Encore forend

I hope to get a barrel to convert my encore ML to a SML. In the description it says a 12 ga forend will fit the barrel or you can modify the forend that's on the gun. My questions are 1) what is involved in modifying the ML forend to fit the SML barrel  2) I would buy a factory 12ga forend but they are priced ridiculously -is there a site that has reasonable forend left in stock  3) I may switch the butt and forend to a tonys or Boyds - how well do the wood stocks hold up to the recoil?

Thanks for any input