[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\John\My Documents\My Pictures\1895 Winchester[/IMG]

Well ... so much for the image ... I'll need to sort out how to post a photo.

The long and short of it: My son took my 1895 Winchester out of the safe, where it had been in a gun sock. Pulling it out of the sock, we were surprised to find the butt-stock was broken over the lever. Not cracked -- BROKEN in two.

I'm not sure how that happened. I know it was good when I put it in the safe.


If anyone could help me with a photo posting, let me know.

Assuming no previous damage or no external force, maybe the stock was very tight on the action, and as it dried out it "shrank" and thus split.

?????

Right ... that's what I'm thinking, too.

But has anyone else had that happen? It seems crazy. And why did it happen to my most expensive rifle?

Not accusing anyone of anything, but are you positive that it was not removed from the safe, without you knowing?

Well, I'm the only one who knows the combination.

I'm not sure how I would break it like that if I wanted to!

And where can I get a replacement?

It could be that the wood was not dried properly in the first place .If the safe has heat or dessicant it may have dried the wood .If the stock was off in dimension that might add to it. Naturel defect in the wood could be a weak point.
One or more of the above could then crack it !

The bad part is that I had the stock on a BAR crack in the same place ... it didn't break, but I had to replace it nonetheless.

So ... does anyone know where to get a replacement?

Should I just call Winchester?

looks like the split was started right at the inletting for the spring etc...
wins qaqc was as bad as the workers attitude there at the end.
you could try winchester or do a search maybe brownelles

Makes me want to cry.

Yep ... it makes me want to punch a hole in the wall! It's on the back shelf for now ... It'll take some research to find a good source for a replacement.

Does anyone know of a custom craftsman that would take the job?

Well if all else fails if the wood is not chipped and it is a clean split then a good smith can repair it and then refinish the wood and you would be hard pressed to ever see where it happened.

I'm sorry I didn't think of this earlier, but it just hit me:

I assume your '95 is a USRAC "Miroku" gun from the distributor Davidson's? The reason I ask is that Davidson's has a lifetime warranty on their guns. I have a couple of Davidson's Winchesters, an '86 and a '92. In the box with each was the Davidson's warranty pamphlet.

I believe it states that Davidson's covers any defects in material and workmanship for the life of the gun. It's been a while since I've looked at the warranty, but I believe that's correct?

I've never needed the warranty, but you may confirm yours is indeed a Davidson's gun, and call them tomorrow and ask what to do. They may have you send it to them and...?

I would repair the existing stock and refinish it. Some accugell and surgical tubing will fix it better than new.

Once the stock is repaired, check the inletting and adjust as needed so that it fits like a glove.

Then refinish the stock and fore arm so they have the same finish.

The original problem was probably a misfit inleting job that had a pressure point, the stock dried and a split/crack happened. The BAR has the same general problem as well as 870 Remington shotguns.

You won't believe this -- but it happened a few years ago to my BAR!

quote:

Originally posted by Deertick:
You won't believe this -- but it happened a few years ago to my BAR!

I would get a new safe!!!

What ... one with more humidity? (LOL)

I can't think it'd be specific to the safe itself. My guess is that I shouldn't get another browning or winchester.

Hello, Marlin.

quote:

Originally posted by Deertick:
What ... one with more humidity? (LOL)

I can't think it'd be specific to the safe itself. My guess is that I shouldn't get another browning or winchester.

Hello, Marlin.

Did you ask Browning to replace it?

No, I ordered a fiberglass replacement for the BAR. Not sure what I'm going to do with the 1895.

Still in mourning.

I might just have to go look for a new puppy.

Just kidding, Deertick.

But seriously, I would contact Winchester about a replacement. That is a defect in the wood. Not your fault.

quote:

Originally posted by Deertick:
No, I ordered a fiberglass replacement for the BAR. Not sure what I'm going to do with the 1895.

Still in mourning.

I might just have to go look for a new puppy.

http://www.mpistocks.com/index.htm

Used to do custom work, don't know any more.
They are making Marlin lever synthetics now.

Have you thought about reparing that stock? Granted, it won't be like new but could be done to be all but unnoticable and quite servicable.

I've seen this person's work and recommend him highly:

The Stock Doctor

John's right (as much as I hate to admit it) a clean split like that can be repaired, and stronger than new. Here in New Mexico, we see a lot of wood shrinkage and repair quite a few splits.