I just got my beloved 1902 Field grade back from my gunsmith. She looks great. It was discovered that about six inches above the chamber my twist barrel is giving way on the right tube, shades of Sherman Bells lastest DGJ article. He noticed rust coming out of the area when he re-blued the barrels. We of course had the conversation about not shooting her, not such a great day in Illinois Country.
I have to say I'm glad I did bring her in to be redone because the barrels are mirror bore and still ring, even tonight. I would have continued to shoot it with my blackpowder loads. However, I also looked at Revdocdrews post with the blown barrel and Dr. Bill's posts. I much prefer my left hand intact.
Would Briley do the work with my barrel with a crack in the barrel or hang her on the wall? There is a 1948 Field grade at a local shop for 970. Are the Briley's worth it? They are about half of the way to a more modern LC.