Where to buy new rifle?

Kilgore · 04-16-2003, 12:58 PM

I just read the thread on "when" to buy a new rifle posted by Jeremy, and I would like to know where are good places to buy, other than often mentioned BiMart. There is virtually no mention of GI Joe's, Fishrman's, Big 5, etc., but I know they sell rifles...what's the story there?

I visited the local BiMart, but they're out of stock on so many calibers and models. Is there one with a larger stock than the most? I have Ruger M77 .30-06 model in mind but am open to suggestions on different brands/models. Thanks in advance.

[ 04-16-2003, 02:00 PM: Message edited by: Kilgore ]

Degner · 04-16-2003, 01:33 PM

I've seen by far the best prices at gun shows.
You can also buy from local dealers and shops at the gun shows.
Bi-mart and GI Joes can offer some good deals from time to time. At times I have seen frank steals, more so at gijoes on rifles they are trying to move. If you are patient, you can get a good buy at these places.

That said, check out the prices at the next big gun show.

Hauki · 04-16-2003, 01:47 PM

You can call the local Bimarts and see if they have the model\caliber you want. Save you time driving around.

I bought a clearance Winchester in the caliber I wanted from Bimart this way.

chummer · 04-16-2003, 03:33 PM

keith's firearms in gresham sells new and used guns, so does the armory in milwaukie, the armory has good sale on browning, Bi-Mart has good sales on Ruger. If you can hold out till christmas time G.I. Joes has a special store wide sale, 20% off, an unbeatable deal on new guns!!

Grantspastor · 04-16-2003, 08:29 PM

I personally like the Ruger M77 a lot. I currently shoot one in .270...most accurate out-of-the box rifle I've ever owned. I also had one in .338 that I foolishly sold when I left Alaska

blacktail · 04-16-2003, 08:37 PM

I feel the Rugers are probably the best rifle for the money overall.

However, sometimes they can be finicky in the accuracy department.

Their triggers are their worst attribute. Having a Timney trigger installed by a competent gunsmith for around $100.00 is a good investment.

Mike

Dr Strangelove · 04-16-2003, 08:42 PM

gunsamerica.com, auctionarms.com, and gunbroker.com

great sites, very pleased with my sales and purchase.

good luck.

doc

[ 04-16-2003, 09:43 PM: Message edited by: Dr Strangelove ]

Curlew · 04-16-2003, 11:10 PM

Jakes Place in Selah WA. Best selection I've seen anywhere. Prices are pretty good as well.

Mike

chummer · 04-17-2003, 09:42 AM

Ruger will perform a trigger adjustment for no cost. They will lighten tension from the factory set 7 lb. down to 3 or 4 lb.

Kilgore · 04-17-2003, 02:03 PM

Thanks all.

Dr Strangelove, those are very good sites to get an idea of gun market price and alos be able to see some pictures.

blacktail, what do you mean by "their triggers are their worst attribute"? Not smooth enough or too high tension?

Has anyone deal with BNJ Discount Firearms? I think they're located in Roseburg, OR and seems to have some of the lowest prices.

Killertraylor · 04-17-2003, 02:18 PM

I've had several Ruger Mark II's and currently have a 7mm and .300 Win. Both are extremely accurate even with factory ammo and shoot one ragged hole groups with reloads. I haven't had any problems with trigger pull either.

I see them on sale occasionally at Fishermans for $399 and think you can still get one for around $420 at Walmart, BiMart or Fishermans. I paid $385 for both of mine over 10 years ago so they haven't gone up much in price. Last time I checked Fishermans had nearly every caliber in stock in both blued and synthetic.

Firedog · 04-17-2003, 04:15 PM

Another great option is to research what you want and find someone who has a brokers license and have them get it for you. Most of the time they do it for about $25 over dealer cost. Can get some great deals that way. Here is a link for FFL in my zip code. Gun Broker FFL List for 97213 Scroll down to DOn Bancroft he is a retired Firefighter and a great guy to deal with.

blacktail · 04-17-2003, 05:43 PM

chummer,

Are you sure about Ruger adjusting triggers?

That sounds strange as most major rifle manufacturers intentionally set the triggers at a higher poundage to avoid any chance of a lawsuit due to accidental discharge.

If they were willingly re-adjusting them down to a lower pull they would be defeating this purpose as well as definitely costing themselves additional $ doing it for free.

I'm not saying it's imposssible, just surprising.

Mike

blacktail · 04-17-2003, 05:46 PM

Kilgore,

Most Rugers (not all) have a very stiff and heavy trigger pull. They are also not the easiest to adjust on your own like a Model 70, etc...

Many people don't realize how much difference a good trigger can do for your accuracy.

Mike

brshooter · 04-19-2003, 06:06 PM

How deep is your wallet? Take a look at these rifles by Nesika Bay. I don't have one of his hunting rifles yet, but I do use one of his bench rest actions. Best machine work I have ever seen.

Glen Harrison brought one of his rifles down to one of our bench rest matches to show us. It was sweet.

Nesika Bay

blacktail · 04-19-2003, 08:46 PM

brshooter,

Those Nesika Bay's are nice, but I'm not sure I could get used to the funky bolt handle on a hunting rifle.

Can't remember right now, but I also think that Borden is buliding his hunting rifles on the Nesika actions too.

Mike

chummer · 04-21-2003, 09:11 AM

Blactail, I've had 3 rugers over the last 20 years and had ruger adjust all 3 at no cost other than the initial shipping charge, the last being about 5 years ago. Ruger triggers are difficult,I think ruger offers to perform a minor adjustment to keep people from attempting this themselves. This adjustment is only lightening trigger pull, not a full job! the same amount of creep remains.