I've been beating them up so hard over QC for so long, I'm taking it more gently with my contact there on this one.
The checkering was supposed to be addressed three years ago, with the relatively new lasers at the time.
It obviously has not, and I'll pursue it at the factory level.
Again.
I agree- I'd prefer none to what they're doing on these.
Still, in fairness, what's there does provide better non-slip grippiness than smooth walnut.
If I keep this one, I'll view it as a "gun kit", like most of what I acquire.
90% done at the factory, the rest locally.
WWG trigger & ejector, trigger tip rounded, better sights, de-horned hammer, edges addressed on the loading port, edges softened on the lever.
Possibly remove the checkering.
Probably stick some rubber on the safety button.
The stiff action would wear in over time, gunsmith if needed.
My older cut-back 16-incher is a spiffy little blaster, after some final finish work.
Don't think I'd shorten this one, one snub levergun's enough.
Although, a Mare's Leg Marlin has been chewing at the back of my mind.....
Denis