Dave-
Very interesting, Meriden got rid of both of the V springs in your lock. Thanks for taking the time to share the photographs! You did a very nice job on your recoil pad too (looks much better than mine I would say).
The value of a shotgun is in the eye of the user and I would say by making the shotgun fit you; you have turned a $400 shotgun into a priceless one. That may sound odd, but my Meriden is not for sale, so that makes it priceless in my book. I think you will feel the same way about yours and I can't wait for your range report. It might take you a little while to adjust to the old shotgun. As I mentioned in an earlier post, you may find the lock time a bit slower than you are used to, but if you are smooth with it and try some fast 7/8oz loads, I bet you will find that you can hit with this shotgun as well as (if not better than) any other.
Doug
