I am looking for someone to do some checkering on a stock, for a rifle I am doing for my grandson. It is a highly figured piece of English Walnut.

I am in Idaho, near Boise,and would prefer someone close, however I would consider sending the stock to someone out of state.

A couple of questions;

Should I wait to put finish on stock until after it is checkered?

what should I expect to pay for a good, but basic checkering job? I am thinking of either side of grip area and a wrap around on fore end.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.
Shane

Shane,
The stock should have the finish applied before checkering is done. A basic point pattern you request can run $200 and up depending on the hourly rate of the shop. If you cannot find someone local to do your job, contact me to discuss details.

thanks!!

Tim Smith-Lyon at classiccheckering.com. Fast, good and reasonable.
Regards, Joe

carol @ ahlmans - ahlmans.com

Dean Zollinger is nearby I believe. He is working over a custom (by others) stock of mine now including checkering.

Boxhead do you have any contact info for Dean? If so would you please either post it or PM me?
thanks
Shane

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
Dean Zollinger is nearby I believe. He is working over a custom (by others) stock of mine now including checkering.

I've been very happy with John Reese's work.

Custom Diamonds

Mike,
I checked out their website and sent and email to them. Very nice work!
Shane

deansgunshop@hotmail.com

quote:

Originally posted by npd345:
Boxhead do you have any contact info for Dean? If so would you please either post it or PM me?
thanks
Shane

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
Dean Zollinger is nearby I believe. He is working over a custom (by others) stock of mine now including checkering.

thanks Boxhead! I will email him.
shane

Thanks for all the input!


I am going with John Reese of Custom Diamonds.

I just sent a Dakota stock to Ahlmans today for refinishing and checkering their #4 pattern. Suspect it will be done within a month. Next stock from one of my Zastava's will go to classic checkering and I'll post a follow up and include my thoughts as to the final results from each company.

Snowwolfe, I'd be VERY interested in seeing your conclusions!

I saw some of Ahlman's work 30 years ago and it was so bad it made me want to puke but that was then and this is now. I've known Tim at Classic for many years and while he's not necessarily the VERY best he's still light-years ahead of the Ahlman's work I saw 30 years ago.

Let's hope that Ahlman's has improved somewhat. Please keep us informed!
Regards, Joe

In the past 3-4 years have had Ahlman's/Carol do some 3 stocks and couple used her patterns and one used one of my design and have no complaints, turned out very nice indeed. Cost reasonable and turn around time some couple weeks. Suggest giving a call and discussing project with the lady that does the checkering.
Found best time to catch her is afternoon their time zone.