How long is the choke taper? If uncut should be 3 1/2 to 4 inches, shorter if cut.

One thing I look for also besides the usual things that have been discussed here is the very ends of the barrels themselves. If you notice in Tom's picture the muzzles are slightly rounded and worn. If the muzzles look too new compared to the rest of the guns condition I go right to choke length.

I've decided to pass on this gun. The fellow who owns it (outside of Richmond, Va) told me he had taken it to Greentop and had their smith look at it and they said it was cut. He told me the cut isn't flush and one side of the barrels is shorter then the other. He also said it had a ripple in the damascus on the left barrel about 5" from the end of the barrel. I think this is a bridge too far. Thanks for the replies. Tom

Will we ever get this right ?

Why not ask Mark Conrad what length the barrels are supposed to be? No fuss, no muss.

Not sure how to get to Mark. Serial number is 184332. It is indeed spot on at 30".

There is no information on 184332 upon which to base a research letter. Contacting Mark would only confirm this.

Knew there was nothing in the serial number book. Was hoping there might be another source of info beyond that.