Can any of you recommend someone in the Houston area that duplicates stocks?

I'm sure there is somebody around the Houston area, but I'd sure recommend John Vest in Redmond OR.

I too was curious as to why the work must be local. No personal experience but I hear good things about Al Lind as well.

I second Boxhead's recommendation of Al Lind for duplicating. Al's interior duplication makes the inletting chore a pleasure, and he leaves plenty of wood on the exterior for personal refinements. Depending on one's expertise with rasps, chisels, gouges and scrapers to sculpt the exterior is, to me, most enjoyable.

Luck,

Stephen

How much do these guys charge for a typical stock?

Wade,

My experience shows a range between $150-$400 depending on your refinement requests. For examples; a Neidner butt plate profiling would be an additional set-up as would cutting for a skeleton butt plate and/or grip cap, installing the forend tip prior to machining, etc. are all accompanied by charges, and rightfully so. Always, keeping in mind, drop at heel, lop, curvature and location of grip and pitch all need be established prior to these machinings.

Luck,

Stephen

P.S. Glad to hear of another like-minded gun crank willing to do what you plan.