Colin, you are buying the gun. A good dealer helps, but in the long run, you are buying the gun. The Crosnoe gun is bored full and full and will increase in value. The stock may be way higher than you are used to shooting. The Allen gun may suit your purposes better, but will never be worth a dollar more than you pay for it. He was very honest about that. If you can live with full and full, buy the Crosnoe gun. I would look for a looser choked original gun from another reputable dealer.