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The 97 is together and the test at the range shows a nice smooth action. It turns it that the top of the tube was (almost) imperceptibly out of round! Resulting in binding when I tried to slide the tube into the receiver. This poor shotgun had been used and abused and retains zero bluing except for the bolt and the clamp that secures the magazine tube to the barrel. A previous owner had boogered up one of the screw holes at the top of the tube and somehow put the top out of round. Careful and slow adjustment with a wooden dowel and light taps with a ball peen hammer adjusted it properly.
This shotgun is so heavy that it absorbs the recoil like I am shooting low power loads. Now, the big question (and I believe I know the answer) - should I have it reblued or leave it alone. Again, zero blue left with darkening of the barrel and receiver that look to be decades old marks left from dirty hands.
Ideas?
Thank you for your replies.
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