The potential of breaking the wrist of a Repro’s stock is... I won’t say overblown because it has happened and for various reasons, but I wouldn’t be overly cautious and cheat yourself from enjoying your Repro to it’s full potential.
Heck, if there is a lot of figure in the wrist or the grain is poorly set up for strength, do what Parker Brothers did... have a hickory - or some other material - reinforcing rod inserted theough the length of the stock and shoot it to your heart’s delight.
Brian, can you do that sort of work?
Regarding the 16 gauge Repro barrels - I think they’re a great idea and certainly fill a perceived need - that of a multi gauge, multi barrel gun. I normally shoot 7/8 oz. loads in both my 20’s and my 16’s but I would have no qualms about shooting 1 oz. loads in the 16 gauge barrels.
Let’s look at the Parker Reproduction “Steel Shot Special.”
Aren’t 12 gauge steel shot shells loaded to about max SAAMI specs, or close to it? Hou about wrist breakage on those guns? Do we hear anything about that, any more than we do about 20 and 28 gauge Repro stocks breaking?.... not that I’ve heard or read.
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"I'm a Setter man.
Not because I think they're better than the other breeds,
but because I'm a romantic - stuck on tradition - and to me, a Setter just "belongs" in the grouse picture."
George King, "That's Ruff", 2010 - a timeless classic.
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