There is a possible reason for the scratches in the shot barrels that has not been extensively discussed (argued about?), and that is a hundred years of use with black powder with subsequent cleaning, using various grades of abrasives that may not have been suitable for cleaning barrels. The breech face shows signs of heavy black powder use over many years. There was an earlier comment suggesting that the nitro proof of the rifle barrel indicates the shot barrel attached to it may have also been nitro proofed. The barrels would have been separately proofed according to the ammo intended and each barrel would carry its own proofmarks. The firing pin bush evident on the breech face is not original to the gun. The original "hound's tooth" firing pin was likely replaced with a "gas proof" Mann Niedner type, and likely during the conversion to 222 Remington. The signs of black powder use illustrate my well known, but admittedly prejudiced aversion to using black powder in my antique guns. My opinion concerning the bushed firing pin is based on a similar conversion of my Sauer BF in 9.3x72R Sauer & Sohn. I believe if the barrels had straight rifling to use .577 Snider (Snyder), or other rifle, ammo, they would have required proofing as a rifle. As always, I may be entirely wrong.
Raimey,
If you want to try .577 and need rifle cases let me know.
Mike
