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Stocks: Fiberglass vs. Walnut vs. other exotic woods

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14 October 2002, 19:00
Socrates
Stocks: Fiberglass vs. Walnut vs. other exotic woods
HI
I know most people think Walnut is THE wood for gunstocks.

I'm wondering what the strongest wood anyone has used is, and what it looks like? I know Spruce is VERY strong, but, it flexes and bends...

In other words, what is the ideal combination of strength, and beauty for a custom high powered, 458 Mauser(CZ 550)?

Thanks

s
15 October 2002, 02:59
jeffeosso
Socrates,
INHO, I've seen exibition grade walnut on BIG guns, but the grain was straight through the wrist. You could email Henry at gunstocks.com and tell him what you are going to use it for, and he can do 3 things for you. 1: suggest which wood, 2: cut you a purpose built stock (nice nice figure, plain in the wrist or 3: you tell him how much you want to spend, what you are going to do, and ask him to pick out an awesome piece that will work with your stock, AND to install 2 crossbolts.

If you want TOUGH, the lams are unbeatable. Can be passsing, like a bottom fancy (some call 1a some call 3 a)and weatherproof. and, nicely, quite heavy for size.

the accepted answer, btw, is bastogne (bastard) walnut. However, I have had a piece of it, in ex-grade, and HATED the results, when compared to english walnut.

cheers
jeffe
15 October 2002, 04:31
Orion 1
I would think teak would be an unbeatable all-weather wood for gunstocks.
15 October 2002, 05:43
Mickey1
quote:
Originally posted by Socrates:
ocks.

I'm wondering what the strongest wood anyone has used is, and what it looks like? I know Spruce is VERY strong, but, it flexes and bends...

Soc:

Spuce is strong and light but because of the large grain structure will warp with moisture or heat. I much prefer Douglas Fir as it is much tighter as old growth and while a bit heavier is more stable. The sap can be a problem but you can rub it off for fire starter.

For my big rifles I prefer Osage Orange. Heavy , dense and will hold a 28 lpi checkering pattern (if you can get it on). We use alot of it around here for stocks and handmade fishing poles in place of Bamboo. Since it mostly grow in the Central US I try to bring back a fence post or two when I go back there. [Wink]
15 October 2002, 23:01
mehulkamdar
Socrates,
Some years ago Gun Digest (or one of the other Krause annuals) had a detailed article on the various wood types used in making gunstocks. I have a copy somewhere and could scan and e-mail it to you if you like. Do let me know if you are interested.
Good shooting!
16 October 2002, 15:17
<Mauser416>
Mehulkamdar,
I'd be interested in a copy of that article should you get around to it.

Eric
16 October 2002, 15:25
POSEUR
I would be interested in reading that article too!

Casey

[ 10-16-2002, 06:26: Message edited by: CASEY ]
16 October 2002, 15:55
GeorgeS
quote:
Originally posted by mehulkamdar:
Socrates,
Some years ago Gun Digest (or one of the other Krause annuals) had a detailed article on the various wood types used in making gunstocks. I have a copy somewhere and could scan and e-mail it to you if you like. Do let me know if you are interested.
Good shooting!
Mehulkamdar,

I can post it on a webpage for all to read.

George
16 October 2002, 17:28
470 Mbogo
Hi Gents,
If you go to www.dressels.com they have an explanation of most of the stock woods available. They also have picture of both sides of their blanks in most of the woods. Just pick the amount your interested in spending and the site will show you what's available.

470 Mbogo
16 October 2002, 22:14
Socrates
GeorgeS:
That would be great.

Thanks

gs
16 October 2002, 22:58
mehulkamdar
Friends,

I am not very good at scanning etc and so I shall go to an internet cafe and get that done before I send it to everyone who wants it.

George S,

Do you already have the article that I mentioned and are you going to put it on a website or should I send it to you so that you could do this? Won't there be copyright problems in doing this? I'll send it to you anyway along with the others - if you have it already, please delete it from your mail.

Please give me a day - you'll have everything by tomorrow.

Good shooting!
17 October 2002, 08:33
Robgunbuilder
The laminated stocks are quite strong and some people ( not me) like the look. They will definately take a beating! Personally, English walnut with lots of figure rings my bell. I am currently building a 505 Gibbs on a really nice piece of wood and I'll post pictures in a few days.-Rob
19 October 2002, 22:18
mehulkamdar
Friends,

I have just sent the article from GD 97 to everyone except Casey - his e-mail isn't available on the site.

Hope you find it useful.

Good shooting!
20 October 2002, 09:39
D Humbarger
I think Screw bean mesquite is very high on the list.
20 October 2002, 22:53
Socrates
Thanks for the informaton.

Just got done cleaning a worm from my computer, or I would have answered sooner.

Thank you for the article, and the alternative forms of stocks. I was really intrested in the benefit of the compressed would laminate stocks.

Mahogany looks like a great material, if not expensive, and teak is another alternative.

I'm happy with my stock on the 375, and it has not split.
Euro walnut, I'm pretty sure.

See what I decide on for the 450 Ackley.

s
21 October 2002, 05:31
Nitroman
Just looking at the pics I think very high quality black walnut is simply to-die-for. I went to Dressels website and am now in lust and it is all 470 Mbogos fault. My wife is not happy.