OLD TUCK wrote on Aug 27
th, 2018 at 11:08am:
redsetter, well let me tell you of an experience curve. My first really nice Schuetzen is a Hi Wall in 38-55 with a #4 full Octagon barrel. In my excitement to look it all over I wanted the Forend off. Deluxe Checkered. Removed the Screw and
tried to pull it off. It was stuck, grasped it tightly and pulled. It came off and the Forend collapsed in my fingers. Bunch of Fancy Checkered splinters. Been really conservative ever since. I still have over 40 years later pieces of the Forend. Used it a few years ago to have another one I bought repaired.
It had a piece split out at the tip. Gave both of them to a guy that does really nice wood work. He sliced out a piece from my old one and fitted it into the new one so well you cannot see the repair on the outside. You can see it on the inside. SOoooo! when I need to see what has been done for the #5 to clear I MIGHT? try to remove the Forend I was young and working as a Toolmaker Machinist. Hands were strong. Have learned to handle Fancy wood very carefully. Regards, FITZ.
OLD TUCK.
Well, with that sad experience, I understand your reluctance. What I'm reluctant to do, unless there's some really critical reason for doing so, is remove a buttstock on any action with long tangs, because of the way old, oxidized, oil can "glue" the metal to the wood, & cause splinters to tear out as the two are separated. If I've
got to do it, & it seems obvious the stock probably hasn't been off since the gun was built, I tap repeatedly on a block of wood held against the side of the wrist until I see some evidence that the wood is loosening its grip on the metal.
Do the same with forearms, & luckily never had problems with one of them being stuck.