Thank you so much for your advice guys.

I already have a good idea of what a good price should be (verified by your advice) and never have problems with making an offer and walking away from a negotiation, whatever the deal. Bottom line is I don't need to save the last $25 and will be happy with a fair price if I see what I want - I'd rather find what I like for a fair price than search another month to save a few bucks.

Thanks also for the technical/inspection points. I've been looking at some used guns recently, and am happy to say that I've muddled through most (but not all) of the points you made sometimes almost unconsciously. I'm especially happy to get the advice on specific checks for a lever action, having only owned bolts, pumps and semi-auto rifles and shotguns so far. I'm printing a check list!

What is a bore light? I have a mini mag flashlight and some medical pen lights. I'm thinking this is something different? Should I be able to find one at local gun shop?

Thanks again.