What are the inspection guidelines (shootability, mechanical, etc...) you use for evaluating a top break shotgun. I typically buy cheap single shots and sxs to learn the whole restoring process on.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Scott

82nd, I like single shots as well. Lots cheaper to collect than sxs guns. I love the English singles.

I've had some internet and gunshow sellers tell me not to worry about the toplever being way over to the left because singles don't lock up the way doubles do. Don't buy that.

I'd suggest taking down the gun at a show to be sure the serial numbers match and the forearm will go back on. In the alternative ask that specific question in an internet sale. Be sure the "kicker" works and will re-set upon closing...Geo

Thanks George I appreciate your input. For some reason that doesn't sound like a hard question but some gunsmithing enthusiast I talk to they don't really have an answer for it and not much came up on internet searches.

How long is a piece of string . There are so many things to consider , but as you want to buy "to learn the whole restoring process " then what does it matter ? Its something to restore .

You might have seen this already, but here is a link to Jack Rowe demonstrating how he inspects a double

https://youtu.be/94gy6qGf3VQ

Gunman-I've only restored 7 shotguns so far but I do plan on doing a lot more. So for future purchases I would like to know what to look for so I have an idea the extent of work the guns are going to need. An there's a lot of info you can get from books and videos but I also like to get input from those professionals and more experienced enthusiast that frequent on this forum.

Woodreaux-thanks again for another response.