New vs Used

[Djaws]

Curious on everyone's opinion on buying a New Rifle vs one from the classifieds?

How much savings $$$ is worth the risk of buying a used gun w/o knowing how it was handled?

Beyond saving $$$, are there any other benefits of buying used?

If buying a used gun, are there specific questions you should ask to make sure you are getting an accurate shooting gun?

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I purchased a used, full custom rifle on the boards. When I received the rifle, I realized that things weren't just right. The action was too long for the cartridge. The bedding didn't seem to fit correctly, and the receiver may have been changed after the bedding job. The barrel probably had more ammo through it than advertised.

All in all - there is a lot that can go wrong with buying a used, custom rifle that you can't hold or examine very well. If the savings aren't significant, build your own.

For a production rifle, round count is the biggest factor IMO. Anything else could be fixed by the manufacturer if they are still in business. It's worth noting that Ruger, who now builds Marlin rifles, won't repair Marlins that were built by Remington or older Marlins.

Your best bet would be to consider a rifle if it is being sold by a long-time poster with a good reputation. Look at the sellers feedback.

 

[Djaws]

Very good points, thank you for the insight!

 

[crashlanding]

Look at rifles that haven't been tweaked with targets that verify accuracy, as said, view sellers feedback

 

[ShtrRdy]

There are a lot of things that could go wrong by buying a used firearm. One potential benefit of buying a used one is getting something that shoots well. Along with seeing targets that show acceptable groups is being able to buy some ammunition from the seller that works well and the agreement that if you can't reproduce the groups you can return it for a full refund. It would also be nice to be able to view a bore scope video of

 

[YZ-80]

I think, if you know the round count and you know the LRH member and have discussed things with him/her there is an argument for buying used. Seeing targets, load recipies, etc., and an agreement with the seller on accuracy, etc., is a plus. Let's face it, this is a hobby. You're gonna take a hit selling stuff and you're gonna take a risk buying it, but my experience with good forums/discords, etc., is that usually it works out if you know who you are dealing with.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

Exactly what YZ-80 said.

 

[Rosebud]

Not many people sell off a full custom rifle they paid out the wazoo for, unless there are #1, issues, #2. Desperately needing money. Ask reason for selling. if they are close enough to you, check out the rifle in person. Or have it shipped to gun store, check it out. If unhappy. Ship it back before paying. If possible. Its like a pig in a poke. Reach in the poke and see what the pig looks like that you pull out.

 

[LuvDog]

For the most part, I'm looking to buy the action and trigger. So I make sure that the price is in line with the barrel really just being an extra or a slight premium cost to the action.

If I can get some additional life out of the barrel or sell it separately, then that's a bonus.

 

[VinceMule]

Asking for a 3-day non-shooting inspection is not uncommon.

 

[bultinkle]

Due your diligence and try to make sure you can make out ok from parts value.

I sold a wheeler build that was absolutely mint last year for parts cost. You can find some wild deals if you are patient

 

[Reelamin]

Purchased a used rifle off here because I needed a left hand and none were available in the store. Its used I know that, yet rust and some misc. other marks not described in interaction. I failed to be specific on how well does it shoot? I would say we had a huge difference in what a good shooting rifle is. I could not get it to shoot and did everything I could (bedding, lots of load testing, smith bore scoped it for me) and it flat was not a gun that I could get under 1" period. The only used gun I have bought I did not know the seller and watch to verify it shot well. I'm not upset, my kid has a rifle that is accurate enough for him. Won't do that again.

 

[Baker Alvin]

Most worked out well, Some did not.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Purchased a used rifle off here because I needed a left hand and none were available in the store. Its used I know that, yet rust and some misc. other marks not described in interaction. I failed to be specific on how well does it shoot? I would say we had a huge difference in what a good shooting rifle is. I could not get it to shoot and did everything I could (bedding, lots of load testing, smith bore scoped it for me) and it flat was not a gun that I could get under 1" period. The only used gun I have bought I did not know the seller and watch to verify it shot well. I'm not upset, my kid has a rifle that is accurate enough for him. Won't do that again.

You could go through an awful lot of expensive bullets, powder, brass and primers before you determine that a rifle just doesn't want to shoot. Then what?