Buying a used semi-auto

CMichael · January 8, 2002, 03:45 PM

If you were going to buy a used semi-auto shotgun what would you look for to make sure it is in good working condition.

Thank you,
Michael

beagle1 · January 8, 2002, 04:55 PM

First make sure the gun fits you correctly and you have correct eyesight along the rib.
make sure the length from the trigger to the butt [lop]is correct.
check the stock and forearm for cracks,most can be repaired but may cost $$.
Check action and safety and make sure they work smoothly.
Be sure choke is the right one for the use that you will be putting it to this will be made a bit easier if you have a variable choke.
Hope this helps and enjoy your new[used] gun.
Charlie

S.F.S · January 8, 2002, 07:27 PM

Also check barrel for rust or pitting, also look for buldges along the barrel.
I would also recommend one that still is in production so if you need parts you are able to get them. HTH

Good Guy · January 8, 2002, 09:30 PM

Shoot it first if you can.

I remember once I bought a nice, old 11-48 for a song. It was for a friend who had been looking for a cheap 12 gauge. Before I paid for it I walked out the back, popped a shell in the chamber and functioned-fired it. Worked fine so I paid for it and sold it to my friend for what I paid for it, $75.00 if I remember right.

Only problem was it wouldn't feed properly from the mag tube. Friend had it fixed and was still happy as it was cheap enough.

Anymore, I won't buy a used semi-auto anything without firing it with a full mag first or a money back guarantee. 'Course if the price is really, REALLY cheap and the gun is clean & legit, I'll probably still get suckered into it.

January 8, 2002, 03:45 PM	#1
CMichael Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,516	Buying a used semi-auto If you were going to buy a used semi-auto shotgun what would you look for to make sure it is in good working condition. Thank you, Michael

January 8, 2002, 04:55 PM	#2
beagle1 Member Join Date: December 23, 2001 Location: Maine Posts: 17	Buying a used semi-auto First make sure the gun fits you correctly and you have correct eyesight along the rib. make sure the length from the trigger to the butt [lop]is correct. check the stock and forearm for cracks,most can be repaired but may cost $$. Check action and safety and make sure they work smoothly. Be sure choke is the right one for the use that you will be putting it to this will be made a bit easier if you have a variable choke. Hope this helps and enjoy your new[used] gun. Charlie

January 8, 2002, 07:27 PM	#3
S.F.S Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2001 Location: Delaware, USA Posts: 469	Also check barrel for rust or pitting, also look for buldges along the barrel. I would also recommend one that still is in production so if you need parts you are able to get them. HTH

January 8, 2002, 09:30 PM	#4
Good Guy Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 1999 Posts: 638	Shoot it first if you can. I remember once I bought a nice, old 11-48 for a song. It was for a friend who had been looking for a cheap 12 gauge. Before I paid for it I walked out the back, popped a shell in the chamber and functioned-fired it. Worked fine so I paid for it and sold it to my friend for what I paid for it, $75.00 if I remember right. Only problem was it wouldn't feed properly from the mag tube. Friend had it fixed and was still happy as it was cheap enough. Anymore, I won't buy a used semi-auto anything without firing it with a full mag first or a money back guarantee. 'Course if the price is really, REALLY cheap and the gun is clean & legit, I'll probably still get suckered into it.