It must be the lighting in the photo as the tang was not cracked. However, there were some small cracks in the interior that needed to be repaired. A small crack was starting around the recoil lug. That was all part of the restoration and repair process that I mentioned.

Wood gets old and dries out over time as I'm sure you know. The fore end cap was also coming loose and that was repaired also.

I really don't want to add cross bolts as that would detract from its historical and collector value. Besides, I don't plan on shooting it very much.

Also, so we don't keep taking this thread off topic, be sure to check out my original post about Osa's rifle here:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=120755

Cheers!
-Bob F.