chilliman wrote:being the newb that I am I have a question which might be obvious to everyone else here = how do you check to see if the bore is ok? is it as simple as using a torch and having a look or is it more complicated? that is of course if I am not able to shoot it as part of my inspection, like at a gun show.
It should be bright and shiny- many aren't and this can be rust, oil, grease etc. If it doesn't clean up after a pass or two it is possibly an issue(it may clean up who knows).
If you can't see any obvious internal pits of damage and the muzzle doesn't have wear marks from pull throughs then run a wrapped jag down the bore, it should be smooth and consistant all the way.
If you don't have bore guages then pull out your .312(standard .303 projectile) and it DEFINATELY shouldn't go down the bore, if it does then walk. Test it with a .308 as well which also shouldn't go down (The .303 refers to the distance between the lands).
Checking headspace is also a wise move but most end up okay as long as the bolt matches the action.
Honestly, I have a few .303's and wouldn't buy one unless I could check it myself or get a moneyback guarantee.