If Bob were capable of doing all that work himself the gun would still be exactly the same, which is way better off than the rusted, pitted original, IMO. What is the point in keeping a rusty, pitted gun original?

I don't understand your point exactly, buzz. You feel that if Art Isaakson bought the gun Bob has, and did the work himself, it would somehow be different .............. "warm and sentimental", because he did the work himself? Or, does that only apply to non-professionals?

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.