I don't know if I got an early or late or
barrel versions...all my NEF forearm screw on mount lugs are SPOT WELDED on...even my USH SB-980, I just checked.
I sure wish they were soldered or brazed on...it would make the mount a lot stronger...the mount is OK for a OEM forearm but NOT for an after market with added weight.
The recoil of my origninal 45-70 BC with a Gunstock Inc target forend and an extra pound and a half of lead sheared off...The information is in the stickys...I am about to take my USH barrel in to have the forend mount TIG'ed on so it will take the recoil of the heavy 12GaFH loads and another Gunstock inc Target forearm with added weight.
Maybe they started silver soldering them on since I bought my SB980 or maybe they solder on the ones for the laminated stocks....I wonder.
Luck on your projects.