Look at how clean the barrel is. This will tell you how well (in general) the previous owner(s) have taken care of the gun. Also look at the condition of the finish in particular the stock and bluing on the metal components. If it looks like it is decent shape, but is kind of dirty, don't be scared away from it. It likely has attracted a lot of dust to the oil while sitting on the shelf at the gun shop. If you can, ask to tear it down and ask for a cleaning rod.
I recently purchased a used Winchester 1300 from Gander Mountain. Bore and barrel looked good, but the gun was generally dirty. Asked if I could tear it down to look at it. A minute later I had it stripped down and then asked for a cleaning rod and a rag. It ended up cleaning up really nice.
A big part of it depends on how good of a deal it is. If it is cheap enough, I'm almost willing to overlook about any imperfection as long as it is still safe to shoot.
Another thing to consider when you see certain visual imperfections such as scratches and dings is if you think you can restore it yourself. The 1300 I purchased I ended up completely refinishing the stock. Pictures on the following thread.
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/shotgun-talk/153210-winchester-1300-range-report.html
I recently purchased a used Winchester 1300 from Gander Mountain. Bore and barrel looked good, but the gun was generally dirty. Asked if I could tear it down to look at it. A minute later I had it stripped down and then asked for a cleaning rod and a rag. It ended up cleaning up really nice.
A big part of it depends on how good of a deal it is. If it is cheap enough, I'm almost willing to overlook about any imperfection as long as it is still safe to shoot.
Another thing to consider when you see certain visual imperfections such as scratches and dings is if you think you can restore it yourself. The 1300 I purchased I ended up completely refinishing the stock. Pictures on the following thread.
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/shotgun-talk/153210-winchester-1300-range-report.html