So i've been looking for an 1897 for sometime and recently found one at the local gun shop and a decent price, but not quite the steal. Its a 12g take down model, which i wanted, but someone had their name engraved on the side. bluing is non-existent with just rust patina now. I've got it taken completely down and but everything is functionally all there. Barrels a full choke and not modified so its not a rare piece, made in 41 as well.
I don't need a shotgun with a 30 inch barrel and was thinking of getting it reduce to around 20 or so? I hunt mostly grouse, some pheasant but if i get a chance at duck i take the 11-87 out. I don't care for bluing, but with it being a classic i might have it reblued but prefer cerakote due to its utility in protecting parts for just under several lifetimes. I also don't need to make it into a trench gun either,
I figure its already pretty jacked up and modifying it to what i want would not anger the gun gods but thoughts and opinions?