Posted by Jason on September 1, 2016, 7:51 pm, in reply to "Long Range"
The Internet gun purchase is a funny thing. Some swear they won't touch it, others thrive on it. Personally I don't know how you could find the rare and fine pieces without it. I do not consider myself an expert just an enthusiast, but I assume every seller knows considerably less than I do ( unless a specific double gun dealer, or gentleman I have met or dealt with before.). While there are always shady people out there, the truth is 99.9% of gunbroker sellers don't know there is a difference between rust bluing and hot bluing- certainly don't understand case color, and likely don't know that different companies original finishes look different. I.E. Shiny and dark is good and rusty is bad. Soooo. You have to do your best to gauge it all. My advice is this: if you aren't happy and have doubts you likely will always feel that way. My opinions aren't worth much to change that.
Bluing- if it is a proper blue job and it's a field grade gun you are going to shoot so be it. I wouldn't sweat it. If it is hot blued - return it as fast as you can. I bought a spectacular 3E with strong orig case and excellent figured wood and (unknown) hot blued barrels. It was terrible. Heavy errosion on muzzles and ribs. It was one of a few guns I returned - quickly.
Ringing: some swear by it , some don't. I like it but don't really care if it doesn't unless there is a buzz or vibration I can trace to a loose part.
Chambers : I wouldn't sweat it. Chambers can often measure "tight" in my experience. I have had two smiths measure at 2 5/8 in and closer to 2.5 than 2.75. I sold a very rare Lefever 20 that measured 2.25 before I was smart enough to know better
Other things : as far as what else may have been done ? Who knows. It's been 100 years and likely in a half dozen or more hands. It really doesn't matter if it will do what you want and you like the way it looks.
Doesn't sound bad too me , but you paid for it and you need to be pleased with it. Recognize if you aren't and act from there. Just my 2 cents