Any risk in buying a second hand 22LR?

[feedr]

G'day,

I know it's been touched on here before about concerns with buying second hand rifles, mostly the conversation have been about centrefire stuff though where people can be abusing the rifle by shooting hot loads, not cleaning the barrel, having a shot out barrel etc. etc.

All that's not really a concern for 22LR though... As discussed lots people get 10s of thousands of rounds through there 22LR without cleaning.

I guess then that as long as a 22LR looks to be in good condition, there's not really any problems to be had below the skin, right?

Am I missing anything?

[Apollo]

Whilst not cleaning a .22LR may be fine and I don't unless I have changed brands of ammo, that is the wax coating is different.

Buying a .22LR I would certainly look at the bore condition. If you can have it cleaned then look through the bore. What I'm getting at here is internal corrosion from neglect like moisture in the bore that has caused rusting. Damaged rifling and any number of faults other than just plain usage.

If you can not inspect the bore personally and to satisfy your own mind perhaps ask if the Dealer can inspect and give you a report before you commit to the purchase. Probably all worse case and not really needed. Buyer beware.

[Joom]

You'd have to put your average 22LR through an epic amount of use to wear it out from 'normal' shooting.

In that aspect you wouldn't have the same potential problems as a centrefire rifle.

As Apollo rightly points out though, problems from neglect is a definite possibility. While a lot of people never clean the inside of the barrel itself, there are still some basics like keeping it away from moisture. If you were laying it up for months/years it would be worth cleaning/oiling it too.

[Xerox]

I'd say less of a concern compared to buying a centrefire, not entirely risk free.

[Lorgar]

While a lot of people never clean the inside of the barrel itself, there are still some basics like keeping it away from moisture. If you were laying it up for months/years it would be worth cleaning/oiling it too.

Yep.

I don't clean mine if I'm expecting to be using it every week or two. There are enough silicon moisture bag things in my safe to sink a ship though.

[Hucka]

I'm happy to go a month or two without cleaning mine.

This is using lead waxed coated bullets only. No copper.

Any longer than that though I'll clean it all the way back and oil it for storage.

[feedr]

If you can not inspect the bore personally and to satisfy your own mind perhaps ask if the Dealer can inspect and give you a report before you commit to the purchase. Probably all worse case and not really needed. Buyer beware.

Yeah, I'd always check it out first hand, but having said that I'm no gun smith or barrel expert.

If there is some glaringly obvious problem I'd avoid it but who knows what subtle stuff slips past a novice.

Like you say, probably all worst case stuff but doesn't hurt to ask

[Old Fart]

I'm happy to go a month or two without cleaning mine.

Plenty of guys going well longer than that.

I know fellas who haven't touched the inside of their .22 barrel for 10 years.