Ron, I'm surprised that no one else has responded. In any event, I'll stick my neck out-- $175 is indeed a good buy for any shootable Smith. Yours is an early Marlin-era gun, as determined by the "S" in the serial number prefix. As to the "case color" barrels, they are not, and should be stamped Armor Steel on the underside underneath the forend. I cannot offer an explanation for their appearance, but if you can post pictures I'm sure that one of us can offer opinion(s). Have it checked out before taking it to the field, and welcome to our group.