I know, that's a tough decision.
I would probably leave it alone. I would be too worried that I would muck it up with the paintjob. Besides, you probably want to handle it, and put it on once in a blue moon. With Brown Bess paint you won't be able to touch it afterward.
Kevin
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Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, or skinny and mean. They've got really short hair and they always go for the throat."