NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/rec/guns/16344

Internet Message Format | 1992-11-19 | 1.5 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!haven.umd.edu!mimsy!sunsrvr1.cci.com
From: [e-mail] (Steve Owens)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: A Gun Collecting Question
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 19 Nov 92 21:05:49 GMT
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    Got a question for you collector-types out there: Are there any
books out there that will teach me how to judge the condition of a used
rifle before I purchase it?

    Here's the situation:  Recently, I've taken an interest in
collecting old rifles.  Currently, I have an SKS, a couple of SMLE's,
and a Mosin-Nagant.  Right now I'm relying on the advice of a dealer at
the gun shop I frequent.  He, too, apparently collects a bit, and so far
has not steared me wrong, but I'm one of those people that doesn't like
to rely on someone else all the time, so I'd like to be able to better
judge the condition for myself.

    I think I do a fairly good job of checking the rifle in general
(checking the stock for nicks and digs, checking for rust, wear, etc, on
the exterior metal parts,...).  I check the action, receiver, and magazine
for rust, pits, and gouges, but so far I've deferred all other checks
to my dealer friend (I'm still willing to allow the shop to check the
headspacing, as they have the tools available to do it.)  What other
visual/tactile things should I look for? What should I look for in
inspecting the bore to determine if it's good or not?  Is there a book
that covers this sort of thing?

    Any help is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.


                        Steve