Used rifles

[mad_angler]

It seems that most of you have a half dozen elk rifles.... I only have one: an old Ruger M77 in 30.06 with a 3x9 scope. It kills deer real dead.

I know that it is a fine elk rifle and will certainly get things done out to 300 yards. The weak link is this setup is me. It is not the rifle.

But... I'm thinking of another rifle. I want to be more comfortable between 300 and 400 yards. I thinking of something like a 7mm mag or 7mm PRC or 300 win mag with a nice scope (with adjustments) and a muzzle brake and/or suppressor.

I already have enough hobbies. I'm not really interested in buying all the components and assembling a new mountain rifle. What the issues with buying a used rifle? Where is the best place to buy one? What pitfalls should I avoid? ???

 

[rabbithuntr]

The weak link getting you out to 4-500 possibly your ammo and likely your scope, get something that can dial repeatedly, swfa scopes work great and are a good value. If you don’t hand load something like Hornady Precision Hunter ammo should work well. Also consider threading your rifle and adding a suppressor.

 

[mad_angler]

The weak link getting you out to 4-500 possibly your ammo and likely your scope, get something that can dial repeatedly, swfa scopes work great and are a good value. If you don’t hand load something like Hornady Precision Hunter ammo should work well. Also consider threading your rifle and adding a suppressor.

I really don't want to mess with my rifle. It has served me well and deserves to be left alone... And I have an itch for a new rifle/caliber.

 

[Eleven]

If the weak link in the system is you then get a 223 trainer and shoot A LOT. That ‘06 has more than enough to get the job done past 400.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Put a scope that dials on that rifle and you've answered your question. You won't have to mess with it other than dialing for whatever range you choose to engage an animal. There's a lot to be said for a rifle you have many kills with and the confidence it brings.

An '06 has much more capability than folks give it credit for. For example, a 180 gr generic bullet with a BC of .400 at 2700 fps is carrying more than 2000 fps at 400 yds using an 8,000 FT elevation and 40° temp. A lead core bullet will expand and take care of business easily.

Make that a handloaded Barnes 130 TTSX under the same conditions, at 3300 FPS it's carrying just under 2300 fps to the 500 yd line.

 

[keystone112]

30-06 should be good to 450. Maybe a tad more.

Just my opinion.

 

[35WhelenAI]

30-06 should be good to 450. Maybe a tad more.

Just my opinion.

That's not an opinion, don't be so humble. It's a fact.

 

[Wrench]

I'd be completely comfortable with a cup and core bullet doing it's job well on an elk to well into the 4 digits.

Buy lots of bullets and shoot them.

This coming from a guy who has gone from uber mags to 2800fps bullets and never worried....and I kill a lot of elk.

 

[MuleyFever]

The factory eldx is still going about 2000fps at 500 yards just going off the box. Its easily a 600 yard bullet.

 

[TaperPin]

. What the issues with buying a used rifle? Where is the best place to buy one? What pitfalls should I avoid? ???

Not every rifle on the used gun rack is bad, but every bad rifle is on the rack. I love buying used rifles, but keep expectations low unless there are signs it’s never been tested for accuracy.

Buying anything used, even in new condition, it’s good to know if it is being sold because of bad accuracy, other problems, or if the person is simply thinning the herd or needs money. I really like large groups of rifles that show up all at once since that is a good sign they came from an estate sale. Even two nearly identical rifles in different calibers is a sign they came from an estate. Another good sign are rifles that have never had a scope mounted, and action screws look brand new. Many guys like to collect rifles just to have and never mount a scope or even shoot them much. When times get tough they get sold.

Luckily, many 7 mags and 300 mags are being sold simply because it’s human nature to get rid of those first as someone gets older, stops hunting elk, or recoil makes them not as much fun to shoot. Still, every bad shooting 7 mag or 300 mag I’ve owned ended up on a used gun rack.

Guns to stay away from are newish and have signs of bedding being messed with. Like most guys here with guns that have accuracy issues, having it bedded and free floated is often the first thing someone tries. Same for any sign the muzzle crown has been tweaked or “improved”. A 7 mag or 300 can get the beginning of a burned out barrel in as little as 700 rounds. If the bolt looks well used it’s a warning to closely look at the rifling, preferably with a bore scope.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees so unless the guy you’re buying it from lets you shoot it or is believable and has targets, you have to assume there is at least a 50/50 chance it won’t shoot well. Many guys today have no problem lying about anything for sale.

 

[D_wit22]

Used prices have jumped where I would start to consider new. Pre-covid you could get some great deals. Anymore guys want just a few less bills than new.

Check out the Seekins line. Amazing factory guns. I have a 7PRC and it’s lights out. Incredible accuracy with factory rounds

 

[butcherboy]

Keep the rifle and change the scope. Since you said you have the itch for a new rifle though I would go with a 7prc. I shoot stuff with my 270wsm at 500 yds just fine and I don’t have a scope that I can dial. It does have a reticle with multiple aiming points for different distances but no dialing.

 

[Bugger]

I understand the sentiment of not wanting to mess with a rifle that has some history.
You may be pretty shocked to see how much performance you can get out of a smaller cartridge than the 7mm’s you mentioned at the distances you’re interested in shooting. Lots of threads on here showing wound results for each caliber.

 

[Jdeck09]

Seekins, Bergara, and Tikka would all be good choices for used rifles. Top it with a Mark4 and call it a day.

 

[juju]

You'll find that used rifles in apparent good condition were not sold because of defects. A bore fouled in layers and loose scope mounts are what I see.

 

[Thinkingman]

I would forget about a brake right quick.
No point in making it louder.
Suppressors are pretty sweet....

 

[Bearded Bowhunter]

A lot of good options in the classifieds on here right now for a new elk rifle.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

The weak link is this setup is me. It is not the rifle.

But... I'm thinking of another rifle. I want to be more comfortable between 300 and 400 yards. I thinking of something like a 7mm mag or 7mm PRC or 300 win mag with a nice scope (with adjustments) and a muzzle brake and/or suppressor.

Well which itch do you want to scratch here? New big cartridge or working on your shooting fundamentals? While they can overlap they don't overlap well. If you want to work on you then a cartridge you can shoot 50+ rounds from easily without fatigue in a session with a durable/repeatable scope will develop you better as a shooter and bring in the confidence of knowing your abilities (and know when something is up with rifle not performing). A 223 is easy to shoot / practice with and cheap to feed, up to you if you want to hunt with it where legal or grab the old 06'. If you want larger 243/6cm are also easy shooters, little more costly to shoot but still less than alot of other cartridges, legal in all(?) states for game or again grab the old 06' for hunting and just practice with the more economical and easier shooting cartridge.

 

[Pony Soldier]

I hate to even touch this one. I don't get excited about the caliber. I focus on the fit then focus on the scope. I have a 7 in a cheap Husky. When all the new 7Rm were pounding the hell out of everyone, I could shoot my old cheap rifle all day long without a problem. Hardly any noticable recoil.

I found problems in used rifles where previous owners tried to adjust things with a file.

 

[mikeafeagin22]

He just wants a new rifle… no scope or bullet change is going to scratch that itch! It’s gotten to the point that it’s pretty hard to find a deal on a used rifle that’s not darn near the price of a new one. I’d feel a lot more comfortable buying one in the classifieds on here where you can talk to someone about it that has some feedback and is well known on the forum over finding a used one at your local pawn shop. Like @TaperPin said, not every used rifle is bad but every bad rifle is on the used rack