Posted by David Williamson on August 3, 2016, 6:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Project gun"
Ed, if this gun is from 1886 it will not have fluid steel barrels. Off the top of my head, I think fluid steel barrels were offered in the 1890's Could you post the serial number and I will be able to get you close to year made.
Brownell's carries the Manson style gage. In my opinion hard to use, as you have to make sure you hold the barrels parallel to the rod as you are taking readings. I would find someone that has the Galazan style, much more accurate and you are able to go from bottom rib to top rib in any increment in inches as you like. Some also like the Hosford gage, I find it to be hard to use when taking readings from the muzzle end, but I guess you have to get used to it.
The lowest grade Quality 2 had 22-24 lines to the inch checkering.