Here's why your next firearm purchase should be soon.
Around the county many hunting seasons are wrapping up for the year. Next year's seasons may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but if your firearms are aging, you might want to start thinking about getting a new gun sooner rather than later.
We know the holidays just passed and you might have spent a lot of money on that, but maybe it's time to pick up a late Xmas gift for yourself.
In fact, the late winter months post-holidays are an ideal time to pick up a new firearm for next year. Today we'll explain why a new gun purchase makes a lot of sense right now.
Used guns are usually in
If you are in the market for a good used gun, most shops have an influx of used firearms following the hunting seasons. Some hunters like to trade up for something newer and better. Some might be older hunters who are hanging up their guns for good. Either way, there's usually some quality used guns that start hitting the shelves once the seasons are done. The selection is going to be much better than a few months before the season starts and everyone is trying to pick up a new firearm at the last second.
With a little hunting, you can save several hundred dollars buying a quality used gun over purchasing something fresh from the factory. What's not to like about that?
More gun shows
Speaking of used guns. It's not uncommon for there to be a bevy of gun shows in January and February where you can find some real deals. Especially in northern states like here in Michigan where the weather is often snowy, gray, and depressing. We cannot think of a better way to kill the winter blues than by going to a good show shopping for a new firearm. It also just gives you a better chance to talk with fellow gun owners. Odds are you've already got a caliber, brand, and model in mind. A gun show is a great place to talk meet and talk with people who may have owned that gun and get honest opinions on them before you buy.
Post-holiday sales
Some stores, especially the big box ones like Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, or Sportsman's Warehouse seem to always have some sort of post-holiday sales on just about everything in the store. This often includes firearms. So, if you missed your chance during Black Friday, don't sweat it. Odds are there's going to be more sales where you can save some serious dough. If you are planning on purchasing new, these are the sales to watch out for.
More time to practice and gather ammo.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to buying a new hunting firearm early in the year is more time to break it in at the range. It can take time to get proficient with a new rifle or shotgun and the more time for practice the better. If you live in a cold climate, this means you can take your new hunting rifle out in conditions like what you'll be hunting in January or February and get a better gauge of exactly how your firearm will perform in frigid conditions.
As all firearms enthusiasts know, the ammo shortage continues into 2022 to some degree. It's worse in some areas than others, but once you know exactly what caliber your new firearm will be, you'll have more time to shop for the ammunition you'll be using in the fall. Especially since you may need to shoot several types of hunting rounds to determine exactly what's going to group best and expand the most from your gun. Stocks might be wiped out a bit in late winter following hunting seasons, but they should replenish quickly as late seasons end.
By the time the late summer and early fall rolls around, you should be ready to go. It really takes the pressure off the busy times leading up to firearms season when you know you have that rifle dialed in and ready to bag that big buck already.
Personally, this is my plan for this year as I trade in my .450 Bushmaster rifle for something with lighter recoil and faster speeds in .350 Legend. The goal is to have this gun sighted in at ranges out to 200 yards before the summer is out so I can go into next year's Michigan firearms season ready to drop any big buck that crosses my path. Think of it as a New Year's Resolution. Planning your new gun purchase now will go a long way towards putting venison in the freezer in the fall.
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For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels.
NEXT: 6.5 CREEDMOOR DEER HUNTING: PROS AND CONS OF THE CONTROVERSIAL ROUND
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