HPolitik: That crack in that location may not be a big deal but you did mention seeing the crack "ahead of the receiver ring". That is a crack mode that the Indians tried to mitigate with the so-called "Ishapore screw" which they inserted through the forend just ahead of the receiver ring. You'll find an excellent article in the Knowledge Libraryicon of the forum by Peter Laidlericon describing replacement of the screw by a hardwood dowel. Might be something you could consider for stabilizing your forend. You should also look up threads about the "draws" area of the forend as the condition of the "draws" is very important. More pictures would help and you'll probably get some feedback from people far, far more informed than myself.

Ridolpho