An additional question about my forend project....
I picked up a forend wood off ebay last week (probably paid too much, but what the heck - was excited to find it). The seller wasn't sure whether it is a 16 or 20 gauge, and now that I have it, I'm not really sure either. The depth (from top to bottom) and width where it meets the receiver appear to be right. It doesn't seem to want to seat well on the barrel, tho, where the forend is rounded out to seat on the barrel. I did find the following numbers engraved:
On the left, at the bottom of the forend screw hole is the number 62. Above the screw hole is what appears to be a diagonal I.
On the right, below the hole is "65," above it is "1."
Do these numbers provide any information?
Now, to find the metal....
Oh, by the way, David, when I tightened the screw into the top lever shaft (I actually had to do some gentle banging to get it down...), it pulled it down to the gun where it should be, and also seated the receiver into the stock better so the gap was closed. Great feedback - thanks again!