I have a couple of questions for the Australian guys.

I'm after 1 or 2 walnut stock blanks. I know that Roger Vardy is the main supplier of Australian English Walnut but does he sell direct? Any contact details?

Also, do we have any quality stock makers in S.E. Qld. I have been thinking of Geof Slee or David Stendell (both interstate) but woould prefer to keep it local if possible.

Thanks guys.

For some great blanks try Lazarides Timber Agencies at Banyo Ph 3267 3899. They carry Queensland walnut, maple, black bean and Victorian blackwood some in fiddleback grain.
Another is Wren Timbers in Cairns Ph (07)4035 4301. Bruce has Qld silver ash, Rose Alder, Sycamore, Wattle and North Qld walnut. I got some blackwood from Lazarides for my Win92 stocks at very reasonable prices ($68 for enough for 2 x butts & 2 x forewoods)

Once you have a blank of your liking, then approach the stockmakers.

An example of Victorian Blackwood (imagine that fiddleback grain on your favourite rifle). At 640kg/m3 it is almost the same density as walnut and about 1/3 price.

Thanks Bad Ass. I think that I will stay conventional for this project and go with English walnut (Australian or New Zealand).
Have only seen one stock made from black bean - thought it was pretty good. How stable are the others you mentioned. Hold checkering well?