Ted, if it's still within the return period and your friend wants one with absolutely no issues, which he can probably buy for a little more than $1,000, contact me at miclarry@netins.net and I'll give you more details. Gun used to belong to me, NID 16 of about the same vintage, all original except a pad added, no cracks, spotless bores, 28" M/F. It was a bit low for me, and on the heavy side.