Questions to ask a seller of a used sniper rifle

[RickD427]

Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on the range.

Just like any other issue concerning firearms, there's always room for debate, but the Creedmoor seems to be advantageous at ranges up to 1200 yards, at least for accuracy. If you're looking to take game at the longer distances then the .308 may come out on top.

Here's a good discussion of the two cartridges: https://www.fieldandstream.com/65-cr...08-winchester/

Disclaimer - I'm still shooting .308 in my precision rifles. I may be moving to the 6.5 Creedmoor when I next replace a barrel, or buy a new rifle, but I don't yet own 6.5 rifle.

My comments were made for the OP's benefit as he seems to be a newbie looking to start with the platform. If I were starting over, I'd probably go with the 6.5.

[The War Wagon]

How many confirmed kills?

Count the notches in the stock, no?

[edgerly779]

What sniper rifle? You mean a bolt action rifle.

[Cowboy T]

What sniper rifle? You mean a bolt action rifle.

Unless you're a New York politician, then it's a sniperator incendiary heat-seeking rifle that will kill and cook a deer at the same time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRQqieimwLQ

Seriously, though, you're right, a "sniper rifle" is simply an accurate and precise rifle, usually bolt-action. So, OP, if you're really concerned, then have a gunsmith take a look at it. But as long as you do a basic function test like on any bolt-action rifle, i. e. the bolt moves smoothly, the safety works, the trigger works, all that, then the rifle itself should be OK. If you can remove the stock and have a look for rust, i. e. has the owner taken care of the rifle and dried/cleaned it after (possibly rainy) range trips, then that's a good thing to do as well.

Do have a look at the rifling and the crown. That will affect shot precision.

Why might the seller be selling it? Perhaps he's got too many rifles and wants to thin the collection at this point. Perhaps it's to fund another project. I got my .30-06 because the seller wanted to go .308 due to military brass availability (the rifle's in great shape). And yeah, maybe the barrel *is* kinda shot out. Lots of reasons for selling a rifle.

[Gunsrruss]

Round Count Log

If I don't see a round count log with notes, then I would assume the barrel is toast. Lynn is right

[divingin]

In evaluating a precision rifle, always make sure you identify the chamber specs.

This is a "sniper" rifle. Which I would assume to be a tacticool off-the-shelf bolt gun (lacking any other details) with a few accessories thrown on.

Given that the assumption is correct, it will probably have a no-turn SAAMI chamber, and a mediocre-at-best factory barrel. In 308, unless the round count is abnormally high, that barrel will be as serviceable as it ever was (which may or may not be saying much.)

If it has been re-barrelled or is a full-on custom gun, then I agree: knowing the chamber spec will be important, though it's also not the end of the world if the data isn't available (a chamber cast will tell you what you need to know; wear from a heavily shot barrel will change the throat specs in any case.)

Add that the fact that the OP is asking how to evaluate the rifle, which tells me that inexperience is coming into play here. The lack of details about the rifle other than a flashy designation (sniper rifle) makes it tough to specify what to look for. Could be a factory or custom M-40 clone, could be a DMR style gas gun, could be almost anything.

IMO, Primary criteria given the lack of details: 1) Does it work? 2) Does it work reliably? 3) Does it shoot at least somewhat accurately? 4) Has anything been done to it that will make maintenance or repair difficult or impossible? 5) Does it seem like a good value to the buyer? Anybody care to add to those?

[baih777]

How much do you want to spend On a used rifle ?
You need to know where the barreled action came from.
There are people who buy the Remington 700 SPS or ADL acton rifles. And put them in a chassis and call them sniper rifles.

It would be better for you to spend $1500 on a new rifle and buy a scope.

[five.five-six]

If I don't see a round count log with notes, then I would assume the barrel is toast. Lynn is right

[Fishwishin]

Actual sniper rifles are usually associated with lots of documentation- components, build specs, round counts, scope dope, deviations between loads, group sizes etc... If you believe you are getting a true sniper rifle all of this info needs to accompany the sale to validate it and to point you in the right direction for future situations.

[five.five-six]

The only thing that differentiates a sniper rifle from any other rifle is ownership by a sniper.


Snipering is about 90% the sniper and about 10% the tool he uses.


OP, how snipery are you?

[plumbum]

I only deal in hunting rifles - no one needs a weapon of war on their homes.

[five.five-six]

Consider the barrel to be shot out and factor that into the price.
Most guns that shoot extremely well are not for sale so figure $700+ for a new barrel and installation.

Lynn, what do you think of this barrel in .308?

I’m thinking of building a sniper rifle to keep in my safe and tell my friends about. I might even take it down to a local range and see if I can shoot MOA at 100 yards.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/barrel-tools/barrel-blanks/select-match-barrel-prod12416.aspx?avs%7cSpecial-Filters_1=In%2bStock

I’m leaning toward a BAT VR repeater witch 20MOA rail and I haven’t even thought about a chassis yet

[MongooseV8]

A sniper rifle? Make sure it has the best stopping power and additional high speed low drag. 🤣

[k1dude]

What's the proof that it's a sniper rifle? Give us it's provenance.

[sfvshooter]

CG never disappoints

OP

I'll sell you my HS Precision HTR (heavy tactical rifle) in 308. Comes with factory 1/2 MOA guarantee. I've killed numerous paper & steel targets out to 1000 yards using FGMM 175gr SMK. I'm not the original owner, but probably has less than 800 rounds through it.

https://hsprecision.com/product/htr-heavy-tactical-rifle/