Monoblocking is significantly stronger structurally
With monoblocing the base to which the barrels are sleeved is a solid piece and stronger than chopper lump barrels cut off and attached to. So with sleeved vintage guns the foundation while not as strong as monoblocking it is still robust and capable of handling the pressures of normal use and definitely pass proof.
I pointed out monoblocking in that it is similar to sleeving in terms of seams, which is the normal objection to sleeved vintage guns
Ill give you the point about the forged, tool steel, monobloc being stronger than the remaining stub of a set of chopper lump barrels.
That said, what percentage of guns actually have chopper lump barrels? Maybe 5%?
Meaning, the very far larger percentage of guns were built with lesser methods of barrel construction. The stub can be brazed, soldered, silver soldered, welded, or, any combination of the above. All you guys bragging about your sleeved guns that passed proof 10-20 years ago havent been paying attention to the numbers of guns that are failing revised proof in Olde Blighty today. If you think your sleever would pass today, you might be in for a rude awakening. Sleeved guns are not accepted for reproof in France, because, French proof tends to tear them apart.
Dont lament too much about your old gun not selling, ed. Most of the sleevers you linked to have been there for years, some for a decade.
It isnt that hard to find a gun that hasnt been sleeved. Barrels are the heart of a gun. Buy the best you can. That, is never a sleever.
Best,
Ted
