400NE,

I suppressed my urge to criticize the dovetail repair to the hook, but the thoughts you expressed were in the front of my mind.

I too think the dovetail repair to the hook is indicative of less than perfect repairs. But I hate to be negative.

Another goblin dancing around in my head is this. The .450 No. 2 is known as a very low pressure cartridge. In its earlier life, how was this rifle mishandled or mis-loaded so as to knock it off the face? How did it get trashed in the first place? That's the haunting thought in my mind.

Bonanza, be careful, be objective, and don't be afraid to say "No".

JMHO

Curl