Assuming you have looked at the rifle now take off the forend. Hold the action body in one hand and twist the barrels with the other. If there is any movement it has a loose hinge pin. This is fixable and not the catastrophy some would have you think.

Take the barrels off and look down the bores, from both ends. You can see things from one direction that you can't see from the other. Look for pitting of the chambers and the bores. This is usually caused by the corrosive primers used in the olden days. Light pitting and worn rifleling does not mean the rifle will not shoot well.

I have had one rifle that was so badly pitted in the chamber that the brass would fill in the pits when fired and ejectors could not pull the shell out. The normal solution here is a rechamber and rebore. Worst case scenario is new barrels.

Take the barrels and 'hang them' upside down on a finger and then strike them with something hard. There whould be a sharp tone. If the sound is flat or dull then the ribs could be seperated. This will mean resoldering, reblacking and reregulating.

While apart, check the flats of the barrels for proof marks. Make sure it is a nitro proof and what the load is.

Place a horn or hard plastic block against the face and pull both triggers. Make sure that both firnig pinswork. Do not use wood as the pins can stick into the wood. You want them to rebound as they should. Look and see if the firing pins are bushed on the face. This is a mark of a better rifle.

Reassemble the rifle and, using snap caps, fire each barrel. If equipped with ejectors make sure they work. If possible let the snap caps exit the gun onto the floor or ground. See where the ejected caps or shells hit in relation to one another. This will let you know if the ejectors are tuned properly as they should end up side by side. This may not seem important but it is an indicator of overall condition and care.

Still like it? Then arrange to fire it. Never buy any Double that you cannot fire first. If the seller doesn't have any ammo have him get some or get it yourself. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If the seller won't let you shoot the rifle then walk away or make an offer appropriate to the worst case scenario of reregulation and resoldering of the rib.

Some rifles do not have a standard bore. Unless you know what it is get it slugged and miked. You are spending a lot of money so the seller should not mind any of this. Remember you are responsible for any damage you do during an inspection period.

I think that anything can be fixed. It all depends on what you pay up front that determinees a good deal.

Anybody else have any suggestions on what to look for?