Point is that it is factory and safe to shoot also it is covered when the for-end is on. Pretty it may not be but rugged as heck it certainly is. These guns were built tough and at a price point. Extra finishing would have been out of place and driven up the cost. That gun will last until the writing on most of our tomb stones is worn very shallow with just normal care. And the weld will be just a ugly and just as sound. Shoot it and have fun. It is a genuine Winchester double gun.