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11/15/2003 2:17:55 AM EDT
I am interested in buying a SAR-1 at an upcoming gun show. Any certain features I should look for? Any problems I should look out for when inspecting the gun? Thanks for any advice.
11/15/2003 2:55:05 AM EDT
[#1]
Mostly just look for canted front sights.  The newer rifles are pretty good about that, but still check, Otherwise, I would cycle the acyion a few times to be sure it works properly (as I would with all semi-autos) and you should be fine.

To tell the year made, look on the left side, you will see a long serial number, either the last two or four numbers will be the year.

Example: XX-XXXX-XX-99 = 1999
Example: XX-XXXX-XX-2002 - 2002.

The newer the better.
11/27/2003 10:01:03 PM EDT
[#2]
I got a 2003 SAR-1 and the sight and gas block were canted, I called Century arms and got a return/repair authorization code, sent it in and 3 weeks later it came back straightened. Best of all it was free because of the warranty.
11/28/2003 4:06:52 AM EDT
[#3]
You sir have to be one of the luckiest men alive.  Getting Century to honor their waranty is like pulling teeth.
Did you sleep with te owners daughter or something?
11/28/2003 6:15:00 AM EDT
[#4]
look for straight sights. check the front for leaning off vertical and a windage drum that is near the center of the sight ears. check the rear for excessive run off to the side. both can be corrected easily enough...but, hey! it's a new rifle. hand pick a good one and avoid the extra work.

check for a reasonable finish on the wood and metal. keep in mind that the sar series is crudely finished, at best. you are merely looking to get one with an acceptable surface finish.
favor the finish of the metal over the wood. furniture can be replaced or refinished more easily than the metal.

be prepared to toss the oem trigger group in the trash and buy a redstararms group. not only will the exchange of parts eliminate trigger slap, but your shooting accuracy will improve due to a more calm shot release. trust me on this one...you will thank yourself for following this last bit of advice in the months to come.

good luck and shoot safely!
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