I'm still waiting on making a barrel decision. I have this beautiful, blemish free new old stock 2 groove, and I'm still waiting to inspect Sarco's new old stock 4-groove. They sent me an email saying the replacement would not be packed in its original grease because they would be swabbing it out to check to make sure I get a minty one. I told them all I expect is no rust or pitting, and if there is I'll let them know and take a refund. If the 4-groover is in as poor condition as the first, then the choice is easy. If its minty like the first...then do I have to open the 2 vs 4 groove debate? No, I don't care and my research shows I can get great performance from either. My serial is July 1943. If I recall my references, by June 1943 Remington had completely changed over to 2 groove. So I could go either way since the bins would likely have been mixed in July 1943 (the last sarco barrel was 7-43). But its a parts queen so I really don't care about that either. So, I guess I'll just wait to compare the two bores, and pick whichever is in the mintiest like new condition!
While I wait, the stock fitting and sanding is done. So I'll start the finish.