Used Gun Inspection Checklist
1. Safety first
- ☐ Ask the seller to show the gun is unloaded, then check it yourself: remove the magazine, lock the action open, look and feel the chamber.
- ☐ Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction the whole time.
- ☐ Never bring ammunition into the inspection.
2. Serial number and markings
- ☐ Serial number is present, clear, and matches what you checked online.
- ☐ No signs of grinding, filing or re-stamping near the serial. If it looks altered, stop. Possessing a gun with an altered serial is a federal crime (18 U.S.C. 922(k)).
- ☐ Make, model and caliber markings match the listing.
3. Outside condition
- ☐ Look for cracks in the frame, slide, receiver or stock.
- ☐ Look for rust, pitting or heavy wear, especially near the muzzle and on the slide rails.
- ☐ Check screws for stripped heads, a sign of amateur work.
- ☐ Check that sights are straight and secure.
4. Barrel and bore
- ☐ Shine a light down the bore. Rifling should be crisp, not worn smooth.
- ☐ Look for rust, pitting, or a bulge or ring (a sign of an obstruction that was fired through). A bulged barrel is unsafe.
- ☐ Check the muzzle crown for dings.
5. Action and moving parts
- ☐ Slide, bolt, pump or cylinder moves smoothly without grinding.
- ☐ Safety engages and disengages cleanly.
- ☐ Magazine inserts, locks and drops free.
- ☐ Revolvers: cylinder locks up tight in each position and lines up with the barrel.
- ☐ Dry-fire only with the seller's OK and snap caps where the manufacturer recommends them.
6. Parts and paperwork
- ☐ Number of magazines matches the listing.
- ☐ Original box, manual, or receipts, if promised.
- ☐ Any aftermarket parts are disclosed. Ask if anything was modified or repaired.
7. Ask the seller
- How long have you owned it?
- How many rounds, roughly, has it fired?
- Any malfunctions, repairs, or modifications?
- Why are you selling it?
Vague or changing answers are a warning sign.
Red flags: walk away if…
- The serial number is missing, scratched or doesn't match.
- The seller won't let you look closely or rushes you.
- The bore is badly pitted or bulged, or the frame is cracked.
- The price is far below market with no good reason.
- The seller won't meet at a shop or public place.
- The seller wants payment before you see the gun. See How to Avoid Gun Classifieds Scams.