Anything I am buying for personal use, I always ask if I can test fire it at a range before closing the deal. If the answer is "No", I just move on. In general, look for wear and tear on the outside. Closely check the bore using a bore light. Also look at the crown. A crisp crown is a good sign. While a visual is no assurance that you are getting a good rifle.

I am a fan of working with a quality, mom-pop gun shop rather than a mega store when it comes to used gear. I have bought from two here in the Birmingham area ... Mark's Outdoors in Vestavia and Simmons in Bessemer. Both have good used firearms at reasonable prices and stand behind the used gear with a very generous time line guarantee. I would suspect any reputable gun shop up your way would do similar.