Okay all, I’ve read a couple posts on here related to this and have an idea on how I want to try and temp fix it.
Yesterday I was shooting my Sweet 16 Elsie at the trap range and noticed the forend was loosening. I stopped shooting at that point but as soon as I applied even slight pressure the screws pulled right out and I could see the wood was quite deteriorated. My question is two parts:
1. I was really excited to take my gun on a SD pheasant trip, would a temp fix with some epoxy in the holes and resetting the screws get me maybe 20-30 shots with light field loads - and then send to my smith for a full refit with a new Walnut forend?
2. Can I really do any more damage to the gun shooting it in that condition besides further damage the already gunked/cracked wood?
I intend to fully replace this forend with a new Walnut one. I’m not concerned about value, I just love this gun and want to pass it on to my son someday. For reference the gun just went through a full overhaul with a well known LC specialist, to include bedding, tear down and refinishing. Pics show the damage. Thanks!