FrankenMauser
New member
Bought a fairly decent condition H&R 1908 small frame in .410 through an online auction. Picked it up at the LGS and just gave it a quick look to make sure I didn't get totally screwed on the "as-is, your problem is your problem, don't even talk to us unless the box is ripped in half" policy of the seller. (Their policy wasn't actually that bad. )
Got it home, went to pull the fore-end, and it didn't feel like normal spring-retained fore-ends.
It was held on with magnets!
Now, I'll be the first to say that this is absolutely not a good repair.
But... I also think it's a fairly ingenious answer to not being able to source or make a new retaining spring. (I've been down the H&R 1908 parts-sourcing road. It sucks!)
The repair DOES work pretty well. ...Maybe 60% of the retention strength of a proper spring and plate.
It would be better with a bush in the oak filler, to engage the stud on the barrel, as far as fitment goes; but it does work, as-is.
After convincing the seller (mass re-seller) that this thing really was held together by magnets, and then having to prove it with photos, they apologized, laughed, and gave me a $20 refund.
Got it home, went to pull the fore-end, and it didn't feel like normal spring-retained fore-ends.
It was held on with magnets!
Now, I'll be the first to say that this is absolutely not a good repair.
But... I also think it's a fairly ingenious answer to not being able to source or make a new retaining spring. (I've been down the H&R 1908 parts-sourcing road. It sucks!)
The repair DOES work pretty well. ...Maybe 60% of the retention strength of a proper spring and plate.
It would be better with a bush in the oak filler, to engage the stud on the barrel, as far as fitment goes; but it does work, as-is.
After convincing the seller (mass re-seller) that this thing really was held together by magnets, and then having to prove it with photos, they apologized, laughed, and gave me a $20 refund.