I have bought quite a few guns from LBS on Gunbroker and had built up a trust level with them since they generally tried to point out flaws in their copy. They have lots of clear pictures and a pretty good description. I have seen several instances where guns have been returned and relisted that they reported why it was returned and had pictures of the flaws. I find that admireable compared to the normal dealer practice of including some bogus excuse accusing the buyer.
This gun I found an anomoly. It had a lot of obvious faults not pointed out and the whole business of not removing the barrels seemed like an afterthought thrown in.
I take a different view than a lot of people. I recognize originality and understand the pricing structure, but it isn't a driving force in my buying. A gun that has been modified is sometimes much more asthetically pleasing and functionally serviceable for some uses, and can be obtained and used at a bargain price. Right after the ad came out, I wrtoe them a note and asked for a picture or explanation of the details of that statement. They did send pictures but they were four copies of the same shot of the bottom of the action without the forearm, hich showed exactly nothing. I replied asking for shots of the action open from the side without the forend to try to get a better idea of the situation. I never recieved a reply but the last three or four shots were added to the listing. Amazingly, the shots added I had asked four appear to be duplicates again.
As an aside, I remember seeing that goofy J E M gouged into another mid-level gun a few years ago. I'm thinking it may become an affordable speciality collecter biche. Winston Churchill moved completely out of my price range years ago, but maybe a "JEM" group? They are apparently out there. He must have died young before he rose to prominence. THat could ultimately work to a collecter's advantage.
