First off, all barrels do not ring like bells. Some do, some don't, but don't think that if they don't something is wrong.
Also as stated some barrels will have voids along the length.
The best way is to take .0015-.002 shim stock, it usually comes about 1/2" wide by 12" long, cut it with ordinary sharp scissors to about a 1/4" and put the cut end on a piece of metal with the flat end of a ball pein or carpenders hammer and draw it between the two to take the burr off.
Try inserting it as you go along each side of the barrels. If it slides in, take note of how far it travels until it stops, and go on till the end.
If it was a pressed in ivory sight, I doubt if it fell through, the hole should have been smaller than the diameter of the bead.
Going to someone else, you can probalby expect to pay up to $600 for re-laying the rib and re-rusting, as the barrels will need to be stripped again.
Good luck and let yus know how you make out.
Last edited by JDW; 07/08/11 08:21 PM.
