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Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 02:54
by dandgrod
So, a coworker of mine bought himself a new rifle and wants to sell his Rio Grande RG3030B. I don't think he shot it much only because this guy owns more rifles and pistols then anyone else I know combined. I've shot this rifle at the range and it cycles great but the sights were shooting high. He is asking $300 for the rifle. I've only every owned pistols and this would be my first rifle. I've always wanted a lever action rifle but I don't want to jump into something I would regret later.

Please, any suggestions? Is this a good price for a used Rio Grande?

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 03:32
by akuser47
If it is in good shape i would buy it

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 03:57
by Tuco Ramirez
If it cycled for you at the range and it feels good I agree with AK I would buy it. +1

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 08:00
by Ranch Dog
Another vote for "Yes" in that you have shot it at the range yourself. That is $100 less than they are selling here on the rack and you have had your hands on this one so I don't see how you could loose.

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 13:15
by pricedo
A tentative YES if you've taken full advantage of the opportunity to thoroughly inspect & function test the firearm.

Then in context of the results of the above inspection answer the acid test question: Considering my usage profile will this firearm stand the test of time without incurring major investments in USPS or the courier companies if I need parts cause most small parts are not to date forthcoming from this manufacturer? +corn

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 14:55
by dandgrod
Looks like he is going to let me shoot it again this weekend. Can anyone tell me what areas I should really inspect?

Thanks

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 15:11
by Ranch Dog
The RGs seem to be relatively problem free. The most noted issues seem to be:
  • Scratched brass
  • Hammer leaning to one side
  • Canted bolt
The scratched brass can be solved with a little polishing of parts but the other two would need to be returned.

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 27 Feb 2014 15:55
by pricedo
Ranch Dog wrote:The RGs seem to be relatively problem free. The most noted issues seem to be:
  • Scratched brass
  • Hammer leaning to one side
  • Canted bolt
The scratched brass can be solved with a little polishing of parts but the other two would need to be returned.
I don't know about the RGs GTG plurality but I will testify for the defence that MY RG other than having enough cosmoline in the receiver to tar an outhouse roof took very little spiffing to become a smooth, accurate levergun dream machine.

The Rossi toolbox was opened a coupla hours at the most for that tune up......a motivated 6-year old could strip & reassemble a RG which is based (close copy) on the Marlin 336 in 20 minutes.

John Browning was a genius. John Marlin was as well but also realized that most of the rest of us aren't & designed his rifle accordingly. :mrgreen:

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 00:52
by Archer
I think the price is fair if it is the gun you want.

Re: Would you buy?

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 08:13
by donhuff
The only problems that I have read about with the Rio's is the ejector and extractor. I had the ejector break in my 30-30 a while back. So I got the marlin 336 parts to replace it and the extractor in that gun and also in my 45-70. One part is $12 and the other is $13 so it's not a big investment at all. After "touching" the edges and sides with a small file, they fit perfectly, and are much stronger parts than the Rossi parts were.

And for a slightly lighter trigger pull, replace the hammer spring with one from the Marlin ($12).