I don't recall exactly, but I thought Armor Steel barrels were not found on post-1913 guns. I am not that far from your geographic location and I still find decent Smiths in like condition for what you are offering. From your description, I don't see it being tragic if he won't take $600.00. I picked up a nicer condition Ideal grade 12 ga. 2 yrs ago for a little more than your offer for a Field or OO grade. That was before the Great Depression of 2008. At a PGCA show in Greensburg, Pa. in 2007, I passed up a 98-99% original finish field grade Elsie for $950.00 and watched the guy take it home. I kind of regret that one, but I was dealing with a guy on a makers cased Thomas Bland 12 bore Paradox with mold and accessories, and didn't have the money with me to buy both. I ended up with neither because the Bland owner was just sucker fishing, and also left (with the gun) after another guy offered him over $1000.00 more than it was worth. My rule, which is not for everybody, is to never buy a gun if I could not easily get that price for it were I to sell it tomorrow. I worked too hard for my money to piss it away, and have enough guns that desperation is not part of any transaction. Field grade Smiths in this condition are not rare and you will find another, maybe all original. I don't like to think it, but I know that in this economy it's more of a buyers market.
Last edited by keith; 12/24/09 04:22 PM.
