Whitmore Coach Gun Project

[rudybolla]

I picked up a 10 gauge Remington Model 1878 Whitmore lifter heavy duck gun for a reasonable price, considering condition (Discussed in an earlier posting). I cut it to 20", as I thought it might make a neat and occassional Cowboy Action gun - maybe a final stage closer for effect. Wood could use an overall cleaning and refinishing. Perhaps a good winter project. It has steel barrels, tight lockup and bores with some light to moderate pitting. The most egregious cosmetic problem is that it has areas of rather deep pitting on the outside of the barrels beginning about 1.5" forward of the forend. The steel in the breech area is very thick and I wonder about shooting this with light to moderate black powder shells. I purchased some shells for another 10 gauge that are loaded with 100 gr FFG and 1.25 oz 7.5 shot. Any thoughtful thoughts on shooting this? Can the exterior pitting be polished down without affecting strength of barrels?