Hello Dave
Yup... Take the forend securing nut off and remove the gun's forend. Once it is off remove the barrel and carefuly turn the gun so it is pointed down with your hand over the end of the magazine tube and shake out the gas Piston. Pay close attention to the gas Piston to make sure it does not have Black Goo on it. If it is clean, with only mild burnt powder residue on it chances are the recoil Buffer is still good. While the Gas Piston is out shine a light down into the gas chamber and make certain it is not all Black goo under the gas piston area. if it is clean in that area chances are it is fine. I hope this helps, Hammerdown