Bruce, must be time for a new screen on my end, because there are no visible Damascus swirls that I can see! That would be the advantage of your having seen them in person. In any event, there is no alternative to completely re-laying the ribs at this point, as you have pointed out. For that matter, re-laying the ribs would be appropriate on any gun where corrosion is the underlying cause of rib separation. In many instances, bottom rib separation is the result of impact from a loose fore-end lug, or other non-corrosion related issue, and in those cases repair with-out completely relaying the rib is a much more economical option. When done properly, barrel finish is not compromised, or is hidden under the fore-end, and I've personally sent over a thousand rounds down a set that I repaired without further issue.
John
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