What to Look for When Buying a Used Rifle

By GDC Staff

In the end, while that new rifle smell may be tempting, don’t walk away from a good deal on a great used gun if you can get it. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
There are lots of reasons why a used rifle could be just the thing to scratch a gun-buying itch, provided you avoid some common pitfalls.
Identify your needs
Reasons for rifle shopping can range from collecting to hunting and sports shooting to personal protection. Some can check several boxes, for instance with a Ruger 10/22 rimfire doubling as a small game getter and weekend plinker. Or a modern sporting rifle like the Smith & Wesson M&P15 being used in both predator control and 3-Gun Shooting. Likewise, a vintage Winchester Model 94 cowboy gun or military classic bolt-action can be both an investment and, with care, still clock in for hunts or the occasional target practice when needed. With an idea about what boxes you want to check, proceed to…
Research your decision
Once you have identified a family or type of rifle you are shopping for, spend a while doing the legwork — or these days, the point-and-click work — to find out more information. Identify specifics about the firearm such as length, weight,

Source: Guns.com