I have an old stevens shotgun that the buttstock is loose and moves side to side. What is the best approach to fixing this? I was thinking of trying to raise the crushed wood by steaming. I'd like to keep it all original. Any ideas?
-Don

Epoxy.

Bedding the action to the stock is the only real fix. Steaming the wood is only a temporary fix. Even if you do manage to raise the crushed wood it is not going to be very strong and will not last. I would bedd it. It can be done in a way that is not obvious. Then it will outlast the gun.

Thanks guys, I was trying to avoid glassing it, but it looks like my only real option.
-Don