Last year I picked up a M54 30-06 for a couple hundred bucks..It has since sat in my dads safe, I would like to use it next year for deer..The stock is a little beat up, has a few minor cracks and some "black" spots on one side (possibly water damage?)Anyway, I would like to get a new stock for it, I found a site (Walnut Grove Gun Stocks), that has semi inletted stocks from $225-600.What would I be looking at price range to have a quality job in finishing it? I realize that this can vary from person to person. I have seen some of the work that members do and am envious.

I have been going back and forth on converting it for a scope or keep it as is, and I chose to keep it as is so I would also be looking for an original sight..Any help/input is appreciated! (Wasn't sure to put this here or in the custom guns section, I can move if necessary)

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I found a site (Walnut Grove Gun Stocks), that has semi inletted stocks from $225-600.What would I be looking at price range to have a quality job in finishing it?

Make sure you check with Chris. They had not been doing small individual jobs because of their huge workload.

Thanks, when I do decide to buy one I will. I was just going off of the website.

You sure you want to tart it up? I have my Granddad's and it will stay as is. The checkering is barely visible and there is barely any blue left. I take it out of the safe and oil it up every year or so and remember our hunts together.
You might look for a vintage Lyman receiver sight for it and maybe touch up the stock.

That is the way it should be. Years ago when I got set up for blueing I blued my grandfathers 1897. Huge mistake

Blacktailer, the difference is that your Granddad probably bought his rifle new. All the wear and tear is evidence of the memories you cherish of your experiences with him. That old worn checkering was caused by HIS hands as you hiked the game fields of your youth together! I too would leave yours as is.

Beaverfever, however, just bought