I've noticed Model 500 wood forends do tend to crack right down the center of the the top groove. Mostly the full length. My New Haven 600 did that, and I've noticed it on others, including a new Retro model that wasn't even sold yet. It doesn't seem to hurt anything. Mossberg may do well to not make their forearm a wodden tube. Instead, cut a channel in the top grove to relieve the stress.

I like this YouTube channel. He's got good things to say about the lowly 500.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
https://vcdl.org/