I have seen a factory set of 24" tubes, and they didn't have any space between the tubes. This set has at least a 1/16" gap, and epoxy placed there to fill he gap. I'd guess that it didn't leave the factory that way, but never say never! Anyone wanting to see what a sure-e-nuff factory set of 24 inch barrels looks like is welcome to swing by the LC Smith display in Sanford.....