Shoulda Done some homework.. (sorry long 1st post)

[QuailChaser]

Hey, I just bought a 10 yr old Super Black Eagle.. Camo pattern, 12GA 3 1/2" etc..
It does not look like it's been used too hard..
I had heard many good things about the SBE, but had never picked one up. I've hunted w o/u shotguns forever..
I duck/goose hunt twice a season, and have a Baretta 12 o/u that was kicking the crap out of me in a goose pit. It also weighed 20 lbs, (maybe a little less, ha) so lugging it to the pit was torture.. I also used it for turkeys, its killed a bunch of turkeys, but once again carrying it was a pita..
Ok, so now I own a 10 yr old SBE, did I make a mistake? I will say it comes up perfect for me. I had never picked up a semi-auto before that "felt" right. My head was always way to high. (I'm 6'5") anyway the SBE feels good. (In Cabella's)
I have not shot it yet. I have a 30 day, no questions asked return policy. But the price was right, so I grabbed it.
Any suggestions, on checking it out for problems? What are the issues with the original SBE? I hear keeping it properly oiled is key.. What are the main problems?
Anyway, I like the feel of it, I just need to take it out for a round or two of trap & skeet, to see if it even fires.
What chokes do you guys use for ducks & geese? With just one barrel I have to pick the right one..
Thanks,
Jeff

[mudhen]

If it has the new sheet metal ejector plate, you should be fine

10 years ago is close to when they changed the design from the hockey stick that can break often, to the flat sheet metal type that still can break, but less often.

Also, watch out for a rusted or just dirty recoil spring. Many folks never properly clean their guns and end up with gummed up springs and guns that don't cycle reliably. Learn how to clean the SBE recoil assembly properly.

All of my SBE's have liked extended chokes from Briley, Carlson, Primos, etc. in Mod, LM, IC, etc. If I had to pick one for ducks and geese, it would be just about any decent brand in Mod.

[QuailChaser]

If it has the new sheet metal ejector plate, you should be fine

10 years ago is close to when they changed the design from the hockey stick that can break often, to the flat sheet metal type that still can break, but less often.

Thank you! How do I tell if I have the "new" ejector plate? It looks new inside, when I broke it down. Can't find a spec of dirt anywhere..
Thanks again,
Jeff

[mudhen]

Thank you! How do I tell if I have the "new" ejector plate? It looks new inside, when I broke it down. Can't find a spec of dirt anywhere..
Thanks again,
Jeff

By looking at it

The old hockey stick style looks like a short hockey stick.

The new sheet metal one looks like a piece of sheet metal.