Hello all! New to the forum here - I enjoy collecting lever guns and have a few old 94's, an older Marlin, etc. Been wanting a 1895 for a while and one came up for sale near me for $1,000. It's in decent shape, definitely not a museum piece or anything but a nice shooter grade. However after receiving a few more pics there is a very odd divot on the barrel near the rear sight, as if someone tried to drill into it for some stupid reason?
I'll attach a few imgur links below. (also my first post so sorry if I mess up the images somehow). I mainly want to hear some thoughts on:
1. What the hell was someone thinking? Why drill there? Attaching a different rear sight and then thought better of it?
2. I haven't seen this gun in person yet so I'd like to look down the barrel for any fouling/damage but curious if that divot will affect the barrel integrity.. After all it's over 100 years old.. The barrel looks pretty thick in that area but still I think I'd need a gunsmith to at least take some measurements and decide right?
3. Anyone have any other guesses?
Still not sure if I'll buy this - got the guy down to $700 but still debating if I want to take the risk.
Thanks!
https://imgur.com/GqUwCUG
https://imgur.com/3cbvti1
https://imgur.com/VyNShll