WAugusta,
Go for the Smith! I have a W. Richards 10 bore. Mine doesn't have belguim proofs only Birmingham (1887 to 1904 proofs). I can't remember when that series of proofs began but I do know the 1904 is correct. The shotgun is designed to look pretty on the outside and is not so hot on the inside. I knew mine was'nt a Westly Richards as the dealer told me when I bought it. It did however come to the shoulder nice, despite the ten pound heft. Needless to say, It came home with me from the gunshow.
That said, mine has had the barrels magna-fluxed and they are solid. I have been shooting blackpowder out of mine and it has been quiet amuzing! My trap load is 4.24 drams of bp and 1 1/8th oz of shot. I used Republic Mettalic Cartridges 5 dram load of #4 bismuth on a pair of mallards earlier this month. Enjoy the Smith!!
