Woodsrunner; since we will never know for sure why the SAC gun in question is reverse-choked, your suggestion is as revelant as any others. And please don't hesitate to post suggestions; most folks here don't "bite", and I learned something about muzzleloaders I never knew.
Paul: When your gun was here for photos, I wondered about the finish quality on the internals; but given my credentials as a shade-tree gunsmith, I wouldn't have touched those screws if you had paid me to do so! Given the quality of your gun, I am not surprised to learn internals were given a jeweled finish; your gun still remains the finest Syracuse or Hollenbeck gun that has surfaced to date. I, and others here would be very interested to see those photos. As FYI, the top lever spring (a "V" shaped spring) installed on SAC guns is small in comparison to most; and I have seen several SAC guns with broken and/or weak springs. Fortunately they are a relatively easy fix.
Also as FYI, I have personally examined the SAC "Directory Gun" you put me onto; it is an amazing gun with several features that were never put into production. The gun remains in excellent condition; but I believe the barrels have been shortened as they measure only 27". Tom
