Some first class, exceedingly well made best guns originally had dovetail barrels, some made by the best barrel makers of their day.
My contention would be that lack of chopper lump barrels should not be a bar to supposing the gun to have been of best quality. I refer particularly to original spec, not replacement/restored guns.
Tim
Tim, I think that's a point that can be debated. There were also very fine guns made that were not stocked to the fences (although this one is). Does that lower them a notch from top quality? Re the barrels on this gun in particular, given the production date of 1904, I think one might contend that the barrels on a best quality gun--whether chopper lump or not--ought to be either best quality Damascus or else Sir Joseph Whitworth steel. But I'm not positive that would lower it from best quality to something less either. Will be interesting to see what Rocketman has to say re his rating system.
