A postscript: My worst fears were realized when my buddy (a great hunter, but no gun expert) showed up on the doorstep with his new acquisition ... a full choke, 2.5-in. gun whose "great" condition was the result of a total refinish of wood and metal, including rebluing over polished surfaces still showing evidence of light pitting. You can imagine my silent struggle after he asked, "What do you think? How would you grade it"? I tried to soften the blow, but gave him the straight stuff. He absorbed the news slowly, as he realized he was already $200 in the hole on a gun that really needs a bunch of alteration to be the waterfowler he'd hoped it would be. It would be okay if it was a 12, or if he was a reloader ... he'd have a gun he could beat the hell out of with a clear conscience, but as it is, it isn't good for upland (too tight and too heavy) or waterfowl (no good off-the-shelf ammo available). I guess he could shoot turkeys with 2.5-in 4's. We've all learned a few early lessons the hard way, but I wish I could have helped him avoid this one. TT
