The quickest down and dirty check of the build quality of a gun is to glance at one of the least suspected parts--the checkering on the top lever! If it is crudely or indifferently cut you can bet your bottom dollar much of the rest of the hidden parts of the gun are likewise. No, this isn't a fail proof test but it is darned close. Of course I'm speaking of hand cut work.

Remember the original poster asked for things to look for to determine original build quality, not current condition.


John McCain is my war hero.