What to check on a new rifle

[Kumaabear]

Hey all

Ordered a new rifle (my first) does anyone have any tips of anything to check before accepting it from my gun store, anyone know if there is anything to look out for on these?

Rifle is a Winchester M70 Extreme Weather SS

Do I need to do anything to it other than clean it before I can go shooting?

[in2anity]

if you have snap caps I usually test the action and trigger in the shop.

[knowsnothin]

Your LGS has a responsibility to make sure your firearm goes out the door in perfect working order. Aside from above give it a once over for cosmetics then go shoot it. Winchester will be good for any warranty issue.

[brett1868]

New Gun predelivery
1. Check the S/N on the box matches the one on the rifle
2. Ensure all accessories and manuals are in the box
3. Check the rifle has no rust, marks or blemishes
4. Check the S/N on the bolt matches the action
5. Check the action cycles smoothly without any tight spots or gritty feel
6. Function check the safety, mag release and anything else that moves, adjusts of is removable.
7. Verify barrel alignment in the barrel channel, should be centered.
8. Check floating of barrel to ensure it's not binding in the stock
9. Check action screws are tightened to manufacturer specifications.
10. If fitted with a scope, ensure the reticule is level, the eye relief is correct and the rings torqued to manufacturer specifications.

When you get home give the barrel a good clean along with the bolt, remove excess manufacturer protective lube. Before shooting you need to run a few clean patches down the barrel to remove any oil, also ensure the chamber is clean and oil free. Apply a thin film of grease to the thrust faces of the bolts locking lugs along with a thin film of oil to any contact surfaces.
With a new rifle I recommend that you don't over heat the barrel, if you can't put your finger on the chamber without burning it then it's too hot. Allow plenty of time for the barrel to cool between shots.

[Bill]

nice checklist brett1868

1-4 Shouldnt need to check this if if bought from a reputable shop.

5-10 well thats the lottery of buying modern rifles from Manufacturers who keep coming up with inventive ways to cut cost often to the detriment of the product.

Generally modern winchester are of reasonable quality

[TassieTiger]

New Gun predelivery
1. Check the S/N on the box matches the one on the rifle
2. Ensure all accessories and manuals are in the box
3. Check the rifle has no rust, marks or blemishes
4. Check the S/N on the bolt matches the action
5. Check the action cycles smoothly without any tight spots or gritty feel
6. Function check the safety, mag release and anything else that moves, adjusts of is removable.
7. Verify barrel alignment in the barrel channel, should be centered.
8. Check floating of barrel to ensure it's not binding in the stock
9. Check action screws are tightened to manufacturer specifications.
10. If fitted with a scope, ensure the reticule is level, the eye relief is correct and the rings torqued to manufacturer specifications.

When you get home give the barrel a good clean along with the bolt, remove excess manufacturer protective lube. Before shooting you need to run a few clean patches down the barrel to remove any oil, also ensure the chamber is clean and oil free. Apply a thin film of grease to the thrust faces of the bolts locking lugs along with a thin film of oil to any contact surfaces.
With a new rifle I recommend that you don't over heat the barrel, if you can't put your finger on the chamber without burning it then it's too hot. Allow plenty of time for the barrel to cool between shots.

Man, your making me feel dirty...I took my new rifle home without looking at it. Got home, cycled the bolt, cycled some cartridges, researched features and safety systems -and went shooting...

[pomemax]

Numbers7&8 on Bretts list will get a new shooter slide a$5 along the barrel in the stock the number of people that don't saying shop said I must have done such and such after the fact you take it home (I hate typing on the phone)

[Oldbloke]

That is a great checklist Brett.

My thought is check magazine is feeding OK. Seems a few have this issue these days. But probably have to do that at home or first range trip.

Cleaning barrel is super important.

[Gaznazdiak]

I would have thought that checking for yourself that the firearm is clear, just in case, would have been number one, is for me anyway.

[cracker]

honestly if its new i just look for handling marks. if its got any dint/marks on it tell them its not yours.

[brett1868]

I would have thought that checking for yourself that the firearm is clear, just in case, would have been number one, is for me anyway.

Yep, good pickup - Safety first . Most shops will or should check and clear a firearm in front of you before handing it over which is why it's not specifically on my list. Sort of an automatic unconscious action rather then an actual thing to check when buying. Safety checking is so ingrained now that I find myself checking the boys Nerf guns if he leaves them laying around the house....hmmmmmm. Everything else is based on personal experiences when purchasing firearms and I'm not boasting when in saying I have substantial experience

[brett1868]

Numbers7&8 on brets list will get a new shooter slide a$5 along the barrel in the stock the number of people that don't saying shop said I must have done such and such after the fact you take it home

Remind me to clean your glasses for you next time I see you....It's Brett, not bret nor Daniel or Ashley

[Gaznazdiak]

I would have thought that checking for yourself that the firearm is clear, just in case, would have been number one, is for me anyway.

Yep, good pickup - Safety first . Most shops will or should check and clear a firearm in front of you before handing it over which is why it's not specifically on my list. Sort of an automatic unconscious action rather then an actual thing to check when buying. Safety checking is so ingrained now that I find myself checking the boys Nerf guns if he leaves them laying around the house....hmmmmmm. Everything else is based on personal experiences when purchasing firearms and I'm not boasting when in saying I have substantial experience

You're right of course, all except one dealer I've had experience with have opened the action if the bolt was in or shown me if it wasn't.

I'm jusr a little anal about making sure about stuff like that.

[Kumaabear]

Thanks for all the great responses, that's a nice list.

Good idea to check the free float of the barrel.

Will be sure to post some new gun porn when I get it.

PTA's are delayed as usual so who knows when that will be

[Oldbloke]

Numbers7&8 on brets list will get a new shooter slide a$5 along the barrel in the stock the number of people that don't saying shop said I must have done such and such after the fact you take it home

Remind me to clean your glasses for you next time I see you....It's Brett, not bret nor Daniel or Ashley

IT must mean "Into Detail" Hi Brett

[brett1868]

Numbers7&8 on brets list will get a new shooter slide a$5 along the barrel in the stock the number of people that don't saying shop said I must have done such and such after the fact you take it home

Remind me to clean your glasses for you next time I see you....It's Brett, not bret nor Daniel or Ashley

IT must mean "Into Detail" Hi Brett

My day job is writing detailed design documentation for IT Infrastructure projects where I.T stands for "Ignorant Turds" due to the high level of hipster and non-reflective's working in the industry.