Thanks for all the quick responses. It sounds like I should track down a good smith to fix the stock. I had been thinking about refinishing with a walnut Tru-oil kit and was already picturing myself blending in on the top. Considering the gap up there, a professional repair would be the best plan. I intend to shoot it and would like to try the Double Tap ammo I described. This may or may not produce more recoil and this stock doesn't need any more abuse until it's fixed.

Other guns I've been fortunate enough to receive are a Thompson Center .45 cal Hawkin from a deceased uncle and a .30 cal DWM Luger from my brother as a thank you gift for taking care of our 91 year old mother.

My neighbor said it best. Guns are all about family. There's nothing better than passing a gun on to a family member when you're done with it. Unless you do it for the investment and return, it's not about the money, but the legacy.