To follow up, I have a few questions some of our more knowledgable members may be able to answer...

On the photo of the chambers, ahead of the rim cut there appears to be a step about 1/2" in. Any particular reason? Perhaps pit removal? Why just that small bit then? The rest of the gun seems in great condition, so that doesn't make sense.

The watertable is dished, rather than flat. I've got an 8 gauge shotgun that is similar. What was the reasoning or advantage to this? It lets you make the chamber end of the barrels thicker and the bar weaker, but is there any more to it? Obviously on much higher pressure rifle rounds they didn't feel the need to trade action flex for barrel strength. Was this just an early technique that was later found to be unnecessary?

As always, thanks in advance for the education.

Bob