A good friend asked me to take a look at a shotgun of his. It's an old Belgian made SXS 12 gauge, marked "Lancaster Arms Co."
From doing a little research on the proof marks, I think it was made sometime just pre-WWI. It's marked "Twist Finish Belgium" on the barrel rib, which research tells me means that it is modern steel, and NOT Damascus steel. However, it has black-powder proof marks, not nitro proof marks.
He says they bought it from a very reputable gun shop. The proprietor, a very knowledgeable black-powder guy, assured him it was safe to shoot with modern ammo. I must admit, I have my doubts. He did say they've been shooting it.
He wanted me to see what I could do with the stock. The wrist is cracked and busted up. I think I can epoxy it, and pin it if necessary. I've done that sort of thing before. The other issue is that barrel lock-up is terrible, seriously loose. I took it apart to find the latch piece extremely worn. It's a sturdy flat bar. I really doubt I can find another, but I figure I could either weld it up and reshape it, or fabricate a replacement (I've done that kind of thing before also).
What do you guys think? Any advice? He's a good friend, the kind you help when they ask for a favor. My oldest friend actually, known each other our whole lives. I wish I had been there when he bought the thing; I'd have stopped him. So now I've got a project to consider, and I'd like to see what I can do.