FWIW-- I have a 12 gauge 2E made in 1911 (per Cody letter) and I had the late Brad Bachelder reinforce the stock head, and open the right side barrel from Full to Imp. Mod- I have shot a ton of birds (barn pigeons, fezzart, crows) with AA 1150 No. 7&1/2 and no cracks enywhere in the buttstock or splinter forearm- It has DT, which I prefer- Brad once told me that there was better walnut for gunstocks prior to WW1- all those 1903's and aircraft propellers used up a lot of domestic walnut from the "Show_me_State took its toll. Overtightening the lock plate machine screw is a real bit item to be vigilant about, ditto always be sure the hammers (tumblers) are fully cocked before dis-assembly into the 3 main groups. RWTF
