Written by HLRBO - Alex Carter| 1/6/2023
Was your New Year’s resolution to get out more and enjoy the Great Outdoors? But you’re also trying to be more frugal in 2023? A used hunting rifle may be just what you’re looking for to kill two birds with one stone — no pun intended!
How to Buy a Used Hunting Rifle
Follow these expert tips for buying a used hunting rifle:
Buy it in the Summer
Unfortunately, if you want to get the best deal on a hunting rifle, you should wait a few months — which will also give you longer to find the best deal. As hunting slows down during the summer months, gun sales fall. This means that stores are more eager to make sales and will be more willing to offer you a great deal than during peak hunting seasons.
Never Pay Full Price
One of the biggest benefits of buying used hunting rifles is the cost. So don’t get swindled by a slick-talking salesman at a pawn shop or gun store. Go into the purchase having researched sticker prices for hunting rifles to make sure you don’t pay above that for a used one. Expect to save a couple hundred dollars off the sticker price when buying used. Don’t forget, there’s nothing wrong with a little negotiating, don’t be afraid to shoot your shot.
Ask About “Throw-Ins”
Some gun shops don’t mind throwing in a few targets or some ammo as a way to say “thank you” for doing business with them. But a lot of times, they won’t offer these freebies unless you ask. They will be more likely to give you some throw-ins during the slow summer season or when they’ve already refused to drop the price.
Know the Return Policy
Depending on where you purchase your used hunting rifle, the return policy can be tricky. So make sure you know the policy in detail before you officially buy the gun, or you may be stuck with a gun you don’t want if something goes wrong.
Benefits of Buying Used
There are a number of benefits associated with buying used guns, including:
Cost-Savings
The most glaring benefit of buying used guns is in your pocketbook. You can expect to save about 20% on used guns compared to new ones. This keeps more jingle in your pocket to spend on ammunition, accessories, and maybe even your hunting lease.
Avoid the “Break-In” Period
Some guns malfunction through their first few magazines before being “broken in” and starting to shoot flawlessly. When you buy a used hunting rifle, you avoid the break-in period and can shoot precisely from day one.
Find a Specific Gun
Buying used also lets you access a wider range of guns — which is a benefit on its own — whether you’re looking for a vintage rifle or a specific type that you can’t find in stores, or maybe you’ve been eyeing a specific rifle but don’t want to dole out tons of cash for it. When you buy it used, you’ll save some money and can stretch your budget a bit further.
HLRBO Can Help
You’ve got the gun. Now you need a place to hunt. HLRBO can help. Browse thousands of listings on HLRBO across the United States. Search by state, county, city, hunting type, public or private hunting land, and even acreage. Check out the HLRBO lease finder today.