Hello everyone,
Thank you all for the insights.
I started with the LC Smith link and spent a LOT of time reading and comparing.
My shotgun has Armor Steel barrels, so the Damascus concerns are right out.
The barrels and gun is listed, through the LC Smith website, as being designed for a 1 1/8oz 3 dram or less load in 12 gauge.
The chambers are supposed to have been true 2 3/4" 12 gauge for a few decades before my 'elsie' was made. I WILL have the chambers verified.
A 'rough and ready' test that I did at the LGS [with the approval and assistance of the employee] was to detach the barrels from the receiver, walk to the other side of the store with the barrels only, drop a couple of 3" new 12 gauge rounds in, and verify they fit properly. The 3" rounds dropped in without hesitation and fit snug.
No: I KNOW that doesn't mean I have 3" chambers. Saami specs list 3" rounds as between 2.65" and 2.76" long, unfired, due to differences in crimp shape/design. A 2 5/8" chamber would be 2.625" long, and the 3" shell should have had to be 'nudged' into the chamber.
I will test it more thoroughly later, but that is my preliminary 'observation'. Oh, and the fact it was stamped 2 3/4"
There is a very tight lock up, with the lock lever pointed to the right of straight back. I've heard people call it pointed at '5 oclock', and they have shown pictures. However, I haven't witnessed 5 oclock being truly indicated in those pictures. I've seen a lever that would line up at about the 27 minute mark on the watch. It is still in the 'firm engagement' category, and not worn out.
There is no loose-ness in the action, and no daylight visible between barrel and receiver at the chamber area.
I haven't pulled the stock yet to evaluate the potential for cracks, but will do so, and have it glass bedded.
I have purchased some 1" and 1 1/8" shells that were a 2 3/4 Dram weight [or around 1150fps or slower], in lead for use at the range.
I will NOT shoot steel from it, but will check to see about hunting Hevi-Shot loads that are under 3 drams of power.
Oh, and the chambers now have my A-Zoom snap caps resting in them so that I can dry-fire safely and leave the gun stored uncocked.
Thanks again to all of you. I can't wait to really use it!