This one was interesting
it looked VERY close to being a factory quality job
I was surprised at the crispness of the markings
only the FBM proofs looked over polished
but - some detail looked like post factory job
and - as in Pete's recent shared pdf , some clues were there
some rear toggle recoil lug ear marks on frame , marks looked plated over and looked like maybe 200 rounds or so thru the gun
small dent mark on front strap , also plated over
grips looked worn , as if used as a shooter
very odd part of story was the rear toggle to slide pin that was apparently hammered into the slide , pin exit side flange was about 50% shattered away , and small side of pin looked friction pounded into the slide
so my guess is the gold plate increased the pin diameter and someone got impatient
no wear / discoloration on the breech face from firiing , so fired before the plating
magazine scratches from usage plated over
so overall was likely a superb gold plate over standard shooter
Cabellas was very cooperative in the inspection process , the Buda TX store library is good place to look at stuff
I think it could be purchased for less than $1K
but really accurate superb pictures , it is all gold plated , inside and out , probably a good goldfinger girl gun if you want to make her happy !
Bill
|