GETTING YOUR USED RIFLES READY FOR HUNTING SEASON: A CHECKLIST

Both new and used rifles should be checked out thoroughly before each hunting season along with all your other gear.  Here are some tips to help you out.

·      Check the action to ensure it’s in good shape and working correctly.  Cycle several shells to confirm that feeding and extraction are both functioning as they should.  Give the actions of older rifles a thorough inspection for cracks or other problems.

·      Foul your barrel for maximum accuracy.  Though it may seem to defy common sense, a barrel that’s slightly dirty makes for more precise shooting than one which is spotless.  Tiny specks of copper from spent rounds fill in the microscopic flaws in every barrel’s rifling, keeping the shots truer to target, so clean your barrel after each hunt, but fire a round or two at the beginning of the next one before starting afield.

·      Check the stocks and all hardware.  Swivel studs in particular can fail at the worst possible moment.  Cracks in the stock are often early warning signs of more serious problems. 

·      Make sure your scope is zeroed.  For those new to the shooting sports, we’ve posted tips on this blog for how to correctly zero in a scope.

·      Go through your other gear and make sure it’s in good shape.  Check coolers, clothing, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, cooking stoves, sleeping bags, etc.  It’s especially important to carry a first aid kit with you into the field.  Make sure it’s well stocked.

·      Almost as important as your firearm is your trusty knife.  Give it a good edge and check it over closely.  If you use a sheath, give it a close look-see as well.  Folding knives should be opened and closed several times to make sure they do so smoothly.  Oil blades and joints as necessary.

Check out our great selection of top-quality pre-owned firearms.  Each firearm has been rigorously inspected by our gunsmiths and is backed by our lifetime guarantee.  You may just find the used rifles of your dreams here on our site.