The naysayer reminds me of a poster on another forum (similar user name) who always has something negative to say about everything posted.
Having said that, I own 13 Elsies-- all pre-'13 guns, and shoot them all. None have cracks, none have been bedded, none are oil soaked, and all are shot with the appropriate ammo. I was careful to examine them for signs of oil stains at the head before purchasing, and maintain and store them properly. I've seen plenty of Elsies with cracked stocks, and an equal number of old boxlocks, i.e. Foxes, Parkers, and Ithacas with pinned heads and cracks-- all as the result of improper cleaning, storage, and/or improper ammo.
Elsies don't have a corner on that market----.
