When it comes to defining the ammunition you intend to use, or should use in a vintage double, high brass is a meaningless term. What Make? What is the load? What is the FPS? What is the peak pressure? What is your gun proofed for?

The stock is likely cracked because someone has consistently shot loads heavier than it was designed for. Old wood will only handle the recoil for so long.

The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia