Almost certainly the barrels would have been browned and the action color hardened.Looks like someone just blacked all the metal parts at the same time.The 1 1/8 oz. nitro proofing relates to 2 1/2"
chambers. 2 3/4" chambers would have required 1 1/4 oz.proofing during this period. Good luck with your project.


Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought stupid,than open it and confirm.