First try with English Walnut

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18 January 2012, 20:47

clowdis

First try with English Walnut

As the title says this is my first attempt at an English Walnut stock. It's a long story as to how I got stuck with the stainless steel hardware but I won't do that again without some more forethought. I ended up having to make the quarterrib, buttplate, and sights because I couldn't find anything compatible in stainless. I finished the metal in a soda blast which I though would look better than it does. There doesn't seem to be enough contrast in the parts to suit me. The action is a Defiance Machine co. in a Remington model 7 footprint. Barrel is a Lilja 3 groove. So, anyway, I have the African Express I always wanted. Caliber? 223 Remington

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18 January 2012, 20:49

clowdis

OK, anybody know how to rotate images? They were horizontal in photobucket.

18 January 2012, 21:14

Biebs

Wow...awesome build!

18 January 2012, 22:07

p dog shooter

I like the metal finsh.

You sure don't have worry about to much kick from AFRICAN EXPRESS.

Nice rifle.

18 January 2012, 22:19

Biebs

I like the proportions of the stock and the slope of the forend....very "British" of you!

18 January 2012, 22:25

Dall85

SWEEEEEET!

19 January 2012, 01:05

butchloc

nice job of checkering, going over the top of the grip is a bitch isn't it

19 January 2012, 02:53

ZekeShikar

Very unique and handsome looking rifle. I like your work. The wood is pretty too. It should make a fine hunting rifle.

Zeke

19 January 2012, 04:01

clowdis

quote:
Originally posted by butchloc:
nice job of checkering, going over the top of the grip is a bitch isn't it

I didn't think it was that hard actually, Butch. The reason I say this is that it is a 3 panel design instead of a single panel going over the top and all the way down. That would be tough! Still plenty of errors and things I would do different next time

19 January 2012, 05:22

gzig5

Where's the claw extractor? Kidding

Very nice looking work. I'm curious how durable that matte finish will be to rubbing? Like the stock proportions and the two piece butt plate.

19 January 2012, 08:37

cal30 1906

Hands down that is the nicest looking .223 I have ever seen

Cal30

If it cant be Grown it has to be Mined! Devoted member of Newmont mining company Underground Mine rescue team. Carlin East,Deep Star ,Leeville,Deep Post ,Chukar and now Exodus Where next? Pete Bajo to train newbies on long hole stoping and proper blasting techniques.
Back to Exodus mine again learning teaching and operating autonomous loaders in the underground. Bringing everyday life to most individuals 8' at a time!

19 January 2012, 20:40

mrbofus

Pretty sexy lookin shootin iron.

Good Job!

20 January 2012, 07:46

clowdis

Any constructive criticism?

20 January 2012, 19:03

cal30 1906

quote:
Posted 19 January 2012 19:46 Hide Post
Any constructive criticism?

quote:
Any constructive criticism?

nope that is fine indeed.

Maybe Ill look you up for my doings.

Cal30

20 January 2012, 23:17

vapodog

I like it.....nice job sir!

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21 January 2012, 04:06

PoppaW

I really like the front half of the gun. Nice quarter rib and stock. The butt doesn't do it for me. Maybe need to get used to it. The metal finish is different and not what I would do. Over all better than I could imagine and a real nice rifle. What front sight?

21 January 2012, 08:06

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by clowdis:
Any constructive criticism?

To my eye the buttstock is not as it should be. It just doesn't look right.

Jack Belk said the grip geometry is the key to the stock. I think this stock is the proof of that.

The first thing I notice is that the nose of the comb is in front of the grip cap. All the experts seem to agree that the comb nose should be over the center of the grip cap.

I'm not saying that is why it looks odd to my eye, but that is what I would put my finger on.

Don't get me wrong, your work is beautiful!

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

21 January 2012, 08:46

AzGuy

quote:
Originally posted by clowdis:
Any constructive criticism?

The rifle is very nice....very nice result for your first effort..,,I really like the butt-stock treatment... Don't care for the overly large check piece...just my opine.

21 January 2012, 08:58

craigster

Nice work. I think the butt of the stock would look better configured something like this:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...1019521/m/3251073061

And, I just can't warm up to the 2 piece butt plate.

21 January 2012, 17:04

clowdis

Thanks guys. While praise is good for the ego it doesn't make you a better builder on the next one. Woody, the buttplate is different and out of style for this type of rifle but just wanted to try it to see how it would look. The front sight is a banded solid blade type, I'll see if I can get a photo. I'm really thinking about changing to a "light pipe". As for the comb being too far forward, I kept moving the grip cap back to open up the grip some but guess I forgot to bring the comb along. Good points.

01 February 2012, 23:19

Max Trauma

That would be an awsome gift to give to one of those great doctors in Randleman.

PS I don't mean Snipes

01 February 2012, 23:56

Biebs

If you want a "guinea pig" for the next one, I'm in. 7x57, or course!

02 February 2012, 17:23

clowdis

quote:
Originally posted by Max Trauma:
That would be an awsome gift to give to one of those great doctors in Randleman.

PS I don't mean Snipes

John! What are you doing here?! I thought you were a "black gun" sort of guy. Pretty guns know no bounds do they?