Just an update - I cut the barrel yesterday (A big shout out to my machinist friend!!) - no issues on splitting (but thanks to B. Dudley's input, I didnt expect any). filled in the openings with JB Weld as per recommendations...Now all thats left is some refinishing of the stock; browning of the metal parts; and making up some nice BP loads for it...

I will post up again after I complete all these actions and shoot it...(or at the very least, I will leave it in my will that my next of kin post up on the results of shooting it...LOL)

Thanks again for everyones help...its mucho appreciated!!

J