I have heard about the Madis book and I own the other. I will track down the Madis book to be able to converse a bit more intelligently on this subject matter. I am fairly confident that Mr. Fox is right, a blindfolded comparison between nickel steel guns and Proof Steel would likely only confuse me further. What I can say is that when I was looking for the lightest Model 12 I could find, the nickel steel guns being advertised were noticeably lighter (by several ounces). Now, as it has been pointed out earlier on this post, the early guns very likely had less-dense wood and perhaps shorter dimensions. This would affect overall wight and perhaps handling as well. Winchester has always been famous for building very durable products out of the finest steels available and I'm sure Proof Steel only contributed to that very fine reputation.
Last edited by Lloyd3; 01/05/13 09:35 PM.
