Used Rifles
For those interested in learning how to hunt or shoot, purchasing used rifles is a good way to start into the hobby without having to invest quite as much money. Rifles can be very expensive, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for just the gun. Once you include items such as the storage case for your home, a travel case, scope, and ammunition, breaking into the field can be hard on the average income.
This is what makes purchasing used rifles so appealing. As professional hunters and marksmen upgrade their rifles, they sell their old ones to help cover the costs of the new. This gives individuals an opportunity to own high quality rifles at a fraction of the original cost.
If you're intending on purchasing used rifles, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. First, you should make certain you research each of the rifles that you are interested. Unlike buying new, you need to have some background knowledge of the weapons before purchase. You need to make certain that the gun you purchase has the right amount of firepower for your needs. For example, you would not want to purchase used rifles made for moose hunting if you intend on squirrel hunting. While you can kill a squirrel with a moose rifle, these guns would leave little of the fur or meat, rendering your efforts useless. A rifle designed for killing squirrels would only injure a moose rather than kill it. For beginners, this can be one of the most difficult aspects of selecting used rifles.
Once you are certain that the used rifles you are considering meet your needs, you need to ensure the condition of the gun is good enough for you. Rifles in poor condition may require expensive repairs in order to be fired safely. The stock and barrel should both be checked for cracks, and the triggering mechanism should fire smoothly. All moving parts should be well maintained.
If it is your first time purchasing used rifles, you will want to check the gun laws in your area to ensure that the type of rifle that you want to purchase can be owned where you live and hunt. In many cases, you will be required to take a gun safety course and have a certificate stating that you have been trained on the safe care and handling of guns before you can purchase and own a firearm.