Any suggestions? Or should I leave this dog under the porch?

[Lead Nuggets]

Noticed this crack after shooting today

 

[Rifleman1776]

Not fatal. Ignore and keep using.

 

[Duk]

Does it extend into the barrel channel?

 

[Antelope Pete]

My Hawken rifle had the same thing and it was fine. Many originals had the same issue so nothing new.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Seems its more usual to see those cracks in old guns than not to. My guess is that it's just fine, but I would remove the barrel and check it out. You might want to glue it.

 

[Lead Nuggets]

Does it extend into the barrel channel?

I actually pulled the lock plate. Only looks like it’s an 8th inch and doesn’t prude underneath it. Have to pull the barrel next.

 

[Dale Lilly]

If it worries you, drill two small holes at an angle from inside, top and bottom, in barrel channel across the crack. Cover small dowels with epoxy and drive in [maybe shish kabob sticks]. I would probably ignore the crack.

 

[Flintandsteel]

My bet, is that crack goes all the way to the rear lock bolt. A pretty common issue with newer builders. Also clearances are very close there, so any compression of the wood (rear of the barrel and recoil lug), will allow the barrel to strike the rear lock bolt, causing this type of crack.
If you do repair it, fix the reason for it first.
Open up the hole for the rear lock bolt through the recoil lug, and/or bed the rear of the barrel.
Hope that helps.

 

[Lead Nuggets]

I’ll pull the barrel tomorrow and see what shows from that side. Thanks for the advice.

 

[SDSmlf]

Does the tang screw thread into the trigger plate or trigger guard?

 

[Rocketman89408]

Trigger plate on his gun.

 

[Lead Nuggets]

Trigger plate on his gun.

That is correct

 

[Pete G]

Pay attention to Dane.

 

[M. De Land]

Noticed this crack after shooting today

It would bug me until repaired especially if I didn't know the cause. I'd pull the lock and barrel, determine the cause, clear the contact/pressure area then drill small access holes from the inside and push some thin super glue into the crack until it begins to show full penetration. That will make it stronger than the original grain structure and water proof it to boot. Often cracks like that appear from not enough clearance around lock plate bolts or from barrel removal or improper fitting of breech plug.
This is another reason I always glass bed the lock plate mortise , barrel root breech plug cheeks and tang to reinforce the thin wood areas and make them impervious to oil saturation and water.
I can care less that glass bedding is not traditional because it works and no one will ever see it any way.

 

[Beaverman2]

Looks like a Kibler? if so contact Jim and get his feedback

 

[Joemolf]

I’ll pull the barrel tomorrow and see what shows from that side. Thanks for the advice.

That looks like a Woods Runner. I would reach out to the experts in the builder section and PM them for advice. I would also ask the manufacturer. I would not ignore it if you like PM me and I can give you the name of a Retired Master that you can email and ask. Send pictures but in most instances they are probably going to want to see it. I have many rifles and only one cracked on its own from shrinkage and expansion. Most who say live with it are probably right but here we are with summer coming on alongside the humidity. So I would want to be certain everything fits but not so well that swelling or contraction can cause a problem. My TVM developed a number of cracks; just sitting in a environment controlled closet. LOL i have not looked at it in a while probably since I last posted the crack issues and I will bet there may be more now. I should check. But even with a number of cracks darn that rifle is a shooter. Any way this is my opinion and gents here have much more experience than do I so I respect that. Problem with me is I don’t like cracks and I am a firm believer if you have one repair it if so required. Good luck with it and don’t fret over it a minor crack even a major crack can be repaired to better than new.

 

[Joemolf]

It would bug me until repaired especially if I didn't know the cause. I'd pull the lock and barrel, determine the cause, clear the contact/pressure area then drill small access holes from the inside and push some thin super glue into the crack until it begins to show full penetration. That will make it stronger than the original grain structure and water proof it to boot. Often cracks like that appear from not enough clearance around lock plate bolts or from barrel removal or improper fitting of breech plug.
This is another reason I always glass bed the lock plate mortise , barrel root breech plug cheeks and tang to reinforce the thin wood areas and make them impervious to oil saturation and water.
I can care less that glass bedding is not traditional because it works and no one will ever see it any way.

I am no expert but I do agree with everything especially the bedding. I have used bedding on my nightmare preinlet Lancaster stock and was simply amazed by how well it works and no one would ever know unless they pulled the barrel. Just follow directions and don’t forget release agent which typically comes with the kit. I had expert results and I am a novice

 

[M. De Land]

Noticed this crack after shooting today

I wouldn't be surprised if that lock bolt in contacting it's through hole and recoil is starting a split as that should be the grain run direction (forward) through that area.

 

[Lead Nuggets]

Thanks for all the great advice. Just got off work might not be able to get it pulled apart tonight. Never considered the root of the problem but I’m leaning so much from all of your suggestions.Thats why we do this right?

 

[Flintandsteel]

Definitely NOT a Kibler!