Ok - it sounds like we have general consensus that I shouldn't make 2 2/4" part of my criteria... It looks like most of you buy your 2 1/2" shells online... It also seems there is a general opinion concerning not buying from auctions, but instead a reputable dealer. Can you give me a few dealers online to look at both here in the USA and UK that you know and trust???? I've seem scores of sites with English guns, but I don't know there credentials. Also do you agree stay away from Damascus, even if I decide to go ahead and go with 2 1/2" nitro proofed chambers? Thanks for all of the good advice thus far, this is exactly what I needed.