Great recommendation on the 1894 Remington and Ithaca. I too picked up a rather decent 1894 ejector 1894 12 Remington in the last year. I guess I lucked out as it needed a top lever spring and considered by the shop owner as " way too dangerous to shoot as it has damascus barrels". He then pulled out a rather nice "G" grade Lefever (damascus) and proceeded to offer a package wall hanger deal for me.
I don't normally get lucky as many other do on this type of transaction but that was my one lucky day.
In short, I get as much enjoyment shooting the lower grade vintage SxS as the higher end. I guess it's the history behind each unique arm...
