I'll agree with Dig on this one. My take is that, as with anything that is 100+ years old, you cannot dictate the history of piece. You have to accept it for what it is and price it accoardingly. I'll gladly buy an out of proof gun if it still safe and the price is right, especially if its a rare gun. I own some very nice guns that, if it was perfect world, would be a little different. Maybe better bores on some, no recoil pad added on another, or that the stock has been refinished. In each case the guns were bought for overall condition, grade and the rarity of the piece. I own on gun that might be unfired. It too was bought under the same criteria. As Dig pointed out, whats a guy to do? I have been shopping for such a gun myself, but keep letting British rifles sidetrack me. In the past 5 years the cost of good guns has gone up considerably. If the gun is what you want, safe and priced right, I see no reason not to buy. Thats just my take on the market.
Steve

Firearms imports, consignments


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]