It is definately happening when it is fired. I put the stock on several timessince I received itbefore I fired it, each time I got them a little tighter and each time I took it back apart to inspect it and there were no cracks. Maybe the stress of firing it and the spread of the barrel is too much. I am not sure. I have pretty much made up my mind to take it to the range and shoot more rounds through it. I will take it apart every 5 rounds and inspect the cracks and take pictures until I feel that it is no longer safe to shoot. Not sure what CVA will be willing to do about it. I am sure I can make the stock work as you are, but I didn't buy a new gun to have to make it work. I too would like to hear from everyone that owns this gun and see just how many have the cracks and how bad they actually are. What kind of stock do you have Pglasgow?