blackbird Posted April 22, 2012 Report Share Posted April 22, 2012 (edited) As I have only bought new shotguns I have seen a high grade (clay pigeon) shotgun (o/u) for sale when I go to view it what do I look out for :hmm: Edited April 22, 2012 by blackbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampire Posted April 22, 2012 Report Share Posted April 22, 2012 I would start by making sure serial numbers match all parts and cert,if you dont know anything about what to look for i would strongly suggest you take a mate who does know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted April 22, 2012 Report Share Posted April 22, 2012 Ideally take someone with you who knows about them. Failing that, after making sure it fits which is important (or allowing for it to be fitted to you at future cost) check that the barrels aren't pitted inside and that the action is not loose in the stock. Remove the forend and try to twist the barrels in relation to the stock, they shouldn't move (if you can feel any movement then it's worn). Fire the gun (empty!), check that the barrel selector works OK, then when you break the gun make sure the ejectors work OK. That's about all I can think of to look for, make sure everything works as it should and feels tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted April 22, 2012 Report Share Posted April 22, 2012 One time snap caps are useful! Check the cosmetics, the fit, dry fire (with caps) check ejectors choke threads, wood to metal fit look inside the forend for signs of repair/abuse etc staining of wood near action (oil penetration) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wj939 Posted April 22, 2012 Report Share Posted April 22, 2012 Check the wood around the metal parts, look for hair line cracks/ any signs of repair. I check screw heads to see if there scratched or have been tightened. Just to give an idea of its use. Also the top lever, when closed if the lever is slightly off centre to the right thats a sign if a gun thats had little use etc. Check the firing pins for pitting, browning are prone to pitting the bottom pin. About $40 to get done I think. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul T Posted April 23, 2012 Report Share Posted April 23, 2012 Take the forend and barrels off the action. check barrels/ribs for any dinks or marks. Are there any funny looking welds/repairs or marks to the bottom lump? Make sure the chokes can be removed and are not rusted in place. Check the forend for splits/repairs and does the catch work properly. Check the wood around the action - if it's very dark compared to the rest of the stock it's got a lot of oil penetration. Check the faces for marks/scratches. Reassemble - does it go back together easily? Try it again if necessary. Open & close the gun a few times - It should be smooth, not stiff or loose to open. Overall check for any signs of abuse, e.g. not being cleaned properly, chewed up screw heads etc. As others have said regarding tightness of action, checking serial numbers, inside of barrels etc. I've always bought second hand with no real probs apart from a light striking pin on my Rotty. That was easily sorted under warranty. If I'd shot it I would have noticed it immediately. Try and put a box of carts thro' it if you can - that'll tell you a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackbird Posted April 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2012 (edited) Thanks for all the help :good: Edited April 23, 2012 by blackbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted April 23, 2012 Report Share Posted April 23, 2012 Fire the gun (empty!), check that the barrel selector works OK, then when you break the gun make sure the ejectors work OK. If it wasn't ******** before, it is now! Only joshing, I'm sure by empty you meant with snap caps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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