Sometimes we just have to suck it up and do what we need to in order to save a piece of American history. Replacing the damaged barrels with steel ones would have been ok in my opinion if it was the only option but being able to use the original ones is a big, big plus. You can never have to many 28's and the grouse and woodcock won't know the difference anyway.
My hat's off to you for saving a truly wonderful treasure.
