Thanks Tim. I don't think I phrased my question right. What do I look for on the reaming job to determine it was done correctly? Or more specifically, incorrectly? Do I just look for tool marks or something else?
Dan
Evening Dan,
I would look at a number of things.. First and foremost what the external condition. 9/10 times a abused gun has seen hard use and may be one you want to pass on...
Second pull off the forend and the barrel. If the barrel is factory to the receiver it will have the last few digits of the receivers SN scratched into the lug. Now if different, its not immediately a problem. It just means someone other than the factory fit the barrel.
Third, How does the barrel fit the receiver? Is that any gaps or looseness when closed? What is the position of the barrel release? There should be no gaps or looseness. The barrel release should have some play in it. If its tight the latch is almost completely closed. Meaning if (when) the barrel latch wears in it may become loose.
Lastly, drop a piece of brass in the chamber. It should sit flush or ever so slightly below flush.
Bast advice is to shoot it. But this is not always possible. Talk with the shops owner, seeing as its a used gun, ask if you could have a week or so to test fire the gun and explain your concerns. If he is willing to allow that and take it back should you have a problem. Go for it. If adamantly refuses maybe walk away. If he is somewhere in the middle and willing to talk and work with you, use your judgment. Maybe ask if he would go shoot it and report back any issues with FTF...
Many if not most of these ream have been done in garages and basements. but again this doesn't at all mean they are wrong or dangerous... Heck I have seen many that where superior to quite a few so called experts. Conversely I have seen a number of hack jobs too...
Good luck,
CW