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Like many semi-auto sporters, 7400's are susceptible to chambers becoming pitted from lack of maintenance, hunting in rain, etc. Once that happens, the firearm is no longer reliable. Due to the way they are designed, it's very difficult to visually inspect the chamber before buying.
If the "stock looks a bit beat up" and the muzzle and crown are "worn on the end," that's probably a good indication that the former owner didn't take care of the inside of the firearm either. Bottom line is, unless there were return/refund assurances or similar guarantees, there's no way I'd pay more than scrapped parts value for any centerfire semi-auto at a pawn shop.
Incidentally, I own and occasionally hunt with a used 7400 in .308, and have had good service from it. I purchased it from a gun shop where I did regular business and knew the seller would stand behind it. That was about 1990, and even then I paid more than $225 for it. It's still working just fine. You get what you pay for.
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