Art, it has never given me any problems. When I busted my Merkel, I used a piece of bolt. The first repair w/o the bolt failed. When I bought a well busted Scott double, I did not even hesitate to use some metal the first time. It is still in one piece - it's a 10 bore double, so recoil happens. I also use the same for attaching nose pieces to forearms.
I have never had any problem with a rod coming unglued - but I only hunt in Iowa...;)
I think wood movement is way overblown as a problem. Falling on them, however, is a real issue. Esp. when racing after a running pheasant from time to time.
Brent
