New Vs Second hand rifles

[PUSC]

Hi all,

 

I am eagerly awaiting the return of my FAC and was wondering what your experiences are with buying second hand rifles.

 

I haven't got a huge budget and was thinking that getting a .243 second hand would mean I could probably try to get one with a good scope/mounts and better model than I could afford for both being brand new.

 

Is this a rookie mistake?

 

 

[Scully]

No,it isn't a rookie mistake.

There are some very nice second-hand rifles out there but you need to give them a thorough going over prior to parting with your cash,just like you would with any other firearm.

I bought a budget 700 BDL some years ago as I'd always wanted one;it was well used but I killed many deer and foxes with it,but eventually upgraded to a T3 simply because I found one in amazing condition at a good price.

Just recently I found a lovely Sako M552(?) can't remember exact model now in .243 Win complete with Varmint barrel,wide flat fore-end,moderator and 'scope for around 900 quid.Someone is going to get a very nice rifle.

Quality brands hold their value if they're in good condition,and second-hand shouldn't put you off.I would rather buy a good quality second-hand gun with a good reputation than a new lesser known brand;regardless of warranty.The gun has to be fit for purpose,and this is something which doesn't always apply to the lesser quality brands;new or second-hand,though this is more apt to apply to shotguns rather than rifles,in my experience.

Have fun looking.

[PAULT]

I would be careful buying a seconhand 243 get it checked 243 can be driven pretty quick which shortens barrell life this is my opinion tho tab paul

[PUSC]

by driven do you mean the rifling will lose its potency?

[PAULT]

by driven do you mean the rifling will lose its potency?

yes

[Old melv]

If you buy a new rifle you will know exactly what it has done and you can get a decent deal if you shop around the howas look pretty good for the money.having said that I have an old BSA .222 that's still a great gun and very accurate.

[PUSC]

I don't know I handled some different Howas at the CLA and they seemed a bit plasticky. I suppose I could always ask for a second hand rifle from a shop and get some sort of guarantee from them?

[snipers eye]

buy new,a lot of second hand are that for a reason

[Sx3 clay breaker]

Buy new if you can on something like this because if someone's put a 1000 or so hot load thru it I doubt there'll be any throat left but saying some rifles can have loads thru and still shoot spot on

 

Atb scott

[al4x]

If you buy second hand you want it to be inspected by a decent rifle smith with a bore scope simple as that, the other thing really is unless really cheap its worth buying a better quality rifle that will be worth rebarreling if you need to in the future. Some .243's hardly do anything before people want to change so the bargains are out there generally they have been used for stalking rather than foxing. You do see the odd really good deal secondhand with mounts and mod thrown in and they all add up if you are buying new.

[PUSC]

right, I wouldn't know any rifle smiths, so that really is the end of that I suppose.

 

What about optics?