How can you guage how much use a rifle has had?

[NewZealander]

Hi there
Does anyone have any useful tips on how to tell how much use a rifle has had? I have heard dropping a projectile (same calibre as rifle) into the muzzle end of barrel is one way and that if the rifling is still good the projectile will not drop past the crown? Also on a rem 700 jeweled bolt if the jeweling is partly worn does this mean the rifle has been well used, excessively used etc. I apologise if these seem like simple/silly questions but if you don't ask........
Thanks
NZer

 

[swingset]

Plenty of ways. Looking at the cut of the muzzle, is the crown still sharp? The bullet trick works, too. Looking in the chamber, at the throat, it should be sharp and close to the end of the chamber. If it's worn, or eroded deep into the rifling, bad.

Working the action, is it sloppy, lots of play? Does the rifle lock up into battery tight and secure? The firing pin should protrude out of the bolt face in the fired position, examine it. It should not be flat or heavily worn.

 

[NewZealander]

Thanks Swingset
Bolt is tight when closed and not to sloppy when open. Not to sure how to decock the bolt to check firing pin though. Using a factory cartridge 2506rem and inserting progectile end into crown the case gets to within about 3mm of the muzzle before progectile will not go in any further. Will now find my torch and check the chamber. Thanks for the great advice.
NZer