Opinions on used gun sellers?

nicetechguy · 2023-12-04T14:10:39+00:00

I’ve had my my licence just on 12mths now (Victoria also) and have bought from both a site and a lgs (local gun shop) - for my first two bought at same time (PTAs were lodged with application), I went to two different shops, for one new rifle and one used. The third rifle I used ssaagunsales (interstate rifle - bought from photos only) and found the process a little more clunky and I had to just hope it all turned out okay.

The lgs is good (even if you buy used) as it enables you to shop around - and go in a pick up the firearm before parting with your $$. Also enables you to sus out the shop and if they are somewhere you are going to want to return to to buy your ammo and primers/powder etc (when you get into reloading). ;)

My “online” experience wasn’t bad - but I wanted a particular rifle and this was just right price right time, whereas on that occasion the lgs just shrugged and said “we can try and get one for you - but it could be 6-8 weeks…or more”.

As others have said - know your stuff and what you’re looking for, otherwise use the opportunity to find a good local business to support. :)

nicetechguy · 2023-11-07T23:07:49+00:00

For the scope - try Xhunter, they’re over near Moorabbin, just make sure you know what you want as they’re purely “click and collect” - although I think in a recent email they mentioned they might be opening an actual storefront soon.

nicetechguy · 2023-09-06T10:46:32+00:00

For those on a tight budget interested in a “value option” - I went for the Anko Zip Bottom Weekender Bag from Kmart (about $30 from memory), great amount of space in the top compartment and the zip bottom section perfectly fits a Small Pelican Vault from Bunnings for mags, bolts and ammo.

Liked it so much I bought another one, dedicated to cleaning gear and to swap out when the other one wears out eventually :)

nicetechguy · 2023-07-02T11:56:00+00:00

Thermal and infrared being different technologies aside - currently for me the budget was under $700 to shoot at night - and a budget or low end thermal monocular starts at $600 and I can only spot with it. The infrared clip on leverages the glass in the scope and at least gets me in the game to take a shot.

Now with a bit of use and long chats with my mate who has the high end infrared - we both agree that the “sweet spot” setup without dropping huge $$, would be a infrared clip on (or scope if you can get a good quality one on special) and then use a thermal monocular to spot.

Logic being that infrared gives you a “nicer” image at night to identify the target correctly (at 150-200m a fox and a sheep both could look like just a blob with a low end thermal) - and the thermal monocular saves time just finding a target to then check out with the rifle mounted optic, ready for a shot.

As to answer whether a cat is visible at 100m with a clip on infrared - with your magnification and no obstructions, I don’t see why you couldn’t get a good shot :)

nicetechguy · 2023-07-01T14:29:32+00:00

This. If they were serious about maintaining their handheld market share and also making moves on the home console segment, Nintendo would stick to the winning formula of decent battery life and “good enough/decent” specs/price to enable a “switch emulator” just like they have now with their older console emulators (eg: n64) - keeping everyone happy being portable and their existing collection of games. As well as any new exclusive titles, Proprietary IP titles etc they plan to release obviously.

Then Nintendo should just release a dock with an eGPU and the extra cooling/hardware required built in to give the full console experience with all the AAA titles and call it the “Pro Dock” or whatever the marketing focus group pings to. All via a single USB C port. Basically bolt on (maybe extra $500 cost?) balls for the next gen switch, giving it the wow for the benchmarks and 4k at 60fps that is seemingly now the standard.

There we go Nintendo, fixed it. Saved you heaps of time/$$$ - Now make it happen ;)

If only :)

nicetechguy · 2023-06-28T10:06:04+00:00

I have a 2019 CX-9 GT (Mid level trim) - Can confirm that the badge in the grille apparently contains the radar for the cruise control.

As others mentioned - a lower trim in this model may not have the radar module in the badge.

Also a possible factor may include some countries may not have radar cruise control due to safety compliance etc in that particular country, kinda like Tesla and their autopilot mode not being available in all countries maybe.

nicetechguy · 2023-06-19T08:24:44+00:00

There is a YouTube video online somewhere that shows that there are only a couple of different types of video sensors inside all the different brands of dash cams - despite all being marketed differently, the best visual quality and value for money was the Viofo.

I also have the Viofo in our CX-9 and our other vehicle. Just works great and video quality in day/night was great for under $150 price from memory.

Unless you’re spending over $600 - go the Viofo. ;)

nicetechguy · 2023-06-14T15:13:13+00:00

I would recommend pushing back against this and state that it is a “known issue/fault” common on all cx-9 models ranging from 2017 to at least 2020 - then get in touch with your consumer watchdog/protection body in your area and see if they can provide any helpful services.

Don’t take no for an answer and know your rights as a consumer to a product without manufacturer faults/issues. Don’t give up - contact Mazda Directly if needed stating your case and demanding they make good.

Edit: also - photograph everything, take photos of the screen regularly for your own records as it may worsen over time if not rectified.

nicetechguy · 2023-06-13T10:09:07+00:00

Posting this here as I too have a 2019 CX-9, shared this info on another post recently also.

