Sunray: Comments I recall from the various LB threads include mention of some "as new" (ie original, not freshly refurbed) '43's kicking around and that there appears to be no doubt that all wartime LB's were originally "blued". Very few photos, unfortunately. Prior to photographing this one I was pretty sure it had some sort of phosphate finish but it also resembles pretty closely a muzzleloader barrel I browned many years ago. My various original phosphate finished rifles (light green to grey to nearly black) also have quite a different surface texture from typical bluing or browning. In any case, my motive for this thread is that, if as seems likely, this is a refurbed gun I'm probably going to sell it on to someone looking for a mechanically excellent range gun. I already have another '43 LB for that purpose.

Ridolpho