Maybe this is a bit clearer. My 31 Riot has a crack in the forend. I have a new one for it, but am unsure how to change them. Can someone point me in the right direction..Thanks...Jv..

First, I've never done that, second, I don't know if you have the entire assembly or just the wood, but..

If you have the assembly, looks like it will slide right off the front if
1. Barrel lock mechanism is removed (1 screw, beware of magazine spring sproinging)
2. Receiver is undone far enough to tilt up sliding block to release the action arm thingie.

Start with barrel off. Receiver upside down, barrel side facing to right.

Push thru and out the big pin holding in trigger group.

Slide trigger group forward (your right) until wing tabs will fit up through the keyholes and remove it.

Shell stops will then likely fall out or come out by pushing pins from outside (keep track which is which.

You can then find the spot where the sliding block can be tipped up on forward (your right) side to release the action arm and I suspect entire forearm will slide straight off the magazine.

If all you have is a piece of wood at that point you can figure out how the assembly comes apart.

Good luck.

I have a set of instuctions labeled "Remington Model 31 takedown guide" from J. Martin Inc" 304-255-4077, which says "If the forearm assembly needs to be removed, the magazine assembly will have to be taken off. This is not recommended because of the difficulty realigning the holes. Use a non marring hammer to tap it up and off. Once the guide is taken off the forearm assembly can be taken off to the front."

I'm not saying I know more than whoever wrote that takedown guide but if the barrel lock mechanism is off, I don't see anything stopping the forearm from going forward, provided it's disconnected from the sliding block thingie inside the receiver.

And if it's not disconnected from the sliding block thingie inside the receiver, you can do whatever you want with the mag tube and the forearm's not coming off.

Maybe there's something in there I can't see. If I get a chance I'll try my method.

Thanks guys..I have just the wood for the 31..Original is cracked..Found a new factory one and just want to change it. Seems like a daunting task !!..Maybe I'll let the smith do it...

I finally got around to trying the method I proposed above and sure enough it lets the whole forearm come off the front. As to how the wood comes off the metal innards on the forearm I have no clue.

That's what is not clear. I suppose I could just finish the crack..and take it off in pieces..THEN...Does the new wood just slide on ???

Something on the inside there is threaded. If I had an expendable one to experiment with I could figure it out. I'm a little "gun-shy" about messing with the wood on older guns.

I've got a spare 16 ga forend..off the gun..and on the metal..I'll see what I can do..Worst is break the wood...and find out HOW TO REMOVE IT CORRECTLY...