Parkers in the rain

[J.B. Books]

I had a 1900 VH develop a small hairline crack in the toe of the stock after drying out from hunting in the rain. I was perplexed because the gun had not been dropped or set down hard. The DHBP was fine. Apparently the end grain below the DHBP soaked up water and the expansion and contraction of getting wet and drying out caused the crack. That's what the gunsmith said who repaired it. He advised me to seal the wood under the butt plate/recoil pad on any gun you are going to get really wet.

[Smoothebore]

I never thought of that, but it makes very good sense. It's like sealing the bottom edge of an exterior wood door. Most people don't think about it, but it's the first place moisture will get in to start cracking and rotting the door.

Dave

[Bill Murphy]

Daryl, in my experience, there is not much of a ruffed grouse population at Prospect Hall. I have seen large flocks of turkeys, however. Now that I reread Paul's post, I see that he doesn't mention grouse hunting. A little late in the season, anyhow.