Joeygrouse,
I'm shocked to hear that this stuff happened to you at Orvis. I find Jordan Smith to be an excellent gunsmith that does not make mistakes like the ones you described.
Now if you conveyed the facts about the honing work to the Bostonian in the gun room that shall remain nameless, I can 100% he would have taken a yah-yah-yah attitude wiht you and omitted that fact to the gunsmith.
I'd suggest you speak with Jordan directly about the situation since they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee at Orvis and the man is a gentleman not prone to disenfanchising customers. You will get your money back or a proper accomodation. I've never, ever heard of Orvis not standing behind their work or their customers.
And for what its worth, I'd definitely forget the sleeving via TIG adn instead would have it go through the Teague Lining process and a reproof at London. The gun will look perfect and you'll get a superior gun than any other option. I think the cost is about $4100-$4500 door-to-door with reproof costs included. A briley tube set is just not the same thing and will make the gun handle like a boat oar 28gauge...it deserves better.
