I recently took a chance on GB and bought this Tip-Up in 25-20SS. It looked a LOT worse than it actually turned out to be. I woke up at 3am one morning remembering that I had some old mounts and bases that might work with my 6X Malcolm(repro). It turned out really well and now that I have cases, I am ready to see how she shoots(breechseated) this weekend. Not real sure what it was covered in, but it took lacquer thinner and 0000 wool to get it off the barrel and frame. The bore gets better looking each time I scrub it. Without the scope, this rifle may rate right next to my Rem 14(in .25Rem, of course) as one of my all time favorite rifles to carry. Maybe just the romance of it being so slender and balanced.