Posted by SGT on March 13, 2007, 3:07 pm, in reply to "16ga L.C.Smith"
The fore iron can be repaired, although you need to seek a professional opinion on exactly what that repair will require as that information should be considered in the purchase price (for instance, a loose hanger lug will certainly be more expensive to properly repair that a bent/broken "J" spring). As to the stock, if there is at least 13" of length between the middle of front trigger and the base of the remaining wood (measured to the center of the stock), value should be minimally impacted (a new pad, depending on thickness, brings LOP back to a normal 14" or better). Anything under 13" means the stock has been cut shorter than would be considered normal, which would hurt value in my opinion; as lengthening the stock would then require additional unsightly wood or plastic spacers. Other more expensive options, that may/may not be practical, would be a new stock (most expensive alternative), a butt transplant (would work if the stock head wood remains sound), or trying to find a used stock that would fit this particular gun (often very difficult). Bottom line, know what you are dealing with and what it will cost to repair; in a situation like this, the novice would be best served (dollar and long-term investment wise) to find a similar gun with no problems.