Good thread—this is exactly the kind of topic where details and firsthand experience really matter. One thing I’ve learned with these older doubles is that small features (proof marks, chamber length, barrel condition, original finish) can make a huge difference in both value and usability.
It also seems like a lot of these discussions come down to balancing originality vs. practicality. Some folks prefer keeping everything as-is for collector value, while others lean toward making the gun more shootable. There’s no single “right” answer—it really depends on what you want out of it.
Appreciate everyone sharing insights—threads like this are what make these forums worth reading.
