If I were looking for a used rifle, what should I look out for?

[spacemanvic]

My 1915 Kar 98a is in the shop for work, and Im wondering, if I were in the market for a used rifle (for hunting deer in PA), which is a good rifle to look at? What are some of the things to look out for when looking at a used rifle? Are there gotchas to be aware of?

Ive seen the prices for new rifles, so it makes me want to look at used rifles even more....

[Karl/PA]

The Mosin Nagant M44 is cheap, accurate and ammo is readily available.

[Mtbkski]

I have bought numerous long guns off members of this forum. Haven't gotten a bad firearm yet. And have gotten some great deals.

Best part, is that if you just swap $$ and the firearm. There is no record of you having it. So, the guys in black don't know what all you have at home.

You can save a bundle buying used and get some great firearms. And help a fellow PAFOA member get some $$ to pay bills or buy something else themselves.





To the Men in Black: I really haven't bought any firearms that there isn't a bill of sale for, so don't worry, you will know every firearm I have and if I bought any off someone else, they have a bill of sale and can give me up when you come to their house.

[NikeBauer21]

As far as deer hunting in PA, .270 and .308 are very popular calibers. It's all personal preference really, but you don't want to overkill/underkill with anything either.

As far as looking at a used rifle, the most important things to check are the action, and the bore. Make sure the bore has good rifling in it, isn't pitted or rusted, and looks pretty smooth. Obviously there may be some spots or deficiencies in it, in which case you have to use your judgment. But many times, a simple thorough-cleaning will do the trick, depending on how bad it is.

With the action, make sure that everything works well, and smoothly. Make sure the bolt cycles through well and smooth, make sure the extractor and other parts are all there...

Just some basic things to keep in mind...

[spacemanvic]

Thanks all!

I normally wouldnt hesitate to purchase something online, but a firearm is usually something I need to see "in the flesh" to get a feel for it if nothing else. The guys at my LGS must hate my guts, I look at and touch a weapon several times before I make my decision. I usually go online and look up reviews then of the ones I liked, then go back and "fit" them again before making a purchase.

[Nullifidian]

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[NikeBauer21]

Thanks all!

I normally wouldnt hesitate to purchase something online, but a firearm is usually something I need to see "in the flesh" to get a feel for it if nothing else. The guys at my LGS must hate my guts, I look at and touch a weapon several times before I make my decision. I usually go online and look up reviews then of the ones I liked, then go back and "fit" them again before making a purchase.

Nothing wrong with that. It's you're money, keep in mind that YOU are in charge. If the dealer/seller wants to make any money, they wont care how long you fondle it and feel it out. Obviously you don't want to disrespect their item, and you should always ask before doing something like dry-firing the weapon. But in the end, it's your money, and you want to make sure what you pay for, is what you truly want. If the seller doesn't want you to, then they don't deserve your money. You can always take your business elsewhere.

[Mtbkski]

Thanks all!

I normally wouldnt hesitate to purchase something online, but a firearm is usually something I need to see "in the flesh" to get a feel for it if nothing else. The guys at my LGS must hate my guts, I look at and touch a weapon several times before I make my decision. I usually go online and look up reviews then of the ones I liked, then go back and "fit" them again before making a purchase.

OHHHH, I see. Your normal like us.

[USAFSP]

For the price of a nice surplus rifle, you could get into a used lever action... Anything in 303, 30-06, 308, 243, 270, 8mm, 7.62x54R, 30-30... etc etc!

Personally, for deer in PA... Brush busting goes to a 760 in 30-06 or 30-30, open areas I bring a sporter 1903A3.

I always bring the lever gun and a bolt, and 3 boxes of ammo.

[Edg]

I only take a .243 anymore.