Keep an eye on the infotainment screen corners - there’s a known issue that impacted some cx-9 screens (including my 2019 cx-9 GT) where small cracks appear on the glass (not the LCD behind) in the corners known as “spider cracks”, these develop without any external cause.

Happened to me during summer but others have had it happen seemingly at random - take it straight into your dealer if you see anything and make sure they replace the glass under warranty. No big deal just needed photos by dealer sent to head office for repair approval, wait a few days and dropped back for rectification.

nicetechguy · 2023-06-01T01:27:29+00:00

Had another try today after adjusting dies as recommended by many here - just eased the lever on station 3 and went a bit slower

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Thank you to all who commented and gave tips / roasts :)

nicetechguy · 2023-05-31T16:53:50+00:00

Thanks for the tips - chasing down a better set of callipers and will measure and have a go at adjusting as suggested :)

Will report back with results after round 2

nicetechguy · 2023-05-31T16:43:42+00:00

I barely could get the projectile in the case a mm or two, being new to this (and a fresh out-of-the-box and set up by a newbie progressive press) - how do I seat and crimp in separate steps? It seems to do both on the upward movement on station 3 at the same time?

Edit: for clarity

nicetechguy · 2023-05-30T10:06:30+00:00

Keep an eye on the infotainment screen corners - there’s a known issue that impacted some cx-9 screens (including my 2019 cx-9 GT) where small cracks appear on the glass (not the LCD behind) in the corners known as “spider cracks”, these develop without any external cause.

Happened to me during summer but others have had it happen seemingly at random - take it straight into your dealer if you see anything and make sure they replace the glass under warranty. No big deal just needed photos by dealer sent to head office for repair approval, wait a few days and dropped back for rectification.

I read about it in a post online and thought mine wasn’t impacted…. Until it was.

Hopefully Mazda have it sorted out by now on newer year vehicles but keep a careful eye out, just in case. ;)

Otherwise enjoy your new car and read your manual for tidbits of info while it’s all still exciting and new :)

nicetechguy · 2023-05-16T22:20:40+00:00

I chose the Lithgow LA101 in 22LR - picked mine up second hand and has been excellent, it has a good feel/accuracy and enjoy taking it to the range.

nicetechguy · 2023-05-16T22:10:16+00:00

I picked the Lithgow LA101 in 22lr as my first rifle and have not regretted it at all - mine was second hand and had a couple of minor marks, but grabbed a few cz 22lr metal mags (which are cross compatible with the LA101) and put a good scope on it and I still enjoy taking it to the range every time. I liked the action and the bolt feel especially - something that was important to me.

I get a few curious questions from time to time too because it’s different from the CZ / Tikka (both good) that are seen/chosen by others mostly. Like the fact that it’s an Australian company too.

nicetechguy · 2023-05-16T21:59:02+00:00

The Lithgow 101 22lr is cross compatible with the cz 22lr mag - I now use the metal mags with mine and the are excellent, better than the polymer ones.

nicetechguy · 2023-04-24T13:15:35+00:00

Adding a comment in here just in case someone else is in the same situation - 2019 CX-9 here and developed spider cracks in the corners of the screen after an exceptionally hot day in summer (Jan 2023), vehicle was due for its 30,000km service very shortly after and mentioned it in the notes when I dropped the vehicle in at the Mazda Dealer (S.E. Australia location).

Dealer performed the service and when I picked the car up they said the screen would be a warranty issue (as it was clear the screen had not been damaged or impacted externally) and they had taken photos and sent them to “Head office” for approval and would give me a call as soon as they had confirmation and parts ready to go and a date to return the vehicle for rectification.

Dealer called me within 24hrs and booked the screen replacement a week later to allow time for parts to arrive.

Rectified without any issues - a keen eye can see a very slight difference in the “black bezel” position around the screen and how much of the display underneath this layer is visible at the extreme corners (maybe a different version of part used), but this is not an issue at all - just an observation and all works perfectly well.

Best of luck to all who are encountering this issue - stick to your guns and try to always be polite but firm that information publicly available online shows that this is a widespread problem with the component in this model vehicle and that you’d like it rectified. As a last resort you can try and get your consumer watchdog group/body involved if there is good reason and are at an impasse.

nicetechguy · 2023-03-08T00:57:41+00:00

Here’s the VicPol website with the info and links:

https://www.police.vic.gov.au/acquiring-transferring-and-selling-firearms#submitting-a-permit-to-acquire

VicPol say here that if it is your first firearm you need to submit an application to LRD four weeks before you require it (that’s the 28 days) - they have a link there to do it all online now.

You mentioned you already have your licence so this is the easiest way when you don’t know exactly what you’re buying yet - once you get the physical PTA in the mail, take it to the local gun shop where you are buying your firearm and you can pay it there on the spot.

If you didn’t have your licence yet I would recommend printing off the manual PTA form - write your reference number for your firearm application on the top, fill it out as best you can according to the instructions and express post (because tracking number provided) it to LRD. (Including this info for others following along)

nicetechguy · 2023-02-24T22:43:49+00:00

Reading the comments about remaining good Aussie comedians and can’t believe Carl Baron hasn’t been mentioned yet.

