OOPS Reminds me of the time I was at a gunshow with my buddy. We were both looking for Swiss Vetterli rimfire rifles to convert to centerfire as we could make brass from .348 Win. and do the machining at work. I spotted one and told the owner I’d be back before heading home. I kept browsing around , and my Buddy comes up to me to borrow some money as was our custom , because he knew I always had a fair bit of cash , just in case. after some more looking and I bought a few accessory’s and was finished , so I went back to get the Vetterli. Well it was sold so I was a little upset . Then I see my buddy carrying it out to the car. Scooped with my own money!! Guess there are no friends in gun deals. It is a good laff now . we did find a few with Exc. barrels (the Swiss apparently were under strict discipline to keep them immaculate) so even made in the 1880’s and black powder some bores are mint and they are tackdrivers. Bore size varries a lot , but I was lucky tio get one that likes a standard .429 bullet in around 260 gr. .

Phil

Hope no one minds if I share another anecdote. I was really green in the mid 70’s buying my first old Winchesters. I hsd bought the 94 in 32-40 from a local gun store , and he had a model 71 as well that I didnt know much about for $300 , I sensed it was a good gun for a good deal , .iSo I went to ask my knowledgeable Winchester  “buddys” at the Traders Den for info. They said wow that is a great deal where did you see it ? So I raced back to Sams to get it, and when I got there a few minutes later it was sold. Gee thats a coincidence I thought.

Phil