I recently picked up a Ruger .44 carbine, made in 1972 based on the serial number. This one has the “finger groove” stock with the Monte Carlo butt on it instead of the usual barrel band stock. I have a couple of questions one of you may be able to answer. Is the barreled action held to the stock at the forend by the front sling swivel mount (since this stock does not have a barrel band)? Also, is this stock prone to splitting the way the standard version is? I’ve read numerous posts about where the stock has split at the forend because the wood is very thin under the magazine tube. If so, is there anything that can be done to help prevent this? Thanks for any thoughts you may have.
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