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The other day my favorite shop had an interesting looking used Italian double 12 SxS with German barrels. Light, well balanced. Came up pretty nicely. Price tag wasn't on it yet, but in my head guessed it as worth about $1K.

So, with permission, I visually checked the barrels, popped the forearm off, rowed or paddled or wiggled the gun without the forearm. Twisted it in my hands. Then pulled the barrels off, looked carefully at everything, then hung the barrels by the lug from my finger and rang 'em. Visually checked the barrels again. Asked for a rag, put it back together,

Opened it and closed it a few times, Checked the lever position. Carefully looked over the wood. Asked the man for a bore gauge and used it. Asked the man for snap caps and used 'em. Grabbed the rag again, wiped it all down and put it back up. Thing was choked tighter than bug's butt.

I was thinking it wouldn't be a bad gun for $800 to $1K, but I'd have to have the chokes opened and changed the pad for a better fit. Had it been I/C and Mod or lighter choked, I'd have probably taken it home, but my need for another 12 isn't overwhelming.

The shop manager had a sort of pleased smile on his face, so asked him "What?" And he said, "You'd be surprised how many people do none of those." Actually, I wouldn't be.

He marked the gun as $1,699 value, with an asking price of $1,399 and told me I could have it for $1K. I wonder if I could have walked away with it for $800 or $900. Probably just depends what kind of allowance they gave for it on trade.

I'm not surprised either. Well done. Very Happy