Thank you for your reply. I had the same concerns. I asked the rep. if he could check both sides near the lock plates for cracks. He went and got the gun and got back on the phone with the gun in hand to tell me that he could see no cracks on either side near the plates.
The nice thing with Cabela's is their 30 day money back guarantee. I have spoken with Dewey Vicknair and will take the gun to him next week if I deem the gun good in my eyes. I am also meeting a gent who has a couple Elsies at Cabela's so he can look it over.
Assuming that the gun only has cosmetic issues with the stock and lack of case color, what would you offer for the firearm? List price is $1399.