I'd also say it looks scary how thinned the barrel looks around the rib. There may be some ring bulge present, but it has the look like the chamber hinged outward with the pivot point around the right side of the extractor notch. Note to myself, take a look in the chamber towards the midline, my feeling is that dark spot would have looked suspicious without much effort. Thanks Doc Drew for presenting the incident, doing the digging, and explaining the possible rib extension construction that's hidden from view. Will be watching for updates.
I'd edit to add, that even though it may have been a common construction technique, it certainly has the look like it breaks the classic rules of barrel thickness for the location. It could have been exaggerated by chamber work, but it still leaves the possibility of relative thinness combined with potentially higher corrosion risk in the same general area. Only thoughts.
Last edited by craigd; 05/03/19 09:42 PM.
