The gun show is tomorrow so...

[Bill Allen]

I am hoping to acquire a new centerfire rifle at the gun show this weekend. I am considering a pre-64 Winchester, pre Garcia Sako or even a Colt Sauer if I happen to find a nice one. I have enough sense to look a gun over and see the general condition of the blue and mechanical parts and to inspect the stock for any problems but what else should I be looking for? In gun ads I am always reading "brite bore". Should I inspect the bore of an otherwise good condition rifle and if so, what am I looking for? In general, what should I be looking for when buying a used rifle?

Thanks for helping to enlighten the ignorant....

[Dan Morris]

Bill, I'd look a bore, general feel of the rifle...try to snap trigger if you can. Work the bolt....try to feel the closing of it. Compaire this bolt feeling on all of the ones you like....then make your choice.......bet it's a
pre 64...LOL.
Dan

[denton]

By all means, check the bore.

With a little practice, you can tell if the rifling is worn, or crisp. The edges of the lands get rounded edges, and wear down.

The bore should ideally be bare steel, not covered over with layer upon layer of soot from the powder, and copper from the bullets. Of course, you can clean it up, but that is a good negotiating point. A wrinkled brow and a disapproving "ummmm" sometimes knocks some bucks off.

Be ultra careful of any pitting in the bore.

I have a friend who has lovely little Colt 22 revolver. It was put away with something absorbent in the barrel, and now it is deeply pitted, and will never be accurate again.

Check the stock carefully for cracks.

Put a $1 bill under the barrel, and hold the ends taut above the barrel. See if it will cleanly slide to the recoil lug (unless it deliberately has upward barrel pressure at the tip of the barrel).

Look to see that everything is there... tip of the firing pin, the little gizmo that hits on the base of the case and causes it to eject, etc. Cock the gun, and set and release the trigger. Some guns are misadjusted, and will fire when the safety is released. That is very easily fixed, but check.

Carry a pocket loupe, and inspect the crown of the muzzle carefully. You can always have a rifle recrowned, but an dent in the crown that extends to the bore could mean trouble.

... And have an absolutely great time shopping!