Looks like I will be in the Bozeman area at the end of the month for the wedding of a family friend's son. I have negotiated with SWMBO for exactly 1/2 day to do what I want. Unfortunately not suffient time to visit the Kalispell area.

We have not visited this area before, so it's south to the park after the wedding Sat. I have late Friday or Monday am to scrounge around Belgrade, Bozeman or Livingston. His web site reports Hallowell's is not open Monday am, so I may try Friday pm.

Does anyone know if there is as source for gunstock blanks in this area. I have always bought sight unseen, it would be great to look over a selection. Currently I am looking for two mid priced 'matched' english blanks with nice color. Of course, I never could pass up a bargin, and SWMBO would never know if I shipped something home.

I am looking forward to enjoying the beauty of this area, it would be a bonus to find some nice wood.

Thanks
Roger

Roger,

You might try Bill Heckman at Heckman Specialties in Livingston. No sense driving over the pass twice, wait till you are visiting Hallowell's. He's listed in the Yellow Pages at 222-8618. I haven't been to Bill's in many years. He re-pinned a drilling for me long ago and it seems that if he doesn't have any wood he might know someone who does.

There's some other "famous" double gun guy in Livingston who's name escapes me, he used to upgrade/rebuild AH Fox guns. Bill will know who he is.

Hope you enjoy it around here.

Bill Dowtin in Great falls, Mt. has the finest wood I have seen in many years and at the best prices I have seen. 406-771-0968 and www.oldworldwalnut.com

I believe the other guy you are thinking of is Steven Dodd Hughes, in Livingston. Nice guy, who does some really nice work. He's in the book. - Dan

Thanks all for the information

I will call Mr Heckman and SDH to see if they know of any wood sources.

Ray, Unfortunately I have only 1/2 day. Even if I flew, that does not give me much time to look at wood, so the 400+ mile round trip to Great Falls is out. Mr Dowtin does indeed have some very highly figured blanks on the web site.

I may need to consider a trip to Reno in January, I wonder what else is going on that time of the year that might interest my other half?

Roger

Doesn't pertain to your question about wood, but Shiloh Sharps is about an hour East in Big Timber. Worth the visit if it fits your schedule.

http://www.shilohrifle.com/

Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Company
PO Box 279, 201 Centennial Drive
Big Timber, Montana 59011
Tel: 406-932-4266 or 406-932-4454
Fax: 406-932-5627
info@shilohrifle.com

Schnees on Main Street in BZN has excellent boots.

I lived in Livingston for about 5 years. It's grand country. Enjoy.