received another bit of information from the seller...."the barrels were measuring at Coles Fine Guns in Naples, Florida, 9 inches from the breech and i was told it was perfectly safe to fire with 2.5 shells. It's a reputable company and I trust them."

that's in reference to the .028 & .029 measurements.....another rocket surgeon/brain scientist, methinks....

best regards,

tom

"it's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards."
lewis carroll, Alice in Wonderland