Evaluating a used shotgun

[bdjansen]

Hi guys. I was thinking about trying to pickup a used Wingmaster or SXS shotgun at the next local gunshow. I'd like one for HD, casually shooting clays with my brother, and destroying the occasional pumpkin. This will be my first shotgun, though I have shot them before.

So if I'm at the gunshow, how do I evaluate the condition of a used gun? I'm interested in Wingmasters but I'm also interested in SXSs. What are some models of SXSs that would be equal in quality and used price to a used Wingmaster?

 

[rcmodel]

What are some models of SXSs that would be equal in quality and used price to a used Wingmaster?

There aren't any worth buying.

Well, maybe an old Savage / Stevens but I can't think of anything else.

Decent S/S shotguns cost more then pump guns to make. So good used ones cost more then a pump.

I'd like to encourage you to forget the double anyway and just buy an 870.

If for no other reason then your stated purpose for HD.

You can't safely leave a double-barrel setting around loaded.

A pump can have the magazine loaded and an empty chamber, so it is totally safe setting in the corner of the bedroom or whatever until you need it.
Then it takes just a second to pump one in the chamber and you got at least 4 shots instantly available.

rc

 

[Rshooter]

Personally I would ask if I may handle the weapon and to dry fire it. Press the slide release in front of the trigger guard and the weapon should slide smoothly back. Check to see that the extractor is present. Slide the foreend forward and it should pop as the loading gate goes up and then pops down. Right after the pop the gun should snap into battery. First ensure the safety works and then put the safety to fire and pull the trigger. The hammer should be heard striking the bolt and the foreend should become "loose". You should be able to cycle the weapon again with the slight pressure of the hammer.

Short of disassembling or firing the weapon this is what I can think of. Anybody else with more info or find fault in this?

 

[bdjansen]

I also forgot to mention that this show requires all guns to have plastic ties through the chamber so the gun is unloaded and un-operational.

 

[oneounceload]

Some older AyA's that were sold under the Sears' name would be fine. MAYBE, you could find a well-used, but not abused, Ugartechea, or even an older American gun

 

[Rshooter]

I also forgot to mention that this show requires all guns to have plastic ties through the chamber so the gun is unloaded and un-operational.

The best dealers will remove the plastic tie to let you test the operation on a used gun. Just make sure you do not look like you are loading the gun, that makes everyone unhappy.