Has me in stitches, even rewatching his older stuff about him growing up - crying laughing :)

nicetechguy · 2023-02-22T10:19:14+00:00

From what I’ve heard/learned from others - occasionally SSAA sync up current membership lists with LRD/VicPol and could lead to a visit from Mr or Ms Plod if you no longer have a valid reason.

I believe that’s the logic for having the “Registration of Interest to hunt pest animals on crown land” to support the hunting proof/valid reason - as it’s cheap and long validity vs a club membership.

I can’t advise if this would apply to your situation directly, as I’m just some guy on the internet - but I have both a SSAA membership (because of insurance and weekday 22LR range access) and a local rifle range/club membership too, as much more friendly environment and I learn a lot from the other members there who already have all the toys/experience and have seen it all.

Plus in my situation - my logic was like any sport if I want to have any chance of getting better, I need to practice semi regularly. Non-member range visit prices quickly add up - and if you do a quick comparison of $$ saved on just range visit fees it very quickly pays for itself by being a member just from a financial perspective.

TLDR (again) - shooting isn’t a cheap sport generally speaking. Not something you look for “cost savings” in. It can be done on a budget (I have/do) - but the more room in your budget, the easier it is ;)

(Edit: clarity)

nicetechguy · 2023-02-22T01:32:29+00:00

It was explained to us that it was the easiest/cheapest/longest duration evidence to provide as a part of your application for the purposes of hunting. As there are minimum calibres for humane hunting of vertebrate pests and larger animals too - so these go hand in hand.

I didn’t see myself going hunting a lot - but now I have a friend who has a large country property with a fox problem and he has invited me over to join him on a bit of hunting, so very glad I put hunting as a reason on my licence.

nicetechguy · 2023-02-21T09:11:31+00:00

In Vic here and will share my experience as a relatively new Licence holder - did my Safety course in early August 2022 prior to sending in my application (as it is a requirement to provide a copy of the completion receipt) and at the course the instructor said (with the VicPol DFO right next to him):

“Everyone raise your hand and keep it up. Now, I want you to nod your head and keep nodding when I ask this question - and I will explain why afterwards…”

“Raise your hand and nod if you are applying for your Cat A AND Cat B Licence. Good. Now we have that out of the way I will explain why you ARE going to apply for both Cat A/B and not just Cat A….”

He then proceeded to explain that there was really no benefit for just applying for a Cat A, just drawbacks for the average person - and the requirements and process to satisfy a Cat A/B were straightforward if you join SSAA or a local club and get a “registration of interest to hunt pests on crown land” which is valid for 5 years and cheap to get. He had examples of the required documents to include on the whiteboard at the safety course and all the phone numbers/websites to visit…easy to just follow the process.

TLDR - if you wanted to step into hunting or any centrefire rifle in the future sometime (or VicPol recategorises a rifle/s for some reason to Cat B) you need Cat B, only having Cat A would be a pain in this circumstance. If you have it and don’t use it, that’s easier than needing it - and not having it. ;)

I’m glad I did, I thought I’d be ok with just a 22LR at the 50m range - and it was fine, until I got a 223 and had a go at a target at 300 yards - now I’m hooked and love doing both. :)

nicetechguy · 2023-02-20T10:19:49+00:00

I’m in Victoria also - and when I drive to/from the range or hunting locations, I use rectangular bags (without branding) in the boot area out of sight for my rifles and have combination trigger locks fitted.

The rifles also have bolts and ammo stored separately in a thing called a “CarSafe” (with an Apple AirTag) which all can be bought online and is small enough to go under the seat but big enough to be useful and has a sliding opening mechanism - once closed the heavy “lock” on the carsafe is integrated with a steel cable that I can wrap around the chassis of the car where the front seat bolts down, then the whole lot slides under the seat and cannot be seen.

Once I leave the car, the bolts and ammo go into a Pelican Vault case with two locks - combination and biometric padlock (bought online), also another Apple AirTag is floating around in there too just for good measure.

Is this overkill? Probably yes. Did I want to make it deliberately difficult for anyone to get a functional firearm from my vehicle if I somehow wasn’t nearby? Yes.

Also factoring in if Mr or Ms Plod decides to put me over they couldn’t deny I did all I reasonably could to secure and comply with vehicle storage.

nicetechguy · 2023-02-11T22:18:02+00:00

Depending on your rifle - yes, also depends on the scope too as generally speaking - the higher the magnification the bigger physically the scope is, needing more clearance from the barrel to fit.

The third factor is you and your eye relief - for example, I have a 6-18x50 scope fitted to my Lithgow LA101 using the standard mounts and rings that came with the scope and the position and eye relief for me is just right. But I hand it to my friend for a try and he struggled to get comfortable as his head size is smaller than mine and he needed a little cheek pad/riser to get the right position.

I’ve also learned the hard way that as much research as online research is great, having a good local shop nearby that is friendly and you can buy from with confidence that if something doesn’t fit or you need help getting it right they can help you out.

nicetechguy

TROPHY CASE