Feeler gauge stock is hardened and ground, and doesn't bend and conform very well, and stainless shim stock might be a bit aggresive (tougher) than the hook material. An article in the DGJ mentioned that a fellow with a Nitro Special (someone correct me if I have the make wrong, but, it was a lower end gun for sure) that was used for several decades with a piece of brass sheet stock, cut to a rectangle, and lubed. Owner used the gun with duck loads heavy enough to knock some sense into jOe (or, not) for many, many seasons, and sold it to someone who did the same, knowing about the low-buck repair.
Paper packing used in the printing field to pack the cylinders of the press would seem ready made to do the job, and comes in .002-.004 thickness. Regardless of what you have been told about "quality" repair by someone who can't define exactly what that might be, paper is used in this and other examples of high load shim applications every day. Wood and paper were used in bearing applications for centuries before metal was up to the task, and several machines at work (modern presses and folders) use oil soaked wood bearings to this day.
My Darne 12 looks pretty good when conversations about off-the-face repairs come up.....
Best,
Ted
