Bill, you can check if it is un-cocked if the cocking arms are tight,(they are the two angled pieces on the end of the receiver) if they are loose then it is re-cocked. And yes the cresent wrench adjusted to just fit over them is a good way to do it. Also make sure that the lever on the forend is centered in the little intendation on the barrel lug, and that the cocking rods are facing up when you put the forend in place.