With a gun originally made with thin barrels that still measure the same, there is no doubt that they are good for the job. Holland & Holland were re-barreling some guns at 20 thou in the 1980s.
When it comes to an originally thicker-walled gun that has been lapped versus one that has not, it comes down to money.
A 1915 Purdey with barrels that measure 25 thou' as original will cost a lot more than one with walls down to 19 thou' havng been lapped out by six thou'. Can you buy and use the thinner gun with confidence? Yes. Can you afford the thicker gun? No. what are you going to do?
If you want a Purdey and your budget sets you in the thin-wall bracket you buy the thin one or buy a gun by a lesser prestige maker. they key point is safety and durability. Would I be safe using the gun? Yes. If cared for, will it outlast me? Yes.
Would I sling it in the back of the Land Rover and chuck ferret boxes on top and risk denting the 'thin' barrels? No, but I would not do this to a best gun whatever barrel wall thickness was like.
Last edited by Small Bore; 07/17/07 07:29 AM.
