power...he thinks it's 12, but I don't think the VX-III is available in 12x) with Boone & Crockett reticle and rings/mount that still allows use of iron sights. Total price: a whopping $1450, which is more than I planned on spending...and I figure I can probably buy a decent scope for considerably less...I just don't want to end up buying a lesser scope for the same money. Would like a scope for varmint use and low light conditions, as well as something durable. Obviously, with Leupold Gold Ring optics, I'm also buying the "full lifetime guarantee", unless of course I would need to show proof of purchase from a retailer for such a guarantee to be valid...I haven't, yet, been able to confirm this one way or the other.
#2
Owner bought at a pawn shop, doesn't know how many rounds have gone through it or condition of barrel. I saw two tiny (pin-point) exterior spots of rust at front sight, but no other visible. Purchase price of $725 includes cheap Bushnell scope, tactical sling, one 10 rd. mag, no case. Rifle has heavy barrel, but no bayonet lug or flash hider. A previous owner mounted a scope rail on the forend of the handguard, presumably for a light or some other accessory. Again, I have no knowledge of how to assess possible damage other than the obvious. The owner offered to take it to a range with me so I could test fire...says if the barrel is shot, will have no group on paper. Any suggestions?
So, there it is...between apparently new and obviously used (but not sure how used). Worth the extra $200 dollars for peace of mind of condition and extras of #1?
In advance, thank you...a million thank you's...my thank you's thank you.
I need to choose between two possible purchases and would appreciate your input on what y'all think would be a better deal, as I value and highly regard many of the opinions in this community. I have wanted an AR for years and had long ago resigned the hope of being able to afford one to thoughts of "maybe some day." Long story, short...now able and am looking at two from private owners. While I'd prefer the M4 carbine, these are both Bushmaster standard A2 20" .223 cal. rifles.
#1
Owner says he bought it new and hasn't fired it...it's his second AR, has a baby on the way and needs to sell. It appears to be in new condition but I'm not sure how to tell except by his own words. I picked up a slight smudge from the chamber, which he says was probably from factory test fire. Purchase price of $930 includes hard case, sling, two 30 rd mags and one 10 rd mag. Rifle has bayonet lug and flash hider and heavy barrel. For an additional $520, he'll sell his unused Leupold scope (he claims cost $600 plus the cost of rings/mount...I didn't see a model #, but I think it's probably the VX-III...don't know the power...he thinks it's 12, but I don't think the VX-III is available in 12x) with Boone & Crockett reticle and rings/mount that still allows use of iron sights. Total price: a whopping $1450, which is more than I planned on spending...and I figure I can probably buy a decent scope for considerably less...I just don't want to end up buying a lesser scope for the same money. Would like a scope for varmint use and low light conditions, as well as something durable. Obviously, with Leupold Gold Ring optics, I'm also buying the "full lifetime guarantee", unless of course I would need to show proof of purchase from a retailer for such a guarantee to be valid...I haven't, yet, been able to confirm this one way or the other.
#2
Owner bought at a pawn shop, doesn't know how many rounds have gone through it or condition of barrel. I saw two tiny (pin-point) exterior spots of rust at front sight, but no other visible. Purchase price of $725 includes cheap Bushnell scope, tactical sling, one 10 rd. mag, no case. Rifle has heavy barrel, but no bayonet lug or flash hider. A previous owner mounted a scope rail on the forend of the handguard, presumably for a light or some other accessory. Again, I have no knowledge of how to assess possible damage other than the obvious. The owner offered to take it to a range with me so I could test fire...says if the barrel is shot, will have no group on paper. Any suggestions?
So, there it is...between apparently new and obviously used (but not sure how used). Worth the extra $200 dollars for peace of mind of condition and extras of #1?
In advance, thank you...a million thank you's...my thank you's thank you.