Broken stock

[Paul Harm]

While over to Bachelders to pick up a couple of guns I had him take the chambers of two 10 gauges to 2 7/8. Also took along a stock that had broken into two pieces very clean through the wrist. It just came apart in my hands while shooting some clays. I never saw anything like it. After some discussion, he saw some very, very small lines running from under the top tang down to the bottom to the trigger guard. He said it was insects and had only seen it once before. They had weaken the stock boring down removing the wood. I had the gun about 2 1/2 years and he thought they were in there when I got it. I've got about 20 guns in that small room - hope they didn't spread. Maybe have to fumigate it. Boy if something strange can happen, it'll happen to me.

[charlie cleveland]

never heard of bugs eating up a stock..guess id better call the orkin man.... paul this sure is a first.... charlie

[Big D]

You'd think that the oil and Hoppe's #9 in the stock would have discouraged any critters from hanging around. You must have some super bugs there. Be careful!

[J. A. EARLY]

Obama and "Buy a double-barreled shotgun" Biden had these genetically altered bugs called NRA termites and nicknamed "Boxer Bugs" created by Homeland Defense and they are being released at the dreaded gun shows. Unsuspecting vile gun owners then carry them home to eat away at their treasured possessions. This is why they are going after the black plastic guns. Could not alter the bug to eat plastic.

[B. Dudley]

I have taken guns down and found bugs inside of them. Dead of course. Along with lots of other junk. I bought Mauser parts gun once that had the chamber completely clogged with flies.

[C.O.B.]

Paul did it come apart while you were shooting true pairs?

[Gary Laudermilch]

Paul,

There are very few insects that will feed on dry wood. Even termites prefer some moisture. The two most likely candidates are "old house borer" and "powder post beetle". Both will feed in completely dry wood. The concern is that they can also feed on structural members of your house. Contact your agricultural extension service for more information and treatment options.

[paul stafford jr]

I would be willing to bet the bugs got ahold of that stock long before you got it. the parker stocks sure seem to hold up better than the repro's, but after 100 years sh-t happens. brads the best I am sure he can help you out. see you next month at the L.P.S.X.S shoot.

[Jordan Palmer]

The damage from the insects very well could have been there when the stock was made originally. bugs do not typically seek dry wood, especially oiled and coated with wax/shellac etc. It was probably an original problem/damage that weakened over time.

Sorry sometimes I tend to add to old threads (bad habit probably)