Here's an old post from Researcher that explains the pellet count numbers, in case you're not aware of them. It might be somewhat helpful to tell if the tubes had been honed. If the current constriction deviates significantly from the original required to achieve the stamped count, it might be an indication. The percentages on my 1889 Grade 2 work out to be about Modified, and Improved Modified.
"Remington Arms Co. stamped the actual pellet counts of their test patterns on the rear barrel lug of their Model 1889 hammer doubles and their Model 1894 and 1900 hammerless doubles. If the number is three digits, that is the count, if the number is two digits a leading 3 is implied. From surviving hang-tags we know the standard load they used to target 12-gauge guns was 1 1/4 ounces of #8 going 511 pellets to the load. My 12-gauge KE-Grade Model 1900 is stamped 33 on the left and 24 on the right. That would be 333/511 = 65% left and 324/511 = 64% right, or about improved modified in both barrels. The chokes measure .027" in both barrels of that gun."
Last edited by Ken61; 05/28/15 04:11 PM.