Tim ; As I read your reply ,I certainly hope its not me you have a bone to pick with , maybe you have been burn't by a seller that wasn't up front and honest about a gun they were selling ,but the part of my reply you forgot to post is where I said , " If I am selling a gun and it is a good solid functional gun ",then this is the way I would advertise the gun !I was just making a point that a gun that has had excessive work ,or after market colors or bluing could still be a nice field gun and a good " Shootin Iron " I think if any one is buying anything ,it is always nice to deal with good reputable honest folks ,but as we all know ,that isn't always the case , when I am selling anything ,I ,will tell the buyer exactly and everything of what I know about the gun in question ,replaced stock ,fore end etc. But in each gun dealing ,it is really up to the individual to make sure what they are purchasing and as you say ,really take the time and do the exploratory surgery !Then make their own mind up as to the condition and if its what they want ,A " shooter " or a Collector piece ! Simply all I was saying !
Russ