B25 Salty Superposed

Question
Jim,

Thanks for sharing your expertise. I have a 1966 Model B25 Superposed O/U. I received it as a 30th birthday present 20 years ago. The stock behind the shoulder and receiver is slightly cracked and checked. The receiver is slightly pitted close around the stock. I am quite sure it was one of the early 'salt cured' walnut stocks. Where can I find more info about the history and process used and should I have it soaked, repaired and restored by a professional smith? Will leaving it 'as is' devalue it further?

Answer
Clayton,

I would obtain some Silver Nitrate 1% Solution and test the wood to make sure it is saltwood. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to remedy the problem. Browning invested a great deal of time and money to fix the salt wood and to this day does not have a viable means of fixing the problem. Depending on what you want to do with the gun, it can be repaired by Browning and a new stock can be made. You will need to contact the Browning facility at Arnold, Missouri for direction.

Jim