semi auto how do you make sure its a good gun without shooting?

[hartmen]

i found one hell of a deal. on a 12ga semi auto. i checked it all out. firing pin seems to engage. everything seems funcational. blueing could be touched up. need advice. i dont know C$#@!$ about semi auto shotguns. what do i need to look for? just want to make sure its functional

 

[451 Detonics]

Run some dummies through it and make sure it cycles and loads properly. Snap caps would be even better.

 

[oneounceload]

What semi is it?

 

[hartmen]

that would be kinda hard to do. its at a pawn shop

 

[Mark8252]

Most reputable pawn shops will give you a short period of time to return the firearm if its does not work correctly. Just ask for it.

 

[hartmen]

well this gun is being sold as a non shooter. the thing is i have examined this gun twice now and i see nothing wrong with it other than cosmetics. $120? remington with ducks engraved on the side. i think walmart sold them for around $550.

 

[oneounceload]

being sold as a non shooter

Then this is obviously something to consider - if a pawnshop is open enough about this being a non-shooter, there's more to it than meets the eye

 

[hartmen]

well ive bought guns that said that before... figure i would tinker with them and they shoot just fine. dunno if one of their empoyees missed up or something like that. the thing is ive never owned a semi auto and dont know what i need to check. do i need to just cycle the gun if possible? i will ask the owner if i can.

 

[sidibear]

If its a gas operated semi it could be something as simple as it needing a good clean. Either way, I would take the barrel off and have a good look down it for damage.

 

[hartmen]

well ran a dummy round thru it. it has a busted extractor.