New or Second Hand

[groach1234]

Right i had a previous post asking .243 vs. the 25-06 and I am going to go .243 its for fox and roe on my family farm. The reason i am going .243 for ease of ammo and as was said it would probably sink easier with the FEO for my first centerfire. Now as the land is only cleared for .22lr and .17hmr i had a chat with him and he is a nice honest guy who said go and put up a couple of high seats up to show you are trying to make the land safe. I start my easter holidays next week so this is what i will be doing for the next 3 weeks along with revision

 

Now my problem is that as it will be my first centerfire would i be better of getting something like a new T3 or looking out for a second hand Tikka continental or M595. The reason i ask is the money i would save going for second hand would be going towards maybe a new stock or something similar. The problem i have is when buying second hand in a rifle i know sod all about what to look out for and for all i know i could buy something with a barrel that is almost burnt out and will need a new one soon and i can't imagine that would be cheap or it could have been used and abused in so many ways. Where as with a T3 it would be new and have a guarantee and i understand they are fairly accurate out the box for a standard rifle. I would as time goes on start to customise the rifle but there would be no need to at first just stick an alright scope on top and i would be away.

 

Now if you haven't realised i think i like the idea of getting a new on as i know where i am but thought i would put it to you lot and see what you more experienced lot have to say?

 

Any input will be greatly appreciated

 

George

Edited March 22, 2010 by groach1234

[Paddy Galore!]

try out the 2nd hand rifles first mate.

[Mr_Logic]

I prefer new, especially in overbore calibres like the 243. Guarantee that you're not getting a shot-out barrel, and you do have some comeback if it doesn't shoot. Equally, if you know a good dealer, you will get a better price buying used.

[smurf]

i woud personally buy new ,you now exactly what you are getting & not something that you dont know nothing about .when or if you decide to get a new rifle make sure you shoot the barrel in properly.

[bullet boy]

I always like to buy new especially if you can afford to buy new.

[Dekers]

I favour new, and if you are in the price range of a new Tikka then I would suggest that route.

 

Some of the older used models are excellent, and some dealers "may" be in a position to let you try first or give you a refund guarantee on accuracy (potentially difficult though...you, the ammo, the gun, etc???)

 

Plenty of good used guns out there of course, but as the eternal sceptic I always ask why, my guns tend to get traded when I have an issue???

[al4x]

George I was faced with the same dilema and really what you need to do is look about well for what is about in your price range. I was looking new but in the end got a mint condition remington 700 sps, I got it with scope mounts, moderator and replacement trigger and stock for less than the cost of the new gun on its own. I had proof of the previous owner buying it the year before and a close look at his ticket backed up that it hadn't used much ammo. It was a .223 so less barrel wear issues but certainly I'd be keeping my eye on the for sale section here and seeing what comes up and having a word with the owner about use and trying to arrange to try one. Scope is where you are better off getting it right I stuck a cheap scope on mine to start with and it frustrated me last summer as foxes appear at last light and I wasn't able to see them properly. Changed it for an 8x56 S&B and the difference is unbelievable, makes all the difference especially as at last light and when lamping you want the best glass for identifying 100% what you are shooting at.

[Vince Green]

If you really know the history of the rifle secondhand is good. Many deer rifles have had virtually no use and come out once or twice a year for a few shots. Some have virtually never been fired, such is the nature of the sport that rich people buy expensive rifles and then never use them. Just in it for the pose.

 

When I worked for Holland and Holland years ago we used to see them all the time, I remember a double rifle that was sold with a 100 rounds of ammunition and seventy years later it was returned with 98 rounds when the owner died. Been all round the world but never used.

I would say the dearer the rifle the less its been used. However, you have to make a judgement on that because .243s shoot their barrels out quite quckly and one thats been out on the ranges week in week out can be totally knackered and traded in after five years.

 

If in doubt the new cost is not much more than secondhand if buying from a dealer. Peace of mind for a few quid extra is probably worth it. However if you watch the private ads and you are prepared to wait thats another story. Don't expect a bargain from a dealer though.