What To Look For When Buying a Used O/U?

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m.benn84

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As the title states I need some pointers on what to look for when buying used.. Looking for a used Citori or Silver Pigeon or something along the lines. Going to be laying out some money and I am rather new to the scene so just want to make sure I cover my tracks.

Thanks,
 
The thumb lever to break the action should be to the left of center.
You should look up some stock pics of the gun model you are interested in and see where they line up.
On the break action the faces should not have any galling either.
More knowledgeable elders will have more tips soon.
Calling catinthehat ;)
Rob

I'll leave my mistake posted here in the thread.
Thank You guns ahold for pointing this out.
I blame it on the weak RedRose I was swilling that day.
 
Last edited:
FLHTCUI said:
The thumb lever to break the action should be to the left of center.
You should look up some stock pics of the gun model you are interested in and see where they line up.
On the break action the faces should not have any galling either.
More knowledgeable elders will have more tips soon.
Calling catinthehat ;)
Rob
Click to expand...

Don't you mean right of center?
 
A well looked after o/u should have the action lever right of center . the action should not have any for and aft or side to side movement either open or closed . stiff to open is good , but the hinge pin /barrel lug and fore end iron as well the contact surface at the front of the receiver should be checked for galling .
 
You don't say whether you want to shoot competition with it or hunt. Either way, be aware that a trap or skeet gun may have many many more rounds through it than a hunting gun. Hunting guns almost never wear out. Trap and skeet guns wear out all the time. just from the amount of ammo through them.
 
bdft said:
You don't say whether you want to shoot competition with it or hunt. Either way, be aware that a trap or skeet gun may have many many more rounds through it than a hunting gun. Hunting guns almost never wear out. Trap and skeet guns wear out all the time. just from the amount of ammo through them.
Click to expand...

Mainly recreational trap and skeet shooting.
 
Like others have said make sure action lever is right of center. When a gun is new it will be at its furthest point to the right and as the gun wears it will slowly move from right to left. To move past center will take more then 100 thousand rounds in most trap/sporting guns.

Check for Galling at all points mentioned and make sure the action doesnt have any slop or side to side movement.

If you are buying any high grade guns. Look at the wood and engravings for any damage. These types of guns are generally just cosmetic upgrades on base models so any damage to those cosmetic features greatly reduces its value.

Check for any rust or pitting. If its well cared for it should have none. But because sport shooting often gets rainy i have seen guns that werent properly cleaned after look pretty bad.

Most of all if possible shoulder it and see how it fits. Even better shoot it if you can. If you cant its nice to shoot similar models to make sure you like them. If a beretta fits you browning possibly wont and vice versus. Fit is everything in shotgun sports.

Keep in mind the extras with the gun. Chokes can cost alot of money. Specially high end aftermarket ones so it is often nice when a gun comes with lots. Unless there is a certain brand your going to buy anyway.
 
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