Any part big enough to have the last two numbers of the sn will be marked. This does not include small springs, ect. This includes the magazine(s)and in the best cases the grips also. The dollar amount drives the disassembly. If you are standing at a gun show table three deep and its a $600 gun sold as matching then examination isn't an option. If its a $1500 gun the examination is a must. Another factor is the seller. Some will not allow disassembly for obvious reasons - small parts, breakage, inexperience, ect. Others, in fact a whole lot of them, don't know how to take one apart and don't know if its matching or not. And then get real upset if you tell them what they don't want to hear. Make your mind up what you want to buy and how much. Broadly based, there are shooters - generally non matching, reblued, or matching non refinished (includes imports) or combinations of all - that, depending on models, are in the $450-$600 range. Collectors require careful and complete examination in a quiet place with good light and a 10x glass. Again, the $ drives the situation. The most important factor is you as an informed buyer knowing what to look for.
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