Crack in Winchester Model 52 Stock

[employee]

So was taking this apart for a good clean before I take it to the range and found a crack that runs from the trigger cutout forward to the cutout for the magazine.

View from the bottom.

View from the top. (Easy to see it here)

So what would you all recommend to fix that or is it in a spot that will not affect accuracy? I was thinking of opening it up a little with a Dremel and then injecting some epoxy in but let me know what you think.


Also the trigger guard is very well worn and I don't want it to rust away, so should i just cold blue it or will that take away from the character? ( I think I might just give it a coating of varnish to protect it instead ) This was my grandmothers match rifle. I think it weighs about 11 1/2 pounds.

I put the barrel band in to show what the rest of the bluing looks like on the rifle.

TIA Everyone.

 

[jethunter]

I think you have the right idea with the epoxy. Wrap it with surgical tubing to squeeze the crack together after the epoxy is in place, and then wipe out the excess epoxy that squeezes out before it hardens. Wax applied to the stock along side the cracks will make it easier to clean up any epoxy that does ooze out of the crack while you're waiting for it to harden.

Bluing the trigger guard is a judgement call. I would probably do it. If you follow the instructions you can get a very presentable job out of cold blue.

 

[employee]

Thanks was pretty sure that is what was the right idea so im gonna give it a go tonight. Just wanted to confirm with someone.

Still undecided on the trigger guard though, its more of a patina than rust, ill just leave it for now and see how it shoots, then worry about preservation later.

Thanks