Originally Posted By: bladeswitcher
So, imagine you came into possession of a very nice old shotgun. In this case a high condition, top-level model British BSA shotgun with factory 2-3/4 chambers (engraved, ejector model). The gun is factory choked open on the right and a tight full on the left.

How big of a sin is it to have a qualified professional open the tight barrel to a choke constriction more appropriate for the owner's use (say light-mod or mod)? Does this ruin the value of the gun forever? Is it better to maintain originality, knowing the gun will likely collect dust in the back of the safe or adopt the gun to modern shells and uses and give the old gal a new lease on life?

BTW, I've had chokes opened on a number of guns in the past. This one just seems a bit more sacred somehow. Should some guns simply not be altered? (ETA: If it makes any difference, the barrel is marked simply "CHOKE".)


To my thinking on old English doubles it hurts in two instances were guns are in very nice original condition. Long range fowler or trap/pigeon guns. There won't be many takers for those if barrels are lightly choked.