What do you consider to be the most important part of a gun?

Mr. Perfect

When it comes to hitting your target (whatever that may be), where do you, personally, skimp the least?  Stated another way, which firearm component are you willing to spend the most on when building a gun or which component do you give the most consideration when selecting a firearm to purchase?  Assume, for example that you consider the trigger to be the most important component. Clearly that is less expensive than say what you could pay for a high grade optic, so weighting the figures appropriately is necessary for this poll.  Assume that going with a high dollar trigger group prevents you from getting the optic you would prefer.  Likewise, assume that you really like the quality of the bbls a firearm maker produces and will buy based on that, even if you consider the triggers they put on their guns to be inferior to others you're aware of.  Obviously, some of the choices may not apply the same way across all platforms and possible purposes; for example collectors may choose guns based on a commonality to something the already collect, like Mauser actions, so feel free to justify your personal preference and/or choice in the comments.

BobJudy

Now that is a thought provoking survey. What is the firearm used for? Hunting, plinking, benchrest competition, self defense? For me I would say a good barrel and action would be the most important components when thinking of a purchase. I can change or improve the trigger, stock, bedding, ergonomics to fit the particular reason for buying it in the first place. I would rather see a mid range scope on a well built rifle than a high priced scope on a mediocre rifle. Just my 2cents. Bob

hillbille

usually price.......

spasmcreeksrun

 an idiot behind the trigger

select-fire

I quit skimping on a lot of items yrs ago..just not firearms. If you want to do something do it right. A firearm is no different. A great shooting weapon is no good if you cannot see the target. Get a decent scope. A firearm is no good if it doesn't fit you well. Buy a firearm with a decent stock or change it out with one. If you buy a cheap rifle don't expect it to shoot like one 4 times it's cost. Those folks that make precision rifles test them for a reason. And lastly don't forget to upgrade the trigger . Smoothness counts in horseshoes, grenades and triggers.   Now after everything is thru... the person shooting the weapon has to be educated enough to know exactly what it is capable of doing.  When you can honestly say you have a weapon that is more capable than  the shooter class is dismissed. Mission accomplished.

jimdeere

The bullet

Mr. Perfect

jimdeere said:

The bullet

I was thinking I 'd post a separate poll on ammunition.

Mr. Perfect

spasmcreeksrun said:

 an idiot behind the trigger

Without a doubt that is the most expensive part.

serf

Action

 The firing pin.Is that called the action mechanism?

                            serf

Warbirds

Trigger group

Shooting is basically two things.

Sight picture and trigger control.

If you get those things right you have a very good chance of hitting your target.

It is easier to adapt to an imprecise sight picture, than to adapt to a bad trigger.

So my vote a good trigger is the most important ingredient if I had to pick one.

discusdad

the person operating the tool...safe queen  or piece of junk,  they don't do a thing until the person operates it.

ruger41

My #1 thing is reliability. If it’s not ammo or operator error and a gun in not reliable it’s worthless to me no matter how good the trigger is or how pretty the gun looks.

Mr. Perfect

ruger41 said:

My #1 thing is reliability. If it’s not ammo or operator error and a gun in not reliable it’s worthless to me no matter how good the trigger is or how pretty the gun looks.

Perhaps that would fall under overall fit and finish?

charliemeyer007

Un-registered ownership.  

lkannes

This question is akin to asking which link is most important in a chain.

Alpine

Trigger group

Trigger. If you know your trigger the rest will all fall into place.

select-fire

Ownership.. AKA 2nd Amendment .