From: EY15@LIVERPOOL.AC.UK (EY15)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: .22 Target Rifle Info Request
Date: 17 Dec 92 18:58:36 GMT
Organization: University of Liverpool

In article <168BAC697.HODGSONT@QUCDN.QueensU.CA>, HODGSONT@QUCDN.QueensU.CA
(Jake Hodgson) says:
#
#Me again, with yet another question about what rifle to buy.
#
# I'd like to hear some recomendation on various 3 position rifles in the
#'target rifle'  I'm not that familiar with DCRA rules, so for
#the sake of argument let's stick with UIT rules as far as target/free
#rifle distinctions.  I do recall that DCRA limits weight to 12lbs or so.
#
# The other key point is that I'm doing this on a budget.  ie. don't
#tell me about AnshutzShutzenriflenthingens that I can get for a mere
#2000$.  I'd like to stay under 500$CDN.  Preferably a lot under, but that's
#abit unrealistic.


#From my experience friends who have bought a cheap gun generally regret
it, so as a general rule get the most expensive gun you can afford, even
if you can't afford it :-).

More seriously, four things to look at when buying a second hand 0.22
rifle are barrel, bedding, sights and trigger.

Barrel.  It takes an awful lot of shots to ware out a 0.22 barrel, with
the main problem being erosion just in front of the cartridge mouth.
This is because very hot gasses cause thermal stressing of the steal
and nitrogen atoms can enter the crystal structure causing
embrittlement.  Look down the barrel from the breach end.  If it is nice
and shinny (clean it first!) all is well, but a shot out barrel will
have a gray ring.  Also have a look to see if bad cleaning has scratched
the barrel.  Compared to the effects of the hot gasses very little ware
due to the bullets should have occurred.

Bedding.  Make sure the bedding screws are tight and try to pass a piece
of paper between the stock and the barrel.  If something has gone wrong
with the bedding it may well touch the stock, with disastrous results
on accuracy.  Does the action fell as though it is held securely?  Hold
the gun at its balance point and bang the cheek piece with your other
hand.  Loose bedding will give a dull, rattling sort of sound, good
bedding will sound more resonant.  By the way, remove any bipod that is
fitted as the legs are generally loose and will also sound a bit
rattely.

Sights.  Give these a good visual inspection.  If they are very dirty or
corroded, or look like the gun has been dropped on them then they might
be damaged.  How freely do they turn?  If they are very stiff the
friction must be acting somewhere, and if the threads are very tight
there may be significant ware.  The best way is to hold them GENTLY in a
vice with a dial gauge indicator on them.  This will show if there is
significant backlash.

Trigger.  Does it feel sharp and crisp, or is there drag?  This may not
indicate a fault, as dirt or oil (possibly from careless cleaning) will
make a good trigger seam useless.  Many people love to get a screw
driver out and start twiddling at the adjustment screws.  They rarely
improve on Mr Anschutz's efforts, but with the diagram of which screw
does what it isn't hard to put it right again. (Use it as an excuse to
get the price down!)


Hope this is of some use,
                          Marcus Shaw.

P.S. Buy in haste, repent at leisure!