I recently acquired this 20 bore A from VFI and would like anyone who has knowledge of this type of gun to please chime in; the issue is the forearm which appears more Sterlingworth like based on its checkering pattern and latch. There is also a strange escutcheon which appears to have been filed, this a non ejector gun.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Daryl Corona, Rich Anderson and Mike Smith after the recent Rock Mountain event and this gun was a subject of scrutiny and discussion but none of us could figure out the different forearm. Here's what we know (thanks, Daryl!): mfg Aug. 1914, 28" 3 weight barrels choked M/F, 6lb, LOP 14 1/8", A grade. From VFI: bores R .616 L .617, chokes R .002 L .012. It patterns Skeet and IC. The chambers are bored to 2 3/4" and cones extended, I had the stock extension and pad fitted to bring the LOP out to 14 3/4", DAH 2 3/4", DAC 1 1/2", no cast (extension removable). All serial numbers match.
I can shoot it well and am thinking about a re stock to my dimensions keeping factory appearance....soooo...the question is: is this the original forearm or is there a known length, style, checkering pattern etc that would be more appropriate? The goal is to re stock in my dimensions and maintain a completely 18th & Windrim shape and appearance except improve wood grade. I can only attach 5 photos, so these are the forearm images but I have 20 more if it will help I can send those in a separate correspondence...BTW any help with this computer stuff is always welcome!
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance! Russ Burkett