My uncle has a Browning Superposed 12ga Magnum that he bought new in 1969. I believe this means his gun was built during the time that salt wood was being used. The gun shows no visible signs of rust or discoloration on any of the exposed metal parts. Other than the typical hunting wear found on a 50 year old gun it actually looks fine.
My uncle still has the "lifetime guarantee" card bearing his name and I've heard that Browning will replace salt wood stocks for the original owner. I called Browning USA today and they confirmed that this is the case, at least in the US. I still have to call Browning Canada to confirm if that is the case here as well. Is having the stock replaced something that my uncle should consider doing even if his isn't showing outward signs of salt? Will this change the value of the gun in any way?
I also have a semi-related question about the way the gun is choked. My uncle ordered the gun choked Full & Full but wishes he wouldn't have. If he sends it back to Browning for stock work I'd assume they could re-choke however he wishes at the same time. Would that detract from the gun's value? What if he had it machined for screw-in chokes?
My uncle is getting older and has started parting with some of his guns. He's choosing to keep this one (for now). But I'd hate to see him do something to it that will make it undesirable when he does decide to sell it.
My uncle still has the "lifetime guarantee" card bearing his name and I've heard that Browning will replace salt wood stocks for the original owner. I called Browning USA today and they confirmed that this is the case, at least in the US. I still have to call Browning Canada to confirm if that is the case here as well. Is having the stock replaced something that my uncle should consider doing even if his isn't showing outward signs of salt? Will this change the value of the gun in any way?
I also have a semi-related question about the way the gun is choked. My uncle ordered the gun choked Full & Full but wishes he wouldn't have. If he sends it back to Browning for stock work I'd assume they could re-choke however he wishes at the same time. Would that detract from the gun's value? What if he had it machined for screw-in chokes?
My uncle is getting older and has started parting with some of his guns. He's choosing to keep this one (for now). But I'd hate to see him do something to it that will make it undesirable when he does decide to sell it.