Used Gun Checklist OR Pawn Shop Gun Diving

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liberalwithagun

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THR,

I have been bitten by the .308 bug. I am looking to buy a .308 that will be used for target shooting and likely some larger game hunting (elk etc). As I am in the middle of building my AR-15 I cannot afford to buy the .308 brand new. I have found what I think to be a pretty screaming deal on a Remington 700 .308 w/ scope at a local pawn shop for 399.

However, i need a list of things I should be looking for and be on the watch. I have never bought a gun used. I have either had it gifted or been bought brand new.

Additionally, is there some place/book I can use to get a idea on the value?

Thanks!
 
Have someone check out the trigger for you. If it has a factory trigger replace it. There are several companies that sell replacement triggers and most are not expensive.

A screaming deal at a pawn shop is cause for concern. Especially true if you don't know what you are looking at. I buy at a local pawn shop, but I have had cause to return a rifle and at another time a scope that did not function properly and they have been very willing to take them back. That's not the case with most pawn shops.
 
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Funcliff - Thank you for the advice. I talked the owner into letting me take the 700 out to the range. He agreed as long as I leave a deposit. I will be taking a friend of mine who just made it through the Army Sniper/Scout school. If anyone should know a Remington 700 it should be him.

It comes with a Remington Scope - I could not find a model or serial number. Any ideas?
 
Don't forget a good bore light. Absent that, fold a clean piece of white printer paper and take it outside and check the bore.
 
If it comes with a Remington scope, it's probably the same package they sell at Walmart. You do realize they sell this package with a Remington 700 ADL with a synthetic stock and a Remington marked scope, and it goes brand new for like $399 or $397 or something right? It's right under $400 and to me that would be the way to go over a used one from the pawn shop for the same price. The most I'd give for a used one in like new condition of that model would be $300. Of course the BDL and CDL Remington 700's bring a premium over the cheap ADL's and SPS models.

If it was me, I'd trash the Remington scope if you plan to do much shooting at all and upgrade to something a little better. However, if you can't do that right away it should get you by until you can afford something better.

Another thing to mention is that I personally feel the Savage Model 10 they sell at Walmart for right around the same price with a scope, and the accu trigger is a much better buy. It's a much better rifle, at the same price. Then you won't need to worry about replacing the trigger, and you can expect sub moa groups right out of the box. I'd personally go for it, but if you have to have a Remington 700, I'd just get the new one for that price.
 
Slowr1der - Thanks for the information. I was not aware that Walmart sold one at the 400 dollar range.

I think I will take a trip to old wally world and have a feel for the Savage 10 and the Remington 700 they have there.

Another question what is the cost on swapping out the standard barrel (on either) and adding a heavier barrel? I shot my friends Tika 3 w/ a heavy barrel and really liked the way it felt.
 
The Savage barrels depend on which one you get as to the price. You should be able to find various barrels and prices online. They are very easy to change yourself, all you need is a barrel nut wrench, and a set of go no go gauges.

On the Remington, it's a lot more to it, but still very doable.
 
While I agree the Stevens 200 is a good rifle as it's basically just the old Savage Model 10 without the accu trigger, I personally don't see a reason to buy them at $300+. You give up the accu trigger, which is well worth the extra, and for the $400 you can get the one with the scope and sell off the scope to offset part of the cost. I think it's just a much better deal. You consider with that Stevens 200 at $320 if you pay a $25 transfer fee you are at $345 and still have no scope or anything else.
 
You'd be better off looking at vintage rifles. As long as the bore is good, you're far better off with a 30 or 40 year old Win/Rem/Savage rifle than any of the recent ones made with plastic stocks and metal stampings.
 
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