Sometimes you'll encounter TD's which have had their barrels "permatized" in place by previous owners. Sometimes other TD's require a nudge to get started- to that end utilize the square-holed iron insert in the forearm channel as a "gripper" on the TD hook on the barrel. If that doesn't work, leave well enough alone is the commonly held tenet.
The one you passed up was an EG, not a G. Unless it was cute as a button you did good to walk away from it, IMO. EG= most common variety and treasured much more for their utility than their rarity (although .250 caliber makes it a bit more valuable).
