I'm new to the forum and interested in learning from you all.
My first gun 20 years ago was a H&R .410 with the release in front of the trigger guard. I loved its simplicity, the way it would send empty shells over my shoulder, and how easily it broke down (no forend screw, just a tensioned spring). I recently decided to start hunting here in California, so I ordered a NEF 30-06 from my local gun shop, Imbert and Smithers.
I build spearguns as a hobby, and so I'm not shy about modifying things. In fact, I started right away.
Hammer: The first thing I noticed was that the height of the hammer requires extra tall scope rings, so I filed down the base of the hammer where the hammer extension seats and bobbed the top of the hammer. That dropped the height quite a bit. I have long thumbs and so it made sense to put the hammer extension on the left side, where it doesn't interfere with the lock release. I installed the extension with the groove facing up. It goes on either way, but it was just a hair lower that way.
Stock: I weighed the rifle and it's less than 7lbs. That'll hurt. My first thought was to add lead to the stock, or make my own from a heavier wood, but then I saw GSI has walnut stocks for a reasonable price and so I ordered one. I'll keep the standard stock for pack-in hunts when I might appreciate the light weight, but I want my experience at the range to be less painful.
Forend: While on the GSI page I made the mistake of finding the Mannlicher forend. A few pictures later and I knew I had to have one. I'll have a lot of questions having to do with this forend.
Barrel strap: I'm trying to figure out where to get the barrel strap. I called H&R, they don't have the part, they don't even have a part number! Ed at GSI says its just a plastic strap, and most people don't bother with it. If I install a strap, does it go on tight or is it better for accuracy to keep it looser? I read the FAQ articles on forend torque, but that has to do with one point of contact, not two. I guess I need to experiment to find out, but a lead on where to get a strap, or how to make one, would be appreciated.
Forend mount: The forend mount is only a single screw and the base isn't very strong (according to FAQ), so I'm worried about putting on a heavy forend without a barrel strap. If I solder the mounting screw base, will that be enough? What kind of solder and temp would be appropriate?
That's all for now, and I promise to post pictures when I get the new parts installed.
