This story “Tips on how to Purchase a Used Gun,” appeared within the Feb. 2000 subject of Outside Life.
A number of months in the past I dropped in at a neighborhood gun store and browsed via the racks of used weapons, shouldering shotguns, peering via rifle barrels and flipping value tags in quest of the occasional hidden treasure. One price ticket stopped me in my tracks — it was solely about half what’s often requested for a “pre-owned” rifle in that mannequin, caliber and situation, and it even had a scope! Suspecting one thing fishy, I cautiously slipped the bolt out and peeped into what I anticipated to be a rust-clogged bore. Nothing. The lands and grooves have been as shiny and clear as a hound’s tooth.
“Say,” I requested the supplier in a low voice, in order to not alert different prospects, “what’s the take care of this previous rifle?”
“Some man introduced it in a coupla’ days in the past. Made me a heckuva swap — that’s why I acquired it so low cost.”
By then I’d satisfied myself the value was too good to move up, even when I didn’t want the rifle. Nonetheless, the ceremony of shopping for a used firearm needed to be noticed.
“What’s your backside greenback?” I requested, attempting to not appear too .
“Inform ya’ what. Get it outta right here an’ I’ll knock off one other $25.”
“Okay,” I sighed, rolling my eyes to point that I knew I’d let him sucker me as soon as once more. Which is a part of the ritual of shopping for used weapons.
An hour later I used to be at my workbench doing what I all the time do after I purchase a used gun: stripping it down and checking for hidden injury or put on. Weapons that look shiny and clear on the skin could have rust the place steel is hidden by wooden. Bolt-action rifles are particularly suspect as a result of about half the steel is roofed by the inventory. However after I loosened the screws and eliminated the inventory from my newly purchased previous rifle, the underside steel surfaces have been clear and shiny and the set off components have been pristine. This gave me an uneasy feeling, as a result of a used gun of that age ought to have accrued some inside particles. Clearly, somebody had taken the rifle aside not way back. “Hmm,” I mentioned to myself. “I’m wondering why?”
Suspicions have been confirmed after I took the bolt aside and found that the cocking sleeve had not been tightened to its correct place throughout earlier reassembly. The best way it had been put collectively the rifle wouldn’t fireplace! Reconstructing the rifle’s current historical past, it was fairly clear {that a} earlier proprietor had tried to take it aside for cleansing and later discovered that it wouldn’t shoot. Then, figuring he had dedicated pricey or irreparable injury, he hurried to do away with the rifle at any value, which accounted for the way I’d acquired it at a discount. All I needed to do was assemble the bolt appropriately and the rifle was restored to good working order! Such are the thrill — and bargains — of shopping for used weapons, however the situations don’t all the time have such a cheerful ending.
Why Purchase Used?
Although there are limitless causes for getting used weapons, the motives typically break down into three main classes. The primary and most blatant, after all, is just to get a workable gun at a diminished value — simply as a used automobile purchaser will get transportation with out taking the depreciation hit of a brand new automobile.
The second huge cause is to amass makes or fashions which can be now not obtainable. When you’ve got a hankering to personal, say, a pre-1964 Mannequin 70 Winchester rifle, or a Mannequin 12 pump shotgun or a Colt Woodsman, you’ll in all probability need to accept a used one.
The third class of used gun patrons are collectors of antiques or in any other case uncommon and collectible makes and fashions. Most of those collectors know what to look out for when shopping for an previous gun and are absolutely a ware of the dangers. It’s the primary and second classes of used gun patrons who’re most in want of steerage, particularly the primary group, who’re largely common shooters and hunters who don’t wish to get stung.
That’s why my first recommendation to anybody shopping for a used gun is to use the “Rule of Why.” That means: Why is the gun on the market? Why did the earlier proprietor wish to do away with it?
What to Look For
Most used weapons on a supplier’s rack are there as a result of the earlier proprietor upgraded to a brand new mannequin or, extra typically, merely wished one thing completely different. 4 occasions out of 5 these are protected and stable weapons that can ship generations of reliable use-but there are warning indicators to search for. In fact, it’s straightforward to identify weapons which can be rusted, busted and abused, however that you must know that there are intelligent gun refinishers who could make a clunker look fairly good. Or, in gun-trader’s parlance, “clear and authentic.” Finding out the reworked weapons is a matter of realizing what clues to search for.
