MudBogger,
Is the .22 lever rifle newer or bought used?Walnut I assume?
IF the rifle buttstock was inletted properly, and IF the walnut was seasoned properly, the reason why the cracks have developed is probably from low humidity where you live/stor the rifle and the wood shrinking.
The wood ideally should be kept at around 50-60% relative humidity, which equates to about 9-10% wood moisture content over time.
Dryer climates and the wood will continue to shrink, and when fastened in places which have been inletted and are thinner, the wood will crack to try to relieve itself.It's not a recoil issue I'm sure..:)
The thinnest superglue( quality stuff like you can get at a good woodworking supply house Super T etc should do the job to help the cracks from growing longer.
Make a tiny 'dam' out of modeling clay ( 1/8" tall) on either side of the crack and then apply the supergue so it will run down and into the crack without getting all over the finish.
An initial droplet of warm water applied with a syringe will facilitate the CA glue in setting up in the crack.
What's your normal relative humidity out there? Bet it's pretty dry most all year..Wood doesn't like prolonged super low humidity..and neither does house plants and your body..:)Jim
