To the Group:

I have been very impressed with some of the fancy stocked Big Bore Rifles listed in the classified ads. I currently own a very nice Winchester Classic safari in 375 H&H. Other than the plain jane stock this is a very nice rifle. I have toyed with the idea of up grading the wood on this rifle. I have been told that you can spend thousands of dollars on a nice piece of wood. Hence the price of the Dakota’s 5-7K. I’m not looking to turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse I just really like a nice stock. I have contemplated ordering a Richardson’s microfit stock and trying to roll on my own. In fact I could order a few cheap practice blanks to play around with. I really would like a summer project and I have more time than money at this point. Yes, I understand a good stock maker is an artist and it takes decades to really get good. However, I have to believe it can be done by a reasonably skilled wood worker with the right tools. If anyone has gone down this road I’d sure appreciate some advice and or photo’s

Thanks Brad

I've rolled my nown stocks for years from staight blanks. You can sometimes find incredible wood at reasonable prices. Go slow use inletting black and stay away from dremel tools. Find a style you like and try and copy it as best you can. You'll learn a great deal and remember glass bedding and sawdust can fix even some of the worst boo-boos. I encourage you to give it a go.-Rob

It's not a big bore but have you checked out the Silver Lining Scholarship Rifle thread in Gunsmithing? Lot's of great info there!