I've been where you're at. I fact, I did purchase a blank from Dressel's a couple of years ago, kept looking at it for maybe a year, decided I could do better, and sent it back in exchange for another blank. The Dressel's treated me really well through the whole exchange, and the blank I ended up with suited my taste a whole lot better than the one I sent back. When I get it back from the stockmaker, I'll post a photo of the complete rifle this replacement blank was used for.

It's hard to tell about the quality of your particular blank without looking at it in person. The left side of the blank looks pretty good. The pale-colored area of the right forend bothers me. It may disappear completely as the blank is shaped, then again it might not. If you view the ends of the blank and study the grain structure, you may pick up a clue about this. Better still, send it to the stockmaker you've selected for the job and ask him for his honest opinion. Stockmakers are pretty clever about moving things around in order to get the most out of a piece of wood.

If you end up with lingering qualms, by all means replace the blank with another. I ALWAYS follow my gut instinct about wood..........

AD

I should have taken some of my own photos. The light portion of the forearm is washout from camera flash I think. I think I'll kick it around. I originally was going to have this blank turned to a pattern I'm working on and finish myself. Working out of a spare bedroom untill I build a shop (next year), a bout of carpel tunnel which really sucks, and getting sick of looking at the barreled action staring me in the face motivated me to just have it done professionally. I always wanted one and had intended to have some eventually. I really like this blank, but when purchasing it I intentionally avoided a high price blank seeing as I'm still quite a amateur and didn't want to screw it up. Now, thats not a concern. Maybe I can make the SCI/ACCG show this year and pick one out, I'll just have to play it by ear. It's nice to shop from pictures on Dressels site, but I'd really like to fondle a few myself in person.

I'm having my first real custom rifle done for me. I bought a blank from Dressels a couple of years ago in planning for this. I like the stock, but I'm starting to question whether I should keep shopping. I like it because it's not too busy. I like flowing chocolate lines against a lighter honey color. But, it doesn't have much forward of the wrist. I've heard one reputable stock maker write this is a good thing, yet I'm thinking I might later regret not upgrading, but then again maybe not Perhaps I'm just getting anxious. The metal work is first and I'll have till the first of next year to make up my mind. So what do you all think? Here's a picture of the blank, not a good one, it's off the web site.

Dempsey,

Forward of the wrist is where you want the blank to be stable. Stability is often better with a blank that is more mundane in the forend. Dark lines in the forend does not equate to instability but wild figure sure can. I could not enlarge that photo but it looked very pleasing to me. I have a habit of taking a favorite blank and holding it and glancing at it in the rare times that I watch TV. Or I put one up alongside the tv and then I can look even more often without my wife telling me to watch the movie. Most blanks will grow on you and you will see even more little mysteries in the grain flow and structure. I get an immense amount of pleasure from them. BTW, I like yours and I think you will have more grain show up on the right side of the forend when it is shaped.



Hello, my name is Chic Worthing, I am a wood junky.

My problem is I see another picture of a blank I like and it starts my mind running. M1 tankers blank is the culprit this time. The Smith doing the work for me says it's fine. He also told me he's had very good luck with English from Presliks (sp)? in the $600 price range. Having been married only four years and just buying our first house, it may be a few years before my next one and that makes me want this one just right. I really like it and have been anticipating this for a few years now. I think I'll just quit looking at pictures of nice wood till this one gets started.

No offense, but it makes me glad to know my blank brings out that twinge of jealousy.

But I cant take credit for that selection. Chic made the suggestion from some selected blanks. One thing I learned as a kid was that if I didnt know something then I should find someone who does know and learn from them. That is the reason I picked Chic. He came highly reccomended from some individuals I trust and that was enough for me.

You have a very nice blank and I think it will make a stock you will be very happy with. I am guilty of doing the same thing Chic talked about. I like to look at the wood and visualise how it will look when it is shaped and finished. I can see yours being a very nice stock. If Chic thinks it will work out trust his judgement and use it without hesitation.

I can sympathise with you on wanting it perfect. This rifle for me will be a once in a lifetime rifle and I want every detail just right. But I have learned to trust the judgement of those who are the pros.

Dempsey

I love that blank of yours. It would be interesting to see a top and bottom view, but as Chic says I would bet you will get more color on the right side when the stock is made from it. Most folks who duplicate stocks are masters at getting the best possible out of a blank and I'm betting yours will be no exception.

My opinion and a buck will buy you a cup of coffee in some places, but I actually like the looks of your blank over many others I've seen. The forearm layout is outstanding with great grain in the butt. I would say it is a winner.