This is why I am asking, Brad, as I respect the views of the other forum members here - and most of them have forgotten more than I will ever know lol.

I was considering, as an alternative, getting all the pieces to put the rifle back to 1941 configuration, but still keeping the parts the rifle came to me with - with a small amount of effort, the rifle could be displayed in it's original glory and, at will, changed back to the state it ended up in - a before and after montage if you will - and it would not involve making a single permanent change to the rifle.

Someone has already offered me an early forend, but I do not know what kind of wood would have ben used. So far I have heard that either walnut or birch were used in making early Long Branch forends - comments anyone?

Any idea what wood this might be?

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