Forend modification

[Bret]

If this is an old thread please direct me to previous discussion.

I have a 1913 Springfield J. Stevens 94b 16 gauge shotgun. I got this gun cheap and I realize that it is not high dollar collectable. My desire is to make it a shootable gun and get it back in the woods. My kids may learn that old is not necessarily junk and can be viable with some work and thought.

Situation: I am missing the forend wood and spring mechanism.

Question: I am interested in learning if a modification can be made to "modernize" the attachment of the forend wood to a screw-in type braze-on. I took the gun to a reputable gunsmith in Grand Rapids, MI and was told it is possible but not a smart economic move. Without careful monitoring the braze or weld may warp the bore. Then I started thinking about another solution given my other two hobbies, bikes and boats. It does seem possible that a bike female end braze-on could attached to the current arm/hook for the forend wood with 3M 5200 or 4200. This caulking/adhesive is strong, impact resistant is able to flex without breaking and paintable. What are your collective thoughts? Is it possible to tack weld a piece on to the barrel? Have any of you tried to use 3M adhesive/caulking on a gun barrel?

[gunnut69]

It is possible to tack weld a piece on but solder would work as well. In fact many such pieces were so made.. Sorry it's been so slow replying but my time is mostlt spent on the gunsmithing thread, where this question would be more applicable.

[Goatwhiskers]

Here ya go, Bret.  Studs have been known on occasion to pop off when soldered, even silver brazed, welding isn't probably the best bet.  Get a piece of old shotgun barrel, 12ga might work, and cut a piece out to make a saddle that will fit your barrel.  Weld the stud upright on the saddle piece, then attach the assembly to your barrel with "silver bearing" solder such as Brownells Hi-Force 44.  I prefer the hi-temp variety, melts at something over 600 degrees, still a long way from damaging your barrel steel.  Be sure the stud is vertical to the barrel before soldering.  You're done and it'll never come off.  Hope this helps.  GW

[Winter Hawk]

Have you looked at Numrich Gun Parts?  They have replacement wood and forend spring, housing etc.

-WH-

[Bret]

Thanks for the good tips. I went and filled down the "hook" type for the snap on forend to fit... a bike braze on of all things. I got the hook rounded and that fit into the hollow end of the braze on. FYI - A bike braze on are those nubs you can connect a water bottle cage on to the bike down tube.

After I got the braze on to fit I added some JB Weld and clamped it overnight. Next day it was on tight and added a stainless metric nut from the local hardware store. Got a forend off E-bay made for a Stevens handi single shot, shaped it and it is now on the shot gun. Have yet to shoot it so I will see if the JB weld will hold things together. All told the project has cost me $15 for the forend, .95 for the nut, $0 for the braze on and I had the JB Weld on hand. Not bad for $16 if it works. I will try silver solder if the braze on breaks free.