This is pretty well a mantra. And while it may be great advice, I've never done it. First, I don't know any competent shotgun gunsmiths in my area, and second, a competent gunsmith would also have to be a metalurgist to uncover flaws that an experienced wouldn't uncover himself.
Most of us know when a gun should be a shooter or a Cracker Barrel gun. Most of us know, I think, when a gun is worth the expense of repairing, which is an expensive proposition.
"Don't shoot damascus barrels" used to be another mantra. If the barrels are pitted, I'd agree, but barrels that in good shape should do just fine with a reasonable load. I think most regular gunsmiths would tell you not to shoot them, regardless. It's a liability thing.
I'm no gunsmith, but I can tell if a gun is on the face, if the barrels ring true, and if anything is broken that would endanger the safety of the shooter. If such conditions exist, I don't buy the shotgun.
I wonder how many of you get your guns checked by a competent gunsmith. Maybe if I were pushing the envelope on a very collectible gun, I'd do it, but generally I think the gunsmith sees what I see, with more experienced eyes, but still.....
