From what I gather alot of those rifles are not blued on the bottom of the barrel. As far as blueing wearing off so soon thats another story. Don't give up on the old girl just yet, while frustrating you have a traditional rifle. And that is how it was don't back in the day. And like was said before a TINY bit of filing on the front blade will move it alot. And if you still don't like it, clean and oil her up real good, then pack her well and send her to me. I will send you back a "more user friendly" Rifle in exchange
