Should you buy shotguns with worn chequering?

Shotguns
MIKE GEORGE
The state of the chequering is quite a good guide to how much a gun has been shot and how well it has been looked after.

It?s a bit like checking the wear on the pedal rubbers of a used car ? to see if the seller is telling porkies about the mileage.

In this respect, looking at the state of the chequering is just one guideline among many.

The seller could have had the chequering re-cut before offering an otherwise well-worn gun for sale, or the gun might have been well maintained without the chequering being attended to.

With most old guns it?s worth letting a gunsmith have a look.

He might charge a small amount for his time but it will be money well spent if it means you avoid making an expensive mistake.