New Vs Second Hand rifles

jimbobmalones

Hi all


Probably discussed before - but I am in the market in the new year for a .223 for foxing and perhaps some target shooting.


I'm been doing a lot of window shopping and I've narrowed it down to



Howa (new)

CZ (new or second hand)

Tikka (second hand)


My choices are a combination of what I want and my limited budget.

In the current market I could get a new howa with mounts and suppressor for the same price as a new CZ and I could add in a scope for the price of a new Tikka.


the other option is to look for a second hand package in a dealers or wait for one to come up here as they do from time to time.


I've shot both CZ (owned one and like it previously) and Tikka (friends)
but have never shot the Howa


The only thing I can see against the howa is the stock (Hogue) and replacing it with something decent would nearly cost as much as the rifle itself given the prices here in Ireland.


Any thoughts?

cookimonster

All three rifles as they stand new or used (not abused) are good and fit for purpose.

What I would say is do not judge a rifle, good or bad based on experience with the same brand in another model.

For example I have a Brno .22 and love its function and fit but I am not overly keen on some of the other CZ models particularly in centre fire. The centre fire rifles are excellent but some of the functions, ie safety catch etc and stock design are not to my liking.
Little niggly things can make you uncomfortable with the rifle and play on you over time.

Like so many other things you are better off actualy getting hands on and you'll know quick enough if there's that something special you like about it.

As for secound hand, I ve bought only two firearms new the rest are all secound hand, ranging from 60 years old to the middle '90s and all still going strong and accurate.

If you do buy old, just be aware of reliable supply of spare parts. I skipped over a mauser .22LR 35 years ago due to this, I still regret that decision all these years later. Now I own three older obsolete firearms all bought because the fit my purpose and felt good to me.

garv123

I have a Browning Xbolt in .243 and love it, there's an A-bolt .223 on the lakelands website for €750. I had a tikka .223 for a while. The stocks feel really cheap compared to the xbolt or timber.