Hi Greg - thanks for all of the good advice.. maybe I should stay away from the auctions.. although it seemed the James Julia auction had some pretty nice stuff that was well documented and described in detail... regarding 2 3/4 vs. 2 1/2... I do not think, at least from my findings, that size ammo is readily availaible... I'm not concerned about the nitro proof aspect of it; I believe the brits have a superior proofing system.. just want to buy good ammo of the shelf and shoot clay or hunt without planning ahead with mail-order ammunition... I too have seen some brilliant 2 1/2" chambered guns.. just hesitant.. thats the reason Im asking all of you for advice.. I feel a bit adrift.. Thanks Steven