How loose is ok?

[Bsbiery812]

Saw a nice looking sb2 .223 in a gun shop, used, with a scope rail already installed today.  It looked good but was a little loose when broken open.  It had a loose feel and even a bit of noise because of the movement, but locked up tight.  Is this normal wear or a problem?  Just wanting to make sure it will be accurate and reliable. I realize this is hard to describe how loose, but just trying to get some advice. On the plus side the trigger was nice and light.  Thanks for any input.

[gendoc]

check and see if the numbers scribed on the barrel lug matches the last numbers of the receivers serial #. thats one way to tell if its a factory match.... some have that info, some older
ones don't. just be sure the .223 is on a sb2 receiver. check the FAQ'S to tell the difference.
we have found a few pawn shops to have high pressure chamberings on sb1 receivers !!!!
until my paw-paw shut that project down 
loose fit when open, is not bad. only loose when locked up is a major problem.
thank you, and good luck
j3

[quickdtoo]

Tight when the action is locked up with the forend removed is the best check, sometimes the forend will make it seem tight when it isn't. 

Tim

[Jimbo47]

If the price is right or you can get the gun shop owner to lower the price because it's loose, I would check the serial number against what is listed in the FAQ's and find out the year it was made and if you can get barrels fitted to it from the factory, and also you could do a shim job as in the FAQ's or sell the barrel in the classifieds or trade it for another barrel and you could get one that locks up tight or with a little fitting.

Price is everything!

[Bsbiery812]

Thanks for the replies.   Just wanted to make sure i was not getting into a big problem.  Asking price is $225.