If the Barrel is stamped Illion, New York you should be good to go with a simple over-the-counter inspection. If the barrel is stamped North Haven , Connecticut you will need to do a better inspection. Look at how the wood fits the metal there should be no gaps, Cycle the lever, it should not be gritty or bind up in anyway. There's another issue but I don't know how you could check it in the store, I had bought a Marlin and the chamber wasn't not was not machined properly, When firing a round the case would expand or bulge making it almost impossible to work the lever to extract the empty case. I sent that rifle back along with a nice letter expressing my displeasure and within a week I had a flawless new rifle Sent to me.