Well gentlemen I had my gunsmith remove the band on the stock (turns out it was silver) and the bits and pieces of wood spilled out. Even if they could be put back together, and that is what we are trying, they are so oil saturated is makes no sense except as a pattern. So at the very least the gun must be restocked. Dimensions of a new stock must be a bit different as I could not get fully down on this stock, the heel sits too high. I was looking at Wenig's catalogue just this morning. I will have to give them a call this week.
I shoot 26" barrels regularly on a BSS and a Citori. They are much heavier guns and balance differently. At this time I realize the balance may change but I have no way of knowing at this time. The barrels at 26" are quite heavy and I think at the original 26" or 30" the gun would have been forward heavy. Adding chokes may also help by an ounce or two to bring the balance back.
Someone earlier mentioned Precision Arms in Canada and I talked to the owner. He can do the welding on the trigger guard and depending on the outcome it may have to be case coloured to hide the welds. That would mean the screw heads and top leaver as well to get everything matching. Might look odd against an action that is silvered.
Precision also mentioned taking the monoblock and rebuilding from there. A better result than re-barreling. However the barrels are damascus and that is one of my soft spots. I will look more in the direction of permanent chokes.
Fortunately my gunsmith here in Calgary has inletted two side plated actions in the past. While no expert I have faith in him and he realizes just how much it takes. Also he quoted me his work would be under a $1000. That is one benefit in Canada of finding a craftman that is retired and almost forgotten. He enjoys the work for what it is and his prices are more than reasonable. He charges me a ridiculously low amount to repair, recut the checkering and refinish a stock and I have had him do many for me.
And so I am slowly building a plan and I would still appreciate more comments.
Last edited by Tamid; 01/20/13 10:40 PM.
