Need advice on first bolt gun.

[GIJake]

Just picked it up today. The owner of the store who did the FFL could not believe I got it for $375. There are a few scuffs on the stock, but the finish looks good inside and out. The seller even threw in a Plano hardcase for free. I'll post pics tomorrow.

[Guest 10mm4me]

Things to look for in a used bolt gun:

1. Check the action, cycle it, and then dry fire it, cycle it again and make sure it re-cocks the rifle

2. Check the muzzle of the barrel and ensure it has a proper crown, no nicks or dings.

3. Check the action and stock screw for "boogering" on the head slot. This is a good indication if the rifle was tinkered with or well taken care off

4. Check for a crisp, positive safety and ensure it works.

5. Check for cracks in the stock (wood or synthetic)

If it passes all these inspections, it is probably ok to buy it. I would however disassemble it once home and fully inspect it for rust, wear, and "tinkering"

[GIJake]

A few photos. Looks pristine.

[gregintenn]

If it shoots good and you like it, you got a real bargain.

[GIJake]

Update: This baby shoots like a dream! Nice, tight groups; reasonable recoil (with muzzle brake); and everything fits together nice and tight. Got lots of compliments at the range too. Thanks for everyone's input and advice.

[gregintenn]

Sounds like you picked a winner.

[whiskey]

Congrats on the deal. I would recommend upgrading your scope when you can afford it. The Bushnell may last forever, but it may fail you tomorrow. I ain't a scope snob, I killed a deer with a Bushnell 3200 Elite today, but it rides on a .243, not a .300 WinMag. I have owned a .300 WinMag and had a Bushnell fail me. Get some glass that will allow you to see clearly at 300 yards and stretch that baby out.

[GIJake]

I would recommend upgrading your scope when you can afford it. The Bushnell may last forever, but it may fail you tomorrow.

I hear ya. The Bush is a loaner from my brother. I wanted to put some rounds downrange ASAP, but I'm waiting for Obama to give me some of my tax money back to get some quality optics. The Bush may take a few rounds with the muzzle brake, but all bets are off with the CR ( conventional recoil) muzzle,

[Howler]

I own one of the White Gold Medallion .300wim mag's. The BOSS is loud! I only put about 50 rounds down the pipe before putting it in the safe. I like the rifle but never take it out. You gotta heck of a buy.

[Deerbnb]

I have a Browning Stainless Stalker A-Bolt in .270, and I simply love it. It has been my pleasure to carry to the woods for about 18 years now. Never a problem with it at all. I have it topped with a Leopold 4 x 12 gold ring and its a straight shooter with low maintenence. I think I gave about $600 for it new back then. And the scope was about $400. I justified that with the thought that it would be my "last" deer rifle and by golly it might just be.