Ted and others, thank you for your replies. I certainly don't want to jeopordize the gun in any way...I only wanted to know more about it and, if it is worth while, which I must say it seems to be by the response, to replace the stock. In order to give a little more info to the experts on such matters, getting a look at the bottom of the barrels seems critical. I just don't see how I can separate them from the stock as there appears to be a threaded stud which comes down through the forestock from under the barrels, on which there appears to be a nut that I am clueless as to how to remove. Perhaps the stud is from an ill attemped sling installation, but the barrels already have one so that doesn't seem probable. I will however try the way suggested by jaycee and see what happens. I will keep you posted and again, thanks for your interest.
