Except for the rare pristine or collector grade examples, most guns are not in the 'original' condition they were in when they left the workshop 120 odd years ago. Wood shrinks, checkering becomes worn, screw are buggered, barrels get pits, are honed, etc.

Refinishing or restoring to a condition that serves or pleases the owner, is alone his prerogative. That includes sleeving a gun with marginal barrels so it can return to full use.

Gits and funsmashers be damned.


Carry on

Jim