Fore end stock needed for 16ga SxS

[ScatterHobo]

Hello. Just registered here today as a recommend form Shotgun Forum.
Hope someone can help with my search for a forestock.
My father of whom was a WW2 US Army officer returned from Germany with a few German guns of which this was included but absent a forestock. I’m going to post some pictures in the event someone may bring my years of search to fruition.
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[mike ford]

ScatterHobo,
Your problem is not as rare as you would think. At the end of the war, the Germans were not allowed to own guns, under penalty of death, and were required to turn them in, for destruction. The owners were, naturally, reluctant to do so, and often removed the forearms, scopes, or expensive sights, before they were run over by tanks or burned. War Trophy firearms were often removed from the piles, by soldiers, and saved from destruction, which is where most of the guns we collect came from. Two of my own guns have had to have new forearms made for them. In both my cases, I had carried the guns to Germany when I was stationed there, and that is not as much an option as it was then. I suggest you check with one of the gunsmiths that advertise in the "Trade Directory" of WAIDMANNSHEIL or Der WAFFENSCHMEID. Some have websites and you can see the services they offer.

Mike

[ScatterHobo]

Mike.
Thanks so much for that info. Will check into those options.

[Diz]

ScatterHobo, Mike is correct about your problem but a competent smith from the Trade Directory will be able to make a new fore end iron and fit the wood to match the
butt stock. The metal part of the fore end is what holds the barrels against the pivot and engages the cocking levers that stick through the front of the action and re-cock the hammers on opening. I don't believe your gun is an ejector from the photo and that will simplify the process. Needless to say it will not be cheap but it looks like a fine double and could be worth the effort. Good luck with your project and keep us posted. Diz

[mike ford]

ScatterHobo,
Since Diz mentioned it, I suggest you go with plain extractors even if your gun was "born" with ejectors. One of the ones I had a new forearm made for had been an ejector model, and I wouldn't have been able to afford the work if I had reinstalled them. I prefer extractors anyway, because I don't leave fired cases in the field.

Mike

[ScatterHobo]

Mike and Diz
Thank you bothe for the replies and suggestions. I agree on the extractors vs ejectors. I also wish to save vs bending over and savaging for hulls.
My next question is should I join the membership to obtain the publications mentioned for a competent gun smith search?
I’m currently on registered to the forum. Your direction on this is appreciated greatly guys.
Thanks

[mike ford]

ScatterHobo,
The publications I mentioned are a benefit of membership, and I believe they are not available on the newsstand. In my opinion, if you have an interest in German guns ( you said you have several of your dad's), you would very much enjoy being a member. Also, as a member you would be entitled to a discount in the bookstore, which could pay your dues, if you buy enough. Anyway, we would be happy to have you as a member and would enjoy seeing your other German guns.

Mike

[ScatterHobo]

Ok Mike.
I went to the membership home page and paid the dues of $45 via PayPal. There was nothing else that I could see to do.
No mailing address or anything. Did I miss something?
And btw yes I have a few SxS German shotguns besides the one that needs the forestock. And a couple Walther single shot 22 rifles. I remember like it was yesterday cleaning off all that nasty greasy cosmoline that dad shipped them back in after the war. And also shooting the 22s at Boy Scouts in the 60s. Those Walthers are real tack drivers.

[mike ford]

ScatterHobo,
There are a couple mailing addresses, you will find them in the first WAIDMANNSHEIL you get. In the meantime, you might try PMing germanguns1234 or Fred. If you still can't contact anyone, PM me. I'm not an officer or anything( just a peon), but will help you all I can. I'm looking forward to hearing about and seeing photos of your other German guns.

Mike

[ScatterHobo]

Mike
Much appreciated. You can’t be too much of a peon. Senior member and joined 2011. I’m the little peon in the group now and sure am glad for all the help I’ve received. Looking forward to getting the magazine and the Calendar. I’ll have to break out the good camera and take some photos of the other guns. One is an old drilling with hammers.
Thank you again

[mike ford]

ScatterHobo,
The Senior Member deal is not any kind of "rank", it just comes from participation and posting enough times( I don't know how many). Other members joined before 2011, I wish I had, but I didn't know about it.
Mike