What to look out for when buying a rifle!

[rid the gent]

So I’m still in my probationary period in the shooting clubs I’m in, but when the day finally comes that I receive my FAC and I can go and spend my hard earned on a rifle/rifles.

What should I be looking for wear and tear wise?
Barrel,action,stock??

Go easy I’m new!!

Regards Paul

[ovenpaa]

Buy from a reputable source and take someone who knows about such things is the easy answer. After that, there are so many variables, age, type, cartridge and so on. If it looks OK then it is a good start, if you can test fire it even better.

[Mattnall]

As the 'man above' says best to go to a reputable source, many of your fellow club members may be able to help there, I'm sure.
If varies with different rifles, but don't believe claims of round count (or barrel use) - take a look down the barrel.
If possible try before you buy, easier if it's from a club member but may be possible otherwise.

[Pippin89]

A good starting point is general condition. Does it looks like the owner looked after it or used and abused it? Much like a car, if you turn up and the car is filthy and covered in dents it gives the impression that they haven't looked after the car.
Another good sign (especially for a target rifle) is to ask how many rounds have been through it. If they don't know then it has probably been through multiple owners who just plinked away without a care in the world. If the owner cared about the condition and accuracy of the rifle they should be able to tell you how many rounds its fired. Its an indication that they are tracking the condition of the rifle themself.

[channel12]

Try not to take the wife with you when gun shopping (like I once did ). You might end up buying something cheaper rather the gun you really want and it's hard to lie about how much the gun actually cost.

Before the faux outrage I bet you don't know the real price of her shoes, handbags etc.

[CraigH]

Ideal curiosity....I wonder what happens with probationary periods at a club, generally they seem to be a fixed 6 months, the amount of times you actually turn up to shoot doesn't seem to be taken into account (or at least it didn't appear to be for my probation period) - I wonder if the six months will still stand or if it will be lengthened due to 'Lockdown'

[rid the gent]

Ideal curiosity....I wonder what happens with probationary periods at a club, generally they seem to be a fixed 6 months, the amount of times you actually turn up to shoot doesn't seem to be taken into account (or at least it didn't appear to be for my probation period) - I wonder if the six months will still stand or if it will be lengthened due to 'Lockdown'

I’ve not heard anything from the club so hoping it’s just 6 month!!
Let’s try not to bring attention to it!

[CraigH]

Ideal curiosity....I wonder what happens with probationary periods at a club, generally they seem to be a fixed 6 months, the amount of times you actually turn up to shoot doesn't seem to be taken into account (or at least it didn't appear to be for my probation period) - I wonder if the six months will still stand or if it will be lengthened due to 'Lockdown'

I’ve not heard anything from the club so hoping it’s just 6 month!!
Let’s try not to bring attention to it!

[rid the gent]

Suppose it’s like buying anything else, if it looks like it’s been looked after then it probably has.
I live up Newcastle way but work in derby and there seems to be a few RFDs around the area I could go and have a good look at (when open) , which will keep me out of the beer isle In local shop!!

[poll007]

Ideal curiosity....I wonder what happens with probationary periods at a club, generally they seem to be a fixed 6 months, the amount of times you actually turn up to shoot doesn't seem to be taken into account (or at least it didn't appear to be for my probation period) - I wonder if the six months will still stand or if it will be lengthened due to 'Lockdown'

I’ve not heard anything from the club so hoping it’s just 6 month!!
Let’s try not to bring attention to it!

,
It is really dependent on the individual club, one of my local clubs used to be 12 visits within a reasonable time frame (usually 6 months-but some flexibility was added given the amount of students we were bringing). Now its 12 shoots in 3 months which is a bit more difficult with student timetables.

other clubs do it purely on time (usually 6 months like yours seems to be) but at the end of the day its down to the chairman/committee to decide.

All you can do is ask really to be sure.

That being said once you have an FAC most clubs seem to do a reduced probabtionary period or none at all on the basis you already have the FAC.