ORIGINAL: alleyyooper
I would buy an inline used if I were able to remove the bolt and breach plug for a view of the bore.
I'm not sure if I would buy a side lock used or not. Many Gun shops don't have a range nore Have I found one that allows a trial. If I were able to check the bore I might buy a side lock used.
For display Buy what ya think looks good on the wall over the FP.
Al
IF the bore of the sidelock is .50 or larger, take an empty .45 ACP case and polish up the head with a rouge cloth so it shines like a mirror. Drop it down the bore with the shiny face toward you and let it sliude down to the breechplug. Now shinea flashight down the bore. It will give you plenty of light for inspecting the bore!! For a .45, use a .38 Special case. For smaller bores, use a .32 or .25 ACP case.