For various reasons, over two-thirds of newly minted hunters opt for a used repeater rifle as their first weapon. Repeater rifles, also known simply as repeaters, are widely available and therefore inexpensive and easy to obtain. They are suitable for most types of hunting, primarily for sitting and driven hunts, which often represent the preferred hunting opportunities for the young hunter. However, it is observed that nearly half of those who acquire a used repeater as their first weapon sell it again within the first two years and choose a different model.
To make the first choice a bit easier, we have compiled some important factors to consider when choosing the rifle:
Check personally and thoroughly
Most importantly, you should personally inspect and test the weapon. Often, used repeaters are offered on eGun that seem very tempting due to their low price. Usually, you are not lucky enough to have the seller living nearby, or the weapon is not available for inspection in your area. Therefore, before bidding in an auction or making an immediate purchase, you should contact the seller and clarify that you would like the weapon to be sent to you for inspection first, allowing you the opportunity to examine it thoroughly and possibly test it at the shooting range. It is important to agree on a loan so that this testing period can be granted without having to directly report the acquisition and transfer of the weapon to the authorities as such. Reputable gun dealers often send weapons purchased online for inspection for up to ten days.
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Condition of the weapon
The condition of the weapon is the most important feature and should be at the top of the checklist. For example, is the stock in good condition? Much more important than small dings or scratches, which are inevitably caused by hunting use and can actually give the hunting repeater a certain charm, is the impeccable condition of the material exposed to stress. It is essential to ensure that there are no cracks in the stock. You should look very closely and also check the stock for the smallest hairline cracks. Especially with wooden stocks, such cracks can be difficult to detect due to the grain.
In addition to the stock, the metal parts should be carefully examined for dents, rust, and other irregularities. With black blued barrels, this bluing layer can often be slightly worn, allowing the metal to shine through silver. Here, inexpensive tools can quickly re-blue the surface, so such defects may be negligible.
However, it is much more important to check the smoothness of the bolt on a used repeater. A bolt must operate smoothly, and the movement should come naturally to the shooter.
If the weapon has a scope and it is to be used, you should be able to see clearly through it; it must not be dirty or fogged. The coating of the lenses should not be damaged, and signs of use and wear should be kept to a minimum.
Does the weapon fit the shooter?
First, it must be ensured that the stock fits the shooter's body measurements ideally. The best approach is to get professional advice from a gunsmith or specialist dealer and remember the measurements. In addition to the stock measurements, the scope should fit in terms of eye relief and height above the barrel. Furthermore, it is also important to check whether you can handle the safety well, and whether you can easily and quietly disengage the safety just before firing.
A set trigger system, as is often still found in old rifles, can also be complicated to operate and may unsettle young, inexperienced shooters. Handling this must be learned gradually at the shooting range.
If the used weapon already has a scope, it must be particularly examined because the precision of the shot largely depends on the quality of the optics.
For most hunters, the question of caliber is also a matter that can be discussed for hours. With used repeater rifles, it is usually not possible to choose the caliber freely - if you find an offer where all other characteristics fit, you may have to live with the specified caliber. Therefore, more modern repeater models, where a caliber change can be done quickly and easily, are also always interesting. Here you can find out about the most important calibers and their essential characteristics.
The search on Gunfinder allows you to search most online shops and markets for the weapon that best meets your expectations.
