Used rifle buying checklist: Tikka T1x and CZ 457

Tikka T1x

1. Do a safe-firearm check: unload it, with the action open and the magazine out.
2. Check the bore with a light: the rifling should be sharp at the muzzle and throat, with no pitting or bulges.
3. Look at the crown for dings. If threaded, check the threads and that the protector seats squarely.
4. Look at the bolt face and firing pin: no chips, and no peening marks at the chamber edge from dry-firing.
5. Cycle the bolt and safety: smooth, positive detents, and the safety blocks the trigger.
6. Test the trigger (if the seller allows): clean break, no creep jump, and it resets.
7. Check the action screws: no stripped heads; ask about torque. Look for cracks at the stock tang and recoil lug.
8. Test the magazine: it inserts and releases cleanly, and the feed lips aren't cracked.
9. Scope mount: no stripped or buggered screws; a rail may hide extra holes or damage.
10. Paperwork: serial number visible and unaltered; follow your state's private-sale or FFL transfer rules.
11. T1x: check that the magazine matches (T1x rimfire mags, not T3x), check for an aftermarket trigger or a replaced bolt shroud, and check that the rail screws aren't stripped.

CZ 457

1. Do a safe-firearm check: unload it, with the action open and the magazine out.
2. Check the bore with a light: the rifling should be sharp at the muzzle and throat, with no pitting or bulges.
3. Look at the crown for dings. If threaded, check the threads and that the protector seats squarely.
4. Look at the bolt face and firing pin: no chips, and no peening marks at the chamber edge from dry-firing.
5. Cycle the bolt and safety: smooth, positive detents, and the safety blocks the trigger.
6. Test the trigger (if the seller allows): clean break, no creep jump, and it resets.
7. Check the action screws: no stripped heads; ask about torque. Look for cracks at the stock tang and recoil lug.
8. Test the magazine: it inserts and releases cleanly, and the feed lips aren't cracked.
9. Scope mount: no stripped or buggered screws; a rail may hide extra holes or damage.
10. Paperwork: serial number visible and unaltered; follow your state's private-sale or FFL transfer rules.
11. CZ 457: check that the barrel matches the caliber (the barrel is swappable, so look at the markings), that the magazine fits (457/455 polymer vs 452 mags), and whether a replacement trigger is installed. An early CZ 455 is a different gun with different parts.