Even with one of the best of care, weapons accumulate sure attribute indicators of use, which is why I like a used gun to indicate indicators of damage which can be per its age. For instance, the blue on the knob deal with of bolt-action rifles shall be considerably worn, as will the within of the loop of lever-action rifles, and the slide connectors of pump-action shotguns or rifles shall be worn shiny the place they rub within the motion. The grip areas of handguns will present some blue thinning, the checkering could also be dulled and there could also be a drag ring across the cylinder of revolvers. Rifles and shotguns which can be carried afield will often present blue put on on the underside, and a certain quantity of blue thinning on the muzzle, brought on by rubbing in holsters or instances, might be anticipated. And, after all, the inventory may also present some put on, with the end worn and scratched right here and there.
All of those are reliable indicators of damage and to a sure diploma are even reassuring as a result of they point out that the gun hasn’t been to a make-up artist. Most sellers don’t have the time or inclination to totally clear the weapons that move via their palms, so anticipate finding deposits of crud if the gun is on the up and up. Even weapons which were properly cared for can have sure clues that they haven’t been tinkered with. Search for lint or mud beneath the rear sight, for example, and comparable deposits in screw slots and different locations that aren’t usually cleaned.
“It’s just a bit soiled,” some merchants will let you know. “It should clear up like new.” Yeah positive, then why isn’t it already clear?
Don’t chortle, however weapons additionally collect a particular odor brought on by the buildup of oils, solvents, gunpowder and human palms. Refinished weapons scent extra like oil and paint. Makeover artists are inclined to have an obsession about making previous weapons appear to be new and as possible as not will polish away the scrub marks on bolts and different shifting components. So if a used gun appears to be like too good to be true, apply the Rule of Why.
“Kicking the tires” is gun-speak for trying into the barrel of any used gun you’re serious about shopping for. A rusted and pitted barrel considerably reduces the worth of any gun, as accuracy could also be adversely affected. That is the place it’s a must to be particularly cautious of shady sellers. If the bore is okay it’s going to have a shiny, virtually polished look, with the lands (the raised a part of the rifling) standing out in sharp distinction to the grooves. At any time when potential, as with break-action shotguns and bolt-action rifles, take a cautious look in each ends. Pay specific consideration to the throat space (simply forward of the chamber) of rifles as a result of that is the place accuracy-destroying erosion first happens. Varmint rifles are particularly suspect due to the higher-than-normal erosion issue of high-speed varmint ammo and since they might be fired 1000’s of occasions in solely two or three years. Take the bolt out and get your eye as near the chamber as potential and search for worn lands (which can have a flattened look) or darkening within the throat space. Black streaks within the throat are a positive signal that the barrel is previous its prime and accuracy is gone.
Accuracy Killers
Generally what you see — or don’t see — in a barrel can idiot you. Peering at a shiny gentle via a barrel, for example, can dazzle your eye and make the bore look shinier than it’s. The most effective non-glare gentle sources for inspecting barrels is daylight mirrored off concrete. Attempt it.
Powder fouling in a gun barrel can disguise a mess of better sins, so don’t attain to your pockets till you’ve seen the bore clear and freed from oil (which additionally hides pitting). “It’s just a bit soiled,” some merchants will let you know. “It should clear up like new.” Yeah positive, then why isn’t it already clear? One other dodge chances are you’ll hear is, “The bore is slightly tough however the gun shoots nice.” Surprisingly, that is typically true. I’ve examined shotguns with pitted barrels that patterned superbly and rusty rifles that grouped remarkably properly. However regardless of if it shoots properly or not, a rusty bore offers you highly effective leverage when negotiating the value of a used gun. Rust contained in the muzzle of a rifle and across the crown is an efficient indicator that accuracy shall be poor.
One other indicator of bum accuracy is a bulged barrel brought on by firing with the muzzle plugged with snow or mud. Normally this seems as a shadowy ring a few inches beneath the muzzle and it’s also possible to see or really feel the bulge ripple on the skin floor. When a barrel has been inexplicably shortened by two or three inches you possibly can determine {that a} bulge was minimize off.
“Unique” is the important thing phrase when judging the truthful value of a used gun, and just about all deviations from the unique factory-delivered end and configuration — regardless of how fascinating they might be — trigger a discount in worth. For instance, a earlier proprietor could have shelled out $200 bucks for a shiny blue job, however this doesn’t imply the gun is price that rather more. Quite the opposite, it’s best to pay lower than regular as a result of its originality has been compromised.
