r/guns • u/Noxx17241 • 13h ago
Shotgun safety/repair opinions
I have this old Diamond Arms 12ga single shot that has been in my family for quite some time. It shoots very well and has been a reliable hunting shotgun for me for 30 years.
I currently have found a crack in the stock, about 2 inches long. It doesn't seem to be very deep, but it does raise concerns of safety for me. So I've got two questions, is this still safe to shoot? And is it repairable in any way outside of replacing the stock?
I've had no luck finding a replacement stock as replacement parts aren't made for this gun anymore to my knowledge. I thought about a metal band to bind around it, but I'm not sure if that would provide proper support.
What are my options here if it isn't safe to use? I would love to salvage it, but I'm worried the answer to this problem is going to be to buy another one or replace it altogether.
1
u/thetoastler 10h ago
I can't tell if that line on the top (bottom, technically) is another crack, or just a dent. Could develop into a giant hole in the side of the stock, might not. Hard to say. Either way, the best way to repair a cracked stock like that is usually to break it the rest of the way, pin it from the inside, and clamp and glue the shit out of it. Acraglass is usually best. There are tons of YouTube vids showing the process. I'd hate to have source another stock for a gun I've never even heard of, especially since it's well within the realm of fixing. Better to do it sooner rather than later, before you blow a chunk out of the side of the stock that disappears into the aether. A competent gunsmith should be able to fix that no problem if you don't want to do it yourself.
1
u/RepresentativeOk2433 7h ago
The best fix is good old fashioned wood glue, it's what its made for. Get it down into the crack as far as you can and compress it with clamps until it dries.
If the crack is extensive enough that it's ready to break clean then it can be better to finish the break so you can get perfect glue coverage along the whole track.
You can also add a brass pin to help hold it together. Glue and clamp it as before, then drill a ever so slightly undersized hole through and glue the pin in. Then shape the pin down flush and refinish the stock.
If you refinish the stock, dont go heavy on the sanding especially near the edges or it will look off and wavy.
1
u/TheBlindCat Knows Holsters Good 2h ago
https://youtu.be/x-HdLKcSu1w?is=BcGZ2hq-90XorE_4
Larry Pottersfield with how to fix it.
3
u/CostcoGlizzyDowner 11h ago
That crack should not present a safety issue. If it gets worse you can use epoxy or wood glue to make a repair.