HOW TO CHECK USED SHOTGUNS

With prices for new weapons continuing to rise, many shooters are discovering the advantages of buying used guns. Used shotguns are particularly popular, as the good, old-fashioned scattergun is probably the single most versatile type of firearm available. A single gun can serve for both home defense and hunting, and can even work as a plinker in .410 caliber.

Of course, the key to buying any pre-owned item is to evaluate its condition carefully. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference between finding a real bargain and getting stuck with a lemon. So here are some tips on judging the worth of a used shotgun:

1. Start out by giving the weapon a close general inspection. Note the condition of the stock finish, bluing, pistol grip, butt plate, recoil pad, etc. Pay particular attention to the action, tang, forearm screws, and trigger guard. These parts should be nice and tight, with no mars or other signs of abuse on the screw heads. Be wary of any shotgun with rust on the outside. While it’s possible that a firearm’s exterior could be in bad shape yet have a perfect interior, this is highly unlikely. An owner who didn’t take pride in its appearance probably didn’t do a good job of maintaining the weapon at all.

2. Examine the external barrel length carefully for signs of bending, bulging, or dents. Reject any weapon that doesn’t have a straight, undamaged barrel.

3. The stock must fit well for the weapon to be worth buying. Specifically, it must be long enough to keep the grip hand’s thumb away from the shooter’s face, even when the weapon is recoiling. At the same time, it must be short enough so that it doesn’t catch underneath the armpit when carried on the shoulder.

4. When aiming the shotgun, the shooter’s line of sight should be just above the barrel or rib. Unlike a rifle sight, the front bead should be slightly high, as opposed to perfectly straight. This allows for greater accuracy with rising targets like clay pigeons. If there are two beads on the rib, then they should seem to form a figure eight as the weapon is held in shooting position.

5. The stock must be free of cracks or splits. Reject any weapon with a damaged stock, even if hairline cracks are the only visible problem. These are particularly likely to form at the top or trigger guard tang areas. On the other hand, nicks, worn checkering, or finish imperfections aren’t deal-breakers, though they do lower the weapon’s overall value and allow some haggling room in the price.

6. Excessive oiling is a common problem with used guns. Too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing, and in the case of shotguns, using too much oil will soften the wood. Because of this, reject any shotgun with discolored wooden components.

7. The trigger’s pull weight will vary by model, but it should remain consistent in any case. A small amount of dry firing is fine if the firing pin is protected by snap caps or dummy rounds, but ask the owner for permission before doing so. Generally, a factory-set trigger will feel a little stiff, while one that has been adjusted will usually break at three to four pounds.

8. If the shotgun has exposed triggers, then ask the owner for permission to bump the weapon’s rear against a hard, cushioned surface, such as a floor with carpeting. Do so with the triggers cocked.  If they drop, then you have an unsafe weapon in your hands. Pass it up. 

9. If the firearm is a double-barreled shotgun, then make sure that it shuts tightly when closed. The lever that opens the gun should either be in the center or slightly to the right of center when shut. If the lever is left of center, then this is evidence of a worn action. A gunsmith may be able to adjust this problem.

10. Some double-barrels have selective ejectors that will spit out the spent shell but not the unfired one. If the model you’re considering has this feature, then make sure the ejectors work properly. Use snap caps or dummy rounds for this test.

11. If the shotgun is a repeater, then cycle it several times to ensure that it works smoothly. The bolt should remain tight when the weapon is cocked. Also, make sure that the gun cannot fire with the safety engaged.

12. If the weapon is a pump-action, then make sure that the slide stays locked while the weapon is cocked. After pulling the trigger, the action should cycle smoothly. Pressing the action release should allow the gun to be cycled when it’s cocked.

13. Inspect the barrel’s interior carefully. Be wary of any shotgun with an oiled barrel. This may have been done to hide nicks or other imperfections. If the barrel is dirty, ask the owner to clean it or to allow you to do so. Once it’s clean, either remove the barrel or open the action. Then look down it using a bore light or small flashlight. Any pitting or rusting is a haggling point regarding the price, but not necessarily a deal-breaker unless the damage is significant.

14. If the shotgun comes with interchangeable chokes, then make sure that they screw in and out smoothly. You should get a full set of chokes with the gun; if you don’t, then that’s a haggling point.

Looking for the right used shotguns doesn’t need to be difficult. You should only buy a pre-owned weapon from a dealer worthy of your trust. That’s why it pays to trade with Dury’s.  Since 1959, we’ve been selling top-quality new guns, as well as pre-owned firearms, at fair prices. Also, each is backed by our famous lifetime warranty.  Browse our selection and place your order today.