MO Archer,

This is disheartening news. Particularly because I'd bet it was caused again by tightening the lug screws and I'm certain you were careful and did not over tighten. I removed my barrel again to inspect mine. Lo and behold, there is a fine crack bothin front of and behind the muzzle side lug. They don't go very deep, but I suspect that they may deepen with time.

I have yet to shoot my kodiak pro, (driving me crazy), but I will, just as soon as the range re-opens. We've got a spell of warm weather which is supposed to end tomorrow, but if tomorrow doesn't drop too much precip, it is possible that I may be out to the range by or on next weekend.

For others who own Kodiaks I would be very interested in your comments on your stocks because I have the sense this is something which is common. Like me, Zugunruhe, also bought a SS Kodiak Pro when the Apex run out. If you would, check your stock and comment.

As for me, I don't think I'm gonna go through thescenario of replacing my stock, simply because I figure that a new one will alsodevelop cracks.As I inspected the stock again, it just seems to me that there is just a whole lot ofstock structure behind the lugs and thatit will support the heavy conical recoil I'm going to putto her.I don't think the part that iscracking supports much recoil at all, the structure along the sides of the stock is supporting the lion's share. The cracks are developing, I think, from stress related to spreading the stock as the barrel is bedded with the lug screw.Personally, I think I will reinforce those pockets behind thelugs withJ-B Weld (like I did the Apex) and then just report how the cracks develop and worsen if they do.

MO Archer, if you can't livewith those cracks, I think I'd look into returning therifle. Cuz, even ifCVA is willing to trade you stocks every two weeks, I think they willeach and everyonedevelopcracks right there.