Y'all keep talking about the top rib, I imagine that the original barrels were brazed together, while that ugly ramp was soldered in place. If I'm right, then it would be a relatively easy job to remove the rib and solder by heating without hurting the integrity of the brazed ribs whatsoever. As for the beavertail, inside every beavertail forend is a splinter forend.
Steve

Approach life like you do a yellow light - RUN IT! (Gail T.)