16ga VH - Good restoration candidate?

[TNR]

It's not all that important to me to have it restored to the original factory finish but I would like it to be a good shooter.

I did some barrel measurements and they appear to have good thickness but i am still going to have them checked out. IF they check out, I am mostly interested in getting the bores polished and the barrels blued. If the barrels are bad, I dont have much money in this gun (so far) so sleeving would be something I'd consider.

As far as having the peg removed and stock repaired - what is a typical cost associated with that?

Again, still looking for smith recommendations.

[Coach]

Tom,

Cost to make this gun a good shooter (after you have it checked out) is $0. Just elbow grease and a mild cleaning. Sleeving is out as no one I know has 16 ga tubes. You can get a good idea of what gunsmithing prices generally are by going to Briley's website www.briley.com. Forget the 2-3/4" shells as they are generally 1290 fps 1oz snot-kickers. Either reload or buy RST's short 16 ga shells. They are easy on the gun and the shooter. If the stock is tight now (no wobbeling when you flex it) just leave it alone. You really can spend a bundle on fixing up this gun or just enjoy it for what it is. If you want a really nice looking gun, hide in the bushes and learn as much as you can, get some expert opinions on every one you are considering, and get one that is right for the right money.

You just missed the Southern SxS with hundreds of Parkers for sale. That is a good place to look and get advice from the pros. for what to look for.

All the above just my $.02.
Carl.

[David Nelson]

Carl
What's the Southern SxS?
Dave