I'am in the process of getting a 375 H&H and a 416 Rigby built and I was somewhat surprised at the surcharge for a wood upgrades and the quality of wood for the stocks. They also quoted a high price for additional synthetic stocks for the two rifles ($2,500.00). I have since decided to get the two rifles with the standard grade of wood on both rifles, and use these stocks for My future planned trips to Africa.

My question to forum members is I would like to get a nice piece of wood for an additional stock for the 416 Rigby and was wondering if members could suggest a good source for stock blanks and a good stockmaker that could perform the work.
Thanks

That seems a little high for a synthetic stock addon to me. Who is the builder? For 2500 you can have most of the best stock makers in the country make anything you want (plus the woood).

I would rather not get into slamming the maker of the rifles, as each person can make their decision on what their budget and wants are. I am interested in finding sources for stock blanks and finding a quality stockmaker for upgrading a custom stock on the Rigby.

I am also trying to decide on a stock / gunsmith for my .458 Lott MRC. Looked at McMilan but would prefer wood.

Accurate Innovations has wood and synthetic stocks at prices almost too good to be true. Not recommending them, as I know very little about the company.
http://www.accurateinnovations.com/

Serengeti seems expensive but maybe you get what you pay for.
http://www.serengetistockworks.com/

470drshooter

If you are looking for gunstock blanks. Then Let me say two words...... Luxus Walnut.

http://www.luxusgunstock.com/

Clay or Adam are great guys. They will treat you right. The prices are reasonable and they back up their product.

Thanks for the several leads, I think the end result will be much better for less $$$$

Oldworldwalnut.com That is Bill Dowtin who has Circasian walnut out of Russia, as far as I know he is the only person that has the real stuff..and he is not expensive.

What some gunsmiths are charging for a decent stock today is robbery. It takes little more to fit a big bore stock than one for a 30-06. Decent wood can be bought for $500, $250 for pantagram rough cut, $500 for final fitting & finish, another $250 for checkering. So $1500-$2000 depending on wood & checkering. A syn. should be half that, no checkering, little inletting & final shaping.

Appreciate the leads, Going to Ck out the Searcy Doubles this week-end, and the quest continues.

if you want something other than plastic, expect a minimum of 1000 for someone else to turn your blank into a stock, including bedding and checkering.

i mean, seriously, if bedding and xbolting is a minimum of a 200 job, and checkering basically starts at 200, you would be paying, at that rate, 600 bucks for the wood turning, shaping, inletting (which makes or breaks the job) scraping, sanding, recoil pad, and several finish coats and sandings.

minimum wage barely covers the hours required to produce said stock.

now, all that being said, if you want a $200 stock, I am certain you can get one.

What kinda wood? What kinda checkering pattern? Cross bolts, recoil pad, grip and/or forearm tips, etc, etc? All these things have a significant impact on the cost?

I would avoid those builders that charge ridiculous prices for upgraded wood. It's a rip off........why continue to do business with them?