Hey guys, I have a Marcel Thys, sidelock 500 NE that I would like to ask you guys some questions about. I bought the rifle in 1999, it came from a man in Oregon. The rifle was built for him in 1982 I must assume that he was strictly a collector or took the utmost care for his rifles, I do know that he had numerous exquisite rifles including a Jeffrey 600 NE underlever that was for sale also. The rifle I bought looked as if it had never been used. no marks, very tight, etc....pristine. I have used this rifle extensively. I have taken it on several safaris for Elephant and Buffalo, as well as it being my "go to" hog rifle here in Texas.
After using this rifle for the last 9 years, ther are several things that I have always wanted, and still want, to change.

The first Item is the barrel length. This rifle was built with 26 1/2 in barrels. I am a shorter man, 5'6" this translates to shorter arms and the long barrel on this rifle has always felt a bit barrel heavy and unwieldy in the thick brush. My last double was a 470 with 24" barrels. That rifle felt much more compact and easier to handle under hunting situations. I realize that we are only talking about 2 1/2 inches here but it does make a difference.

The other thing I would like to change is the forend. Most Thys rifles have s semi-bevertail forend. I find that the Holland and Holland style splinter is much more appealing asthetically, as well as a much better fit for my hand while carrying the rifle all day, and being able to hold the actual barrels when shooting I find is much better for me as well. The forend could easily have material removed and re-finished to this H&H style forend, this way the wood would still match.

My qestions are as follows:
The rifle is not a collectors piece as it was not made for a king, Prince, or Majaharaja, however; The rifle is in my oppinion a "best" rifle from a great Belginan Maker that is no longer around. (If I had the work done JJ Perodou would do the work and JJ was a student of Marcels at the gunsmithing school in Leige as well as Marcels agent while he was still building rifles, im sure yall know this) now to the questions, would having this work done take away from the value of the rifle or its desireability to a buyer if I was ever to part with it? Are the modifications practical?
Thanks to those who know more than me
Jason