MG Willy et al: one thing I & a Fellow Shooter/Collector learned from watching web auctions & selling sites & buying & returning firearms from them, is that a bit skepticism never hurts.
For example, a great number of dealers utilize such nebulous terms such as "nice". But who defines nice? "Shiny bore"--define shiny. What does really good shape for its age & history really mean...
Does the old saw Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder sound familiar?
Ive seen very few dealers who actually use the NRA rating system--see below link.
Always look for & get @ least a 3 day inspection privilege--in writing.
Always pay by USPO money & send a cover letter via registered/certified/ priority mail stating the agreement & whats was bought. That way if something goes awry, you have recourse through the US Postal Inspectors .Always state the terms of the agreement in the letter & if that is not their understanding, have them return the money ASAP.
Get tracking numbers for all packages & if a return, delivery confirmation..
Make copies of the original ad & all other correspondence.
Dont give your credit card number-- you dont know how secure the dealers computer actually is or how well he secures his recording keeping.
Get digital pictures & beware of those that are not of the best quality.
If you return something, youll have to pay the freight both ways, which depending upon the size of the firearm can get expensive--over size packaging or FFL user fees. Some delivery services may refuse to accept it & youll need to chase down another service, or if its an antique send it via the USPO.
A telephone call is really inexpensive & good insurance against buying a beater or @ best buying something that is not as advertised. Have a list of questions to ask the seller.
If you decided to buy it get the serial number (if it has one) & include that in the letter to the dealer stating the terms of the purchase.
If buying @ a show have the dealer take the firearm outside--weather permitting--so you can look @ it better. Bright sunlight will expose many flaws.
Make up a gun show shoulder bag, w/ tie clippers, extra plastic ties, flash light, magnifying lens, take down cleaning rod, patches, bore mirror, note book w/ pertinent info, etc.
When I was looking for another Trapdoor, I brought my reference book w/ me & a few dealers raised their eyebrows. Right now, Im looking for a VG plus S &W Victory model. I have a folder containing information, inc. inspectors marks, etc., for the gun shows.
A very informative book on the Rem Rolling Block is George Layman's "The Military remington Rolling Block" (Wolfe Publishing Company, 1997, revised 3rd edition, 148p). ISBN 1-879356-12-0.
If a dealer gets pissed @ all this, remember its not his money you're spending.
As an aside, the rifle in link provided by JBMauser does not have its cleaning rod.
http://www.gunsnstuff.net/html/nragrades.html.
