Now what do I do?

[Ray Masciarella]

I have more stock problems then Carter has liver pills! Please give me your thoughts.

I have a beautiful grade AH. Never refinished. Beautiful top grade wood. Circa 1890's. Very few minor dings and dangs. Problem: broken wrist. Well repaired long ago but my guess is that it will break if I shoot the gun. So now what do I do without devaluing the gun?

I have no doubt it can be professionally repaired. Problem is that it will have to be refinished and recheckered once the repairs are done if I want them to disappear. I could just have it repaired and not make the repairs disappear. At least I could shoot it.

What hurts the value more: 1) leave it the way it is and not shoot it; 2) repair it and have it refinsihed/recheckered; 3) Just repair it and leave the damage showing?

I thinking a broken stock is always a broken stock so I can't hurt the value by refinishing it but I'm a rookie who probably doesn't know any better so I'm hoping you all can help me before I make a big mistake.

Thanks, Ray