Glenfield?

[kysingleshot]

I was in a pawn shop today looking at some lever actions.  What do most of you think of buying rifles from a pawn shop instead of new?  I have thought that was a cheaper way, but you don't know what you are getting.  Also on that, what do you look at in a "well used" rifle.  Now to the point of all this:  I found a 30-30 lever made by marlin that said it was a "Glenfield."  I know nothing of this model, but know it had a very nice carving on the stock of a whitetail buck.  The serial # started out with 70-.  I don't know if this means this is the year of manufacture, or what.  It had a lot of light surface rust, but that is just cosmetic, some stock scratches and a price tag of $159.99.  I don't know what to look at for functionability as this would be my first lever.  Can anyone help me with some thoughts?  Sorry for being so long-winded, but I wonder if this is one man's treasure?

Thanks,
Michael

[hillbill]

ky, ive purchased a few guns from pawn shops locally but have better luck buying from individuals. pawn shops roun here seem to have a hugely inflated veiw of what their guns are worth.however one of the best gun bargains i ever got was from a local pawn shop. the marlin glenfield line of rifles if i remember correctly was a lower priced line of their popular rifles. same gun just ussually a cheaper wood, pressed checkering, cheaper sights etc.nuttin wrong with them just not as fancy.just check it over and make sure its in good condition, action is tight, locks up good. look down the bore with a light. get them to wipe it out first,if they wont bring your own rod and do it anyway.make sure it doesnt have any major rust damage that could affect the accuracy.look at all the screwheads and see if they have been boogered up by some moron working on the gun.if a majority of the screwheads are damaged you can be assured it was taken apart by someone who probably didnt know what they where doin and didnt have the correct tools. anyway just take all this in consideration and then make them an offer according to how bad you would like to own it. good luk!