Need some advice

[wslsr]

I need some advice. I have a very nice 1942 Long Branch which I think is original and is one of my favorite rifles. However, there is a gap between the rear of the forearm and the butt socket, the gap measures 0.018 – 0.020 inches on the left side and the right side (lower corner) is tight. It appears that the lower right side corner of the forearm is the only area bearing against the butt socket. Also, when I remove the front trigger guard screw and trigger guard I can move the stock longitudinal about 0.005 inches. When the trigger guard and trigger guard screw are assembled there is no movement. I did remove the trigger guard screw sleeve or collar and reassembled without the sleeve, the sleeve/collar is a tad long so I will file it down. My concern is the uneven bearing of the forearm on the butt socket and the slight movement of the forearm when the trigger guard is removed. Is this a problem? Is this rifle safe to shoot or will shooting the rifle crack or damage the stock?

Several months ago purchased a gallon of raw linseed oil. I am hoping that soaking the forearm in RLO will tighten up the fit.

Photo no 1 shows lower right corner which is tight, the lower rt corner is the only area bearing on the butt socket
Photo no 2 shows 0.018 - 0.020 gap on the left side
Photo no. 3 shows no gap using 0.002
Photo no. 4 shows 0.003 gap on the bottom side

best regards, scott

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