r/canadaguns • u/Canadian-Footy-Fan • Mar 06 '26
Misc Quick questions
A couple of random questions:
- if you buy a used gun that you can’t physically inspect how likely is it that the barrel has been “shot out” and is less accurate? Does the calibre affect this (is it more likely to happen with a .308 than a .223 because of the higher pressure - or does the added cost of .308 ammo mean it is less likely that a high shot count was run through the gun)?
- In terms of sheer numbers, what do you think are the most common types of centrefire ammo in circulation within Canada. I am thinking .223, then 7.62x39, then maybe.308…? Ultimately I’d like to get a reliable bolt in each of the most common calibres.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Iokua_CDN Mar 06 '26
Counterpoint though, while 308 is the most common caliber when sorting by number of guns in that caliber, something like 223 or 7.62 x39 might be more common due to large bulk amounts of the ammo out there, where as while norinco 308 is available in bulk, most 308 ammo is moreso available in 20 round boxes. In the same note, a 9mm rifle might technically have more ammo in circulation due to how much 9mm is in circulation, despite very few 9mm rifles existing.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Iokua_CDN Mar 06 '26
Good point about the quality. I got a big box of the norinco 308, and it's definitely better quality than lots of 7.62 x39 Surplus or even their norinco. Feels like there is more quality but into the 7.62 x51 vs the 7.62 x39.
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u/Zealousideal_Act786 Mar 06 '26
I think it’s pretty unlikely you’ll buy a rifle with a shot out barrel. I guess if you’re shooting long range target at a competitive level a little wear might matter, but for usual purposes I doubt it. Maybe an old military rifle from the days of cordite but that’s not what we’re talking about here.
I’ve had some very well used rifles that would shoot far better than I can. Just make sure the crown is good.
As far as ammo goes I’d say your choices are correct. The other most common one might be 30-30 but I don’t know of any new bolt rifles chambered in that round.
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u/BigRedGunNut Mar 06 '26
Most firearms owners never shoot enough in thier lives to have a barrel get "shot out". Some magnum cartridges are known as "barrel burners" for the excelerated erosion at the throat caused by the cartridges higher pressures.
I have rifles that are decades old, seen many thousands of rounds and are as accurate now as when new. Chances of buying a rifle that's been shot out is pretty remote.
Having said that, not all rifles are created equal. Some manufacturers and designs are better that others. Sometimes even two identical rifles will not perform the same out of the box. One might love ammo x and the other ammo y.
Don't worry too much about the barrel being shot out and worry more about the quality of rifle you're starting with.
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u/ProtoJazz Mar 06 '26
This is pretty similar to a lot of reddit guitarists making a fuss about guitars having nickle frets isntead of stainless steel.
Like yes, stainless WILL last longer. But nickle is will still out last most people. Id put good money that most people likely to wear out frets on a guitar are not sitting on reddit complaining about new gear releases.
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Mar 06 '26
Thanks. One of the issues is that it is a very entry level rifle I am considering (I am pretty… frugal) so it wasn’t a rifle that would be handed down proudly for generations…
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u/MLI691H Mar 06 '26
Ask for pictures of the rifling.
Unless the person was doing competition or you buying used old surplus firearms (excluding most Chinese SKS/French Tickler), chances of barrel being shot out is not high. Watch out for rust/pitting in the barrel.
Ammo is expensive to shoot. You won’t be sending thousands of 308s down the range, or even 223 (excluding 3-gun back when stuff weren’t banned)
Any modular platform like AR, you can swap out the barrel. Too bad ARs are banned.
Most common centre fire ammo: 9mm
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Mar 06 '26
Thanks. I know there are lever 9mm guns but with the handgun ban is it still a common centrefire ammo for rifles?
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u/MLI691H Mar 06 '26
Ah, you mean centre fire rifle ammo. Probably 7.62x39, due to the amount of SKSs around and cheap surplus ammo that was available before the ban. Norinco Redbox goes on sale and makes it relatively cheap to shoot. 223 would be contender but the ban probably made people not buy them anymore.
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u/Iokua_CDN Mar 06 '26
Ive noticed that 7.62 x39 seems to be taking a hit. Big Surplus crates sold out, no more Barnauls or just small amount available. You are kinda stuck with Norinco, or step up and pay twice as much for other brands. Makes sense though due the the amount of wars going on with countries using 7.62x39.
The counter point to this is lots of people still have a big stash of 7.62 x39, as well as since it's being used in wars right now, it's also a still being produced in large numbers.
In the States for example, I read constantly that their supply of 7.62x39 is way lower than it used to be. Less Surplus and such, though some American made stuff for sure.
I think the round is used enough that it's not going anywhere, and still will for a long time, but it's not the sheer amount of ammo lying around that it used to be
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u/outline8668 Mar 06 '26
I had a 303 with a shot out barrel. 303 surplus was cheap once upon a time. It's a roll of the dice. Most of the used old guns I buy are dirty and sticky like I swear nobody maintains their guns or even gives them a little oil before sale time. Had a couple black powder guns with rusted out barrels but that's just from lack of cleaning.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Mar 06 '26
Thanks. Sounds like the consensus is to not worry about the barrel if I ca get pics to make sure it isn’t abused.
As for the ammo question - it is just a silly prepper thing. I’d like have rifles that shoot the most plentiful types of ammo in the event that some unlikely scenario happens.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Mar 06 '26
I guess I view prepping a bit differently. There are a whole ton of scenarios where owning a firearm and ammo might come in handy. It isn’t about picking one scenario - it is precisely about being ready (prepared) for a range of negative outcomes - even if they are unlikely. And for the record, stockpiling a bit of ammo is almost a given for anyone with a prepper mindset.
The prevalence of 223 is why it is my top priority for a high quality rifle.
The nice thing about a common sense approach to prepping is that it doesn’t have to be about bunkers and paranoia. It ca bras simple as gearing your choices towards things that are also useful if things go sideways. Not sure why that approach would bother anyone.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Mar 06 '26
I didn’t mention Rimfire because a reliable 22LR is a given - and I own a couple. I am good on that one.
And you seem to be the one importing this idea of someone trudging across the wasteland carrying 3 rifles. Pretty much every scenario involves me “bugging in” so I don’t plant to wander the dystopian landscape.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Mar 06 '26
Good stuff. My top priority is a quality 223 bolt - ideally in stainless. I even grabbed a couple boxes of cheap ammo in anticipation of it. Just need to raise the funds for the rifle…
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u/Emergency_Rooster511 Mar 06 '26
As has been stated, fairly unlikely unless neglected or damaged. Barrels are consumables anyway. Something to watch for on used bolt guns though, is galling on the lugs and cocking piece. People seem to think their bolt guns will run forever without lube.
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u/savage1899 Mar 06 '26
Its not very common. I’ve seen barrels shot out but mostly on target rifles in full power rifle calibers. More commonly barrels are damaged beyond shoot ability by improper storage causing rust and pitting.