2nd hand Steyr Pro Varmint - identifying wear

[Viper]

Hi guys,

I've managed to find a second hand Steyr (can't get new due to supply issues and justifying total cost). I've spoken to the shop and they say the condition looks really good and action looks almost new. They're not local to me at all (they're Milton Keynes!) so I'd like to know exactly what to look for if I'm making a big trip.

You'd expect them to say that though. With no information on the shot count what should I be looking at as identifiers for barrel or action wear? It'll be my first rifle so I'd want a long life out of it.

Thank you!

Tom

[wildrover77]

The only way to tell is to have it bore scoped.

[ovenpaa]

As stated above, a bore scope is always good. Also look for scuffing of the bolt and general wear and tear on the stock and barrel, it should not look like it has been rattling around the back of a Landy or covered in mud, check the heel of the butt for excessive scuffing and the outer edge of the crown should not be polished with missing finish. Check the bolt face, it should be clean and shiny if uncoated, check for pitting and/or a discernible ring just outside the firing pin hole. Also look for brass shavings on the face, under the extractor.

You do need to know what you are looking at with a bore scope and you may see all sorts of marks on the throat which look horrendous yet actually mean the rifle has been barely shot. Peer down the barrel in the absence of a bore 'scope it should be bright however bright is not a perfect indication as my 22-250 has a lovely crisp and bright bore yet is fire cracked for a good distance.

Best thing is to get out and shoot it however that is not always possible.

[Viper]

Thank you for the help! I'll ask them to send me some detailed photos of those areas so I can have a look before heading down.

[snayperskaya]

As stated above, a bore scope is always good. Also look for scuffing of the bolt and general wear and tear on the stock and barrel, it should not look like it has been rattling around the back of a T-34 or covered in mud, check the heel of the butt for excessive scuffing and the outer edge of the crown should not be polished with missing finish. Check the bolt face, it should be clean and shiny if uncoated, check for pitting and/or a discernible ring just outside the firing pin hole. Also look for brass shavings on the face, under the extractor.

You just summed up my Mosin!

[Viper]

Hi guys,

I've got some photos and I'd seriously appreciate your opinion on the condition please. Ovenpaa mentioned to look for a discernable ting around the firing pin which I can see, is that an issue?

Album here: https://imgur.com/a/afAfo

[ovenpaa]

I would not worry unduly about that however it is all down to price.

[Viper]

Thank you so much. The price is about 600 under new retail and also includes the moderator so it seems pretty decent I think.

[ovenpaa]

Offer them less when you get there

[shugie]

I had a Steyr Pro Hunter and it was a very nice gun to shoot, accurate and with very high quality engineering. The plastic stock was rubbish with a bipod though, too flexible.

I did learn though that the barrels are very hard to change as they are heat shrunk on at the factory, replacing them can cost as much as a new rifle, so you might want to be extra careful about checking the existing barrel.