Interesting post Bruce- I have four 12 gauge Smiths- three are pre-1913, one is a FW made in 1940 with the optional solid higher rib-and one of the pre-1913's is a 2E that was re-fitted in 1927 at Fulton with a set of Nitro Steel ejector barrels 32" 3" Full & Full with original raised ventilated rib- I shoot these guns a lot, no rib problems that I am aware of, and I shoot, handle and clean the barrels on a regular basis-- I would think that re-setting ribs on any side-by might be a real task for the experts, and the business about the hot salts and tank re-blue might be the culprit on Proof Steel barrels- I did have both an early Syracuse Smith OE 12 with Stub Twist barrels and also a Uncle Dan LeFever G Grade 12 (just under the 25xxx sn range) also with Damascus barrels-that had been "refinished" I guess- both guns were $500 range "shooters" for BP events- but I sold them and used the funds for another 12-with WPS barrels--
Each to their own, but if the shotgun fits me, has good balance and refined trigger pulls- "wear with care" or loss of blueing on the barrels (around splinter foregrip areas) is NOT a problem for me- Plus- when you send a double out for refinishing or restoration, all that time it is NOT in your hands been shot and being "gotten used to"-just my opinion is all!!