The identical goes for such “enhancements” as glass bedding. A glass bedding job is often carried out as a treatment for poor accuracy — and doesn’t all the time work — so the Rule of Why is in full drive right here and your antenna ought to be prolonged.
The primary telltale signal that somebody is attempting to place the shuck on you is that if the steel blue appears to be like too good or has a maroon or purplish sheen.
Don’t get bent out of practice if a used gun has been refinished — as long as the supplier admits it’s been labored over. Some well-used weapons get so battered and scarred that the one manner they’re presentable is with a brand new coat of blue and inventory end. What will get my goat, although, is a gun dealer who tries to inform me {that a} gun is “authentic” when it’s clearly been to the sweetness store.
The primary telltale signal that somebody is attempting to place the shuck on you is that if the steel blue appears to be like too good or has a maroon or purplish sheen. Generally completely different steel components of a refinished gun shall be completely different shades of blue, a lifeless giveaway. One other giveaway is the face of the bolt on centerfire rifles. Fuel leakage across the primer cuts steel like a welding torch and burns small pits within the bolt face. A definite ring of such pitting across the firing pin is prima facie proof that the gun has been shot loads. Search for comparable fuel rings in used pistols.
Look intently on the trademark, caliber and serial quantity on a gun that you just suspect of being refinished. If the gun is really “authentic,” these manufacturing facility stampings shall be sharp and distinct. When steel is polished earlier than rebluing, nevertheless, the perimeters of the stamped letters and numbers in addition to different sharp edges turn into considerably rounded. If the stampings are faint or obliterated, it in all probability means the gun was badly rusted earlier than refinishing and required heavy sprucing. Or it may simply imply that the refinisher wasn’t an skilled. When doubtful, evaluate the stampings on the suspect gun to an analogous make or mannequin that you understand to be authentic.
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There’s one thing concerning the genetic make-up of gun homeowners that convinces us we’re natural-born gunsmiths, a notion that almost all typically manifests itself in an uncontrollable want to refinish gunstocks and thereby change the unique worn and pedestrian end with glowing layers of hand-rubbed linseed oil that shall be celebrated by family and friends for generations. Regardless of the sincerity of such urges, no do-it-yourself challenge, wanting pouring battery acid down the barrel, is extra prone to cut back a gun’s worth. Although beginner inventory refinishing seldom compromises the security or efficiency of a gun, it’s a mighty hammer so that you can use throughout the bargaining course of.
Your greatest instruments when digging for used gun gold are realizing the market and utilizing dependable value guides just like the yearly up to date Blue E book of Gun Values. The opposite dimension, and the actual enjoyable, of shopping for a used gun is like enjoying poker, and the one approach to study is from expertise. All the time determine the opposite man is bluffing, maintain your ultimate bid near your chest and don’t overlook the Rule of Why.
Deduct for Scopes
Used weapons with scopes connected complicate the buying and selling course of, so that you must tread via this potential minefield with warning. Apart from just a few sure makes and fashions, scopes depreciate at a quicker fee than good firearms.
As a broad-based information, if a superb used rifle is priced at, say, two-thirds its new value, the connected scope and mounts ought to be about half of theirs. That’s for good-quality, name-brand scopes. If it’s an inexpensive off-brand, simply faux it isn’t there, moneywise. Generally sellers mount scopes on used rifles to assist gown up the gun. Extra insidiously, a scope could have been mounted to cover one thing, akin to screw holes that shouldn’t be there, or absence of a rear sight from an early Mannequin 70. Always remember the Rule of Why.
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Has a Gun Been Refinished?
Listed here are three fast methods to inform if a gun has been refinished. (Prime) The serial quantity stampings on the classic Mannequin 1 2 at far left are sharp and distinct, although the gun exhibits regular indicators of use akin to blue put on on the underside. The Mannequin 1 2 at proper appears to be like new at first look, however shut inspection of the serial quantity signifies that it has been refinished. Discover how the perimeters of the numerals are rounded and in some locations virtually disappear. (Center) Although this beginner stock-refinishing job isn’t unhealthy, there’s loads of proof that the end is just not “manufacturing facility authentic.” Discover that the end is dimpled due to the unfilled wooden grain and that the checkering is crammed with inventory end. (Backside) The faces of the three centerfire rifle bolts inform loads about their historical past due to the gas-cutting brought on by primer leakage. The gas-cut ring on the bolt face at left exhibits intensive firing. The bolt face at heart has solely slight fuel reducing, indicating average use. The unetched bolt face at proper tells the customer that the rifle has had little or no use.