I have a gun that was "aged" artificially and then the rest were aged just by a couple years of use. The artificial aged gun was done quite skillfully (not by me), but not overly aggressive either. I have decided that I prefer the aging that I got by use better than artificially. It just "feels" correct to me... I think the reason is, I know every ding and dull spot and can recall the days in the woods when it was put there. The artificially aged gun has never felt truly like my gun---kind of like I borrowed it.. I still love the gun, and it looks great.... wierd huh?
K