- Is the blueing worn off in high wear areas like the action, bolt handle (if it has a bolt or action release), muzzle?
- Is there metal erosion or pitting in the bolt face?
- Are the metal-on-metal parts worn, galled, pitted, sloppy?
- Chamber a sized but empty case and see how the action closes onto it, and how well the extractor and ejector do their jobs.
- Do the action etc. screws and pins show signs of abuse, of having been taken apart multiple times.
- Ask the seller to separate the action from the stock, so you can inspect that area too.
- Patch it out to get a sense of how smooth and regular the bore is.
- Ask what commercial ammo brand/load it shoots best.
- If the owner reloads for it find out what loads he put through it. Ask to see his fired brass. Mike this brass to see if it generally falls within SAAMI specs. Can he let you see his reloading and work-up notes - this will give you a sense of how hot the ammo was that went through this gun, and how fussy the rifle is.
-If you buy the gun offer to buy his components and have him throw in his reloading notes too.
- Seller may have an extra mag or two, try and get those as well.
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