No, he's right, and it does happen with quality SXS doubles fitted with BTFEs. The fore-end loop is typically soft soldered to the barrels on top quality doubles, just like the ribs are. When a hard kicking large bore double rifle is fired while held improperly, as NE450No2 described above, the attachment is subjected to stress that is not present with a splinter, and damage can result as described. The purpose of the fore-end wood is to enclose and protect the fore-end iron. Splinter fore-ends are intentionally very small - too small to use for a handle - because the fore-end isn't intended to be a handle, nor should it be used as one. Splinters are more than just "traditional", and this is only one of the reasons why.