I've done several semi inlets and quite a few from patterns where I used a old stock to modify a pattern but this is the first from a blank. Against my better judgement here is the result It's a Colt light rifle in .270. Very accurate and my favorite hunting rifle. I'm not terribly happy with it but not terribly dissapointed either. Feel free to be critical, I'm open to advice to get better. It is slim as I wanted but not real pleasing to the eye. The cheek piece bugs me the most. The good news I can only improve. I didn't do the checkering, I had a local guy do a basic pattern for me.

My goodness! I applaud your efforts and a job well done. You are right the cheek piece is a little odd looking. I think if it "melted" into the stock sooner. If that makes sense.

However I should not give any criticism as I would just have fire starting material had I attempted what you accomplished!

Man, if this is your first attempt, great!! I used my first one as firewood!

I think it looks excellent,the way I aways looked at it you only have to please yourself . Good job ! Bill

I would have made the bottom line of the cheek piece parallel with the bottom line of the stock. Other than that I like the stock very much. I would like to know what you don't like about the stock?

Stock shape is a purely personal thing. Your execution looks excellant to me. If you want critique from a personal standpoint I would say the cheekpiece is to full toward the front. I usually make the bottom line reasonably parallel the bottom line of the stock. I also like a more defined flute at the comb of the stock and I have a personal dislike to the flat bottom. I lend more to the Jerry Fisher round bottom approach without the round bottom metal if that makes sense. I definitely would not be ashamed to own and show off your stock in any case. VERY nice job. These are purely personal opinions and I hope that is what you were asking for.

Nice job, I'll be trying my first one this year an I hope it turns out as well, only I'm going to start on a two piece for a M99.

I would prefer the comb flutes to be narrower and more well defined.

Dempsey, Well Done!

Doing it yourself gives a true appreciation for the design and shaping skills required for the 'outside' of the stock.

My first attempt from a block did not go onto a gun.

The comments on the cheekpiece are spot on. It was a exercise in frustration. I wish I could spin it clockwise and drop it a bit.

I would be proud if it were mine!
I did a blank some 40 years ago and have cursed the results almost daily since then. NEVER HAS SO MUCH TIME AND EFFORT BEEN WASTED ON SUCH A BEAST OF UGLY WOOD.Then I realized that there was wisdom in using semi-inletted stocks and have been happy ever since.

I agree with the comments on the cheekpiece, but other than that I think it is beautiful. One day I hope to have the guts to post pictures of my first from a blank as I am also not quite happy with it either, after three years.

Theres only three things wrong with that Rifle !.
Bolt and Cheek piece are on the wrong side cheek piece appears to be high and last It doesn't belong to me !. I commend your skill as well as effort !!!!!!!!!.

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

You've done a great job and I, too, applaud your efforts!!!

Thanks all, it is an enjoyable hobby. Wish I had a mill though. The trigger guard is too beefy as well. I've seen where SDH says he does a full scale drawing before he starts. I think that's a real good idea and I'll do it in the future.

great job i sure hope my first is have that nice i have a feeling my first will be fire wood when done

quote:

Man, if this is your first attempt, great!! I used my first one as firewood!

+1

quote:

The trigger guard is too beefy as well

It's perfect for me.

Looks nice. I may have to try it one day.

Terry

I think it looks great. A family heirloom for sure. How many hours do you think you have invested in it?

bluefin, not real sure. I'm real slow.