Buying a used rifle: The do's and don't's?

[RatFink]

Hey guys,

I have tracked down a Ruger Gunsite Scout that has apparently only had about 20 rounds through it - so I am assuming it is essentially brand new.

Could you guys give me a list of things to ask/look out for that could be deal breakers?

Thanks in advance!

[Austin]

I have a couple general questions you can ask. I assure there is more knowledgable people that can add to this list.

Are you the original owner? If not how many before and their round count?
Was it ever in a smiths for repairs, what was done to it?
Why are they selling it?
How did it shoot for them?
Condition of the barrel?
Condition of the crown of the barrel too?
General appearance of the rifle. Knicks, scratches, cracks if any
Will you have a chance to see how it shoots?

That's all that comes to mind

[twofifty]

- Is the blueing worn off in high wear areas like the action, bolt handle (if it has a bolt or action release), muzzle?

- Is there metal erosion or pitting in the bolt face?
- Are the metal-on-metal parts worn, galled, pitted, sloppy?
- Chamber a sized but empty case and see how the action closes onto it, and how well the extractor and ejector do their jobs.
- Do the action etc. screws and pins show signs of abuse, of having been taken apart multiple times.

- Ask the seller to separate the action from the stock, so you can inspect that area too.

- Patch it out to get a sense of how smooth and regular the bore is.

- Ask what commercial ammo brand/load it shoots best.

- If the owner reloads for it find out what loads he put through it. Ask to see his fired brass. Mike this brass to see if it generally falls within SAAMI specs. Can he let you see his reloading and work-up notes - this will give you a sense of how hot the ammo was that went through this gun, and how fussy the rifle is.

-If you buy the gun offer to buy his components and have him throw in his reloading notes too.

- Seller may have an extra mag or two, try and get those as well.

[Comstar]

Originally Posted by Austin

I have a couple general questions you can ask. I assure there is more knowledgable people that can add to this list.

Are you the original owner? If not how many before and their round count?
Was it ever in a smiths for repairs, what was done to it?
Why are they selling it?
How did it shoot for them?
Condition of the barrel?
Condition of the crown of the barrel too?
General appearance of the rifle. Knicks, scratches, cracks if any
Will you have a chance to see how it shoots?

That's all that comes to mind

This is good advice but the questions towards the owner such as "how does it shoot?" The seller would be a fool to tell you it shot poorly. I would leave it to stuff you can visually see or check. I know you may be able to tell if the guy was lying.

I know I may sound like a jerk for not trusting the seller,(ussualy the guys are really good) but some people lie like a sidewalk.
Just my thoughts, I would look online and on forums for info like how does it shoot. Hopefully you can get yourself a good deal!

[johndeeretimex]

i would look to see if all the parts numbers match up and if they do not ask why!

[ShawnM]

Grab yourself a little flashlight to peek down the barrel. Pitting, erosion, filthy barrel, obstructions, etc. should be relatively obvious.

Check the exterior of the rifle for signs of serious abuse. i.e. a cracked stock, rust and pitting on the exterior metal, large divots in the wood, bent metal, missing or difficult to move pieces such as the safety, work the bolt.

Other than taking it to a gunsmith prior to buying the rifle it's a bit of a lottery. Buying used items will eventually turn into a learning experience no matter how careful you are.

[Cement Bench]

unless the rifle is 150 bucks cheaper why not just buy new Cement Bench