Is buying a used rifle a smart idea.?

Question

I am planing on buying a used tikka T3 lite 7mm rifle for a little more than 500 dollars. Is this a good idea price wise and quality wise. I know you can not see the rifle so just base this off of a normal used rifle. I would also be spending 300 (give or take a little) dollars on a scope. What scope would be good and worth the money. I would be killing paper among other things like deer and if i get out of state maby some larger game animals. Thanks for your 2 cents.

Yea thanks for the info. I dont know what that one person was talking about the gun being used in a crime when the gun is beign sold at a gander mtn and i dont think anyone would walk up to some random person selling a gun and buy it. All of the other info was great i looked around and found some cheeper NEW prices. I think the gander matches prices but i dont know. There is a person that works there and i herd a rumor that he was buying used guns (for the store) and giving his friends more money for the used gun, than fora brand new gun. I will check into that.

Answer 1

I myself many used firearms and there is nothing wrong with that at all, thou if I were too spend around $500/$800 there are much better choices out there.

No matter what a person tells you about a gun show, you'll find the best deals there. Your local gun shops will bad mouth them because they can not compete with those low prices.
If you find a scope at a show or shop you should also check eBay.

Answer 2

Your question is rather open ended, but I'll try to answer you with what you've told me to the best of my ability. Before I start I should tell you I am an Assistant Alaskan Hunting Guide (living in Alaska) and a NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. I hunt all the time.

The Tikka brand of rifles is made by Sako of Finland. They make good quality rifles. I am assuming that the rifle you speak of is stainless steel, with a synthetic stock. This eliminates any rust that might be under the rifle barrel and action (although stainless too can rust if not taken care of, but it's much better than regular blued steel). Look carefully at the inside of the barrel looking down toward the action. Take the bolt out of the rifle and bend a small piece of white paper to catch and funnel the light so you can see the inside of the barrel better. Turn the paper towards a light source and look at the rifling inside the barrel. Is there any build up of copper, or do you see any rust? This is the most important part to look at besides the outside of the rifle. Also look at the inside of the action. Take the bolt out examine the rails that the bold slides on for ware and marks. You also want to check the throat of the action and make sure there isn't any excessive wear too. Most likely the rifle will be fine, but it's a good habit to always check these areas.

Now for scopes. My ideas on scopes are much different than others. When I use a rifle it has to work. My life and my client’s life depend on my rifle to work. I try to use the most reliable gear I can buy. Most deer hunters use scopes with too much magnification. This not only adds weight, but it always ends up being left at the highest magnification when the perfect shot presents itself. On my rifles (like the late Jack O’Connor who shot many many sheep with 4X scope) I use a fixed 4X scope. I have shot everything from caribou to brown bear with only one scope. The fixed scope is less money than a variable, it's stronger (it has less moving parts) and it won't be left on a high magnification when the perfect shot is in front of you. If you want brand I'd say Leupold.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Answer 3

You're paying new price for a used gun.
Check the link below to see new prices at Guns America
http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?SearchText=tikka+t3+lite&x=11&y=7

Here's Blue Book pricing:
T3 Hunter Lite
- similar to T3, except has TrueBody glass fiber reinforced polymer black stock, adj. buttplate, approx. 6 1/4 lbs. Importation began 2004.
Grading ..........100% ...98% ...95% ...90% ...80% ...70% ...60%
MSR. $595 ......$495 ....$450 ..$400 ..$350 ..$295 ...$275 ...$250
Once a gun is fired it is no longer 100%, it would only be 98% at BEST. Most used guns fall between 90% in very good shape to 98% without a mark or ANY wear whatsoever. I'd buy used accordingly, especially since you could pick up a brand new unfired gun for the same price you're looking to spend on a used one.

WARNING ON TIKKA GUNS!
About 3,000 rifles sold under the Tikka name have been recalled following catastrophic failures, but a small number of guns sold in the American market remain in the hands of consumers who have apparently not heard about the recall. A weakness in the stainless steel used to manufacture rifles during 2003-2004 has lead to ruptured barrels. Consumers are urged to contact the Tikka Recall Center at 800-503-8869 with your rifle's serial number to find out if your firearm is affected.

Answer 4

I buy ,sell, and trade guns one thing for sure you can shoot the gun and you are satisfied with its performance. before you exchange money. Money wise this is probably a great buy they usually sell for twice that much based on premium grade . Scope wise to me the scope makes the gun so the more money you put in your scope the better the gun.
Ten commandments for gun trading.
1. Be certain the manufacturer is still in business.
2. Get a currently popular model.
3. Do not purchase a gun for an obsolete or rare cartridge unless it is a collection piece.
4. Do not buy a gun which requires repairs.
5. Do not purchase a gun sight unseen.
6. Do not buy a gun that shows excessive ware or play in the action.
7. Do not buy a gun that is rough, rusted, or pitted inside.
8. Do not buy a gun if outside shows signs of abuse, internal parts may be worse.
9. Do not become a victim of sales talk. Study your proposed purchase and make your decision on the bases of your own examination and needs.
10. Do not buy the gun if the seller will not permit you to try it before you decide. There may be a reason for his refusal.

Answer 5

NO way too high, you can buy a new one never shot for price listed
Look at gun broker. com
New in box $509.95
You can see it link attached.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=64324166

Scope
On scope you get what you pay for.
For plinking with a 22 rifle cheap scopes work.
On a hunting rifle that has to deal with vibration and riding in a vehicle down not so great roads, and gun cases no matter how padded don’t stop all the abuse.
Go for quality Leupold or Nikon.
You don’t wont to stop hunting and run to get a new scope and have to sight it in again, because the ride killed the cheap scope.

Good call G40

Answer 6

In our local gun shop we can order a new one for that money. Scopes: Simmons Aetec Master Series 2.8-10X44 or Nikon Buckmasters 4-12X50.

Answer 7

Ditto on the price and etc.

7mm might be a little light depending on what you mean by larger game animals (such as grizzly bear)

Answer 8

it can be but take it to and gun smith to get it checked out

Answer 9

No.
The person cpuld have used it to commit a crime and then you may be held for questioning and perhaps even charged.