I bought a 1897 12 ga. 30" full choke at an online auction. The description said that it had been reblued and had a modern stock and forearm. I figured that it would be perfect to chop up and make a riot gun. There are TONS of old stocks out there to replace the new stuff.
What I got really surprised me. The bluing is really well done and about 90%. The stock and forearm are almost perfect checkered American walnut. Fit and finish is impeccable. I researched the stock maker. It was made by Bishop, who went out of business about 30 years ago.
Action works smoothly and tight.
Now, I don't know what to do. I feel kinda cheesy chopping up a perfectly fine shooter that someone put love, money, and time putting together. I'm wondering if it would be worth trying to find someone who would be interested in preserving it and using it, or if I should go ahead and chop away. Steel shot would shred this puppy.
So, any thoughts? I'm not posting pics right now because I'm hiding it from my wife. She said something about a sleeping bag and the shed if I brought home any more "treasures. "
What I got really surprised me. The bluing is really well done and about 90%. The stock and forearm are almost perfect checkered American walnut. Fit and finish is impeccable. I researched the stock maker. It was made by Bishop, who went out of business about 30 years ago.
Action works smoothly and tight.
Now, I don't know what to do. I feel kinda cheesy chopping up a perfectly fine shooter that someone put love, money, and time putting together. I'm wondering if it would be worth trying to find someone who would be interested in preserving it and using it, or if I should go ahead and chop away. Steel shot would shred this puppy.
So, any thoughts? I'm not posting pics right now because I'm hiding it from my wife. She said something about a sleeping bag and the shed if I brought home any more "treasures. "