Dugaboy,

Thanks for the reply. Your points are well taken. I new it affected the value, but I'm not so sure about the longevity. Considering that the single most important attribute of a well functioning double is that it regulates, then the life of a rifle is measured in inches, not years. For all practical purpose, a double rifle that shoots <= 3” at 50 yards is effective despite the condition of the bores. And, if it shoots well after several hundred rounds, the accuracy will deteriorate gradually and should last a life time of safaris.

My personal experience is that steel barrels last a very long time. I have seen AR-15 with 16,000+ rounds shot. I think that today's bullets do an excellent job of gripping even the scantliest riflings.

So if someone out there is in need of dumping (sell real cheap) a double (H&H or Purdey) with bad bores – PM me!