How to Repair a Cracked or Broken Shotgun Stock

Cracked or Broken Stock

Being able to repair a cracked, chipped or broken shotgun stock is a valuable piece of knowledge for most hunters and shooting sports participants. Far too often, a perfectly good walnut stock is scrapped for a new one because of damage that could easily be repaired by its owner.

Things You'll Need

• Four way screw driver
• Long-handled, flat-head screwdriver
• Finish safe solvent/cleaner
• High-quality wood glue
• Clamp
• Drill
• Small-diameter drill bit
• Super glue
• Small-diameter wire brad nail
• Wire cutters
• Metal file

Instructions

How to Repair a Cracked or Broken Shotgun Stock

1. 

   Remove the stock so you don't damage the metal and bluing of the shotgun. Take off the butt plate. You should see the bolt hole for the mounting bolt. Usually, the mounting bolt can be removed with a long-handled, flat-head screwdriver. Once the bolt is removed, you should be able to pull the stock from the mounted position.

2. 

   Remove any tape or wrapping that may be on the stock. Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired. Use an old rag and a finish safe remover or solvent. Make sure to follow the directions of any solvent that you use, and let the area dry before continuing the repair.

3. 

   Make sure the cracked or broken piece is in the correct position. Use a high-quality wood glue to glue it in its place. Immediately place the clamp correctly over the area, and tighten as much as possible without damaging the wood. Make sure to use the glue as directed on the bottle, and allow drying completely. Let it dry while clamped for 24 hours. After the glue has dried, carefully remove the excess glue that has expanded through the drying process.

4. 

   Drill a pilot hole, slightly smaller in diameter than the wire brad nails, on each side of the crack or break. Drill deep enough so you reach the good wood, but not so deep that you will completely sink the nail. You want a small portion of the nail sticking out of the hole for now.

5. 

   Place a small amount of the super glue on each brad nail, and slowly push them into the pilot holes. As stated in the previous step, you should have a small portion of the nail sticking out of the hole. After the glue has dried, you can cut this portion off with wire cutters and file down with a metal file, being careful not to damage the wood. Once this is complete, reverse Step 1 to reattach the stock, making sure to tighten the mounting bolt thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• This process can also be used to repair small cracks, chips and breaks on wooden furniture as well. When using the clamp, you can place a protective rag or cloth between it and the wood to help prevent damage. However, be mindful of the glue.

• Like any repairs involving a firearm, make sure to unload the shotgun before handling. If the damage to the wood seems too severe or seems to interfere with the safety or operation of the gun, then take it to a professional gunsmith for the repair. The author is not a professional or licensed gunsmith. However, in the author's experience, this repair works for most simple cracks or breaks.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish