The cheaper gun has a hairline crack in the wrist
This is pretty common for some reason. I've found that guns that have seen a lot of time in the field tend to have this. I'm going out on a limb, but I assume it's from moisture seeping in where the stock meets the receiver, since this is where the cracks tend to start.
They're good shotguns, just check to make sure they're solid. I always take a look at the screws on the outside. What i've found is if someone who doesn't really know what they're doing tries to get in there - those screws will be all torn up. Pretty much a dead giveaway right there.
If they're generally well cared for, but well worn - that's a pretty good deal. They clean up pretty nice - and i've seen plenty of stocks/parts on gunbroker for reasonable prices.
Also - check the serial number. If it's below 855,000 - the barrels are NOT interchangable. Not sure if this is a big deal for you or not - but if it is, be aware that anything below 855,000 is going to need some work to change the barrel.
One other thing you can check - just to get an idea for the level of care - is open up the magazine and take a look at the spring. If the spring is in good condition (for it's age) and generally rust-free, it's probably been cared for. A lot of people i've seen tend to ignore this, and the springs look like they've been sitting at the bottom of a pond for long periods of time.
I wouldn't really make that a deal breaker - but just something else to look at to get an idea of the level of care the gun has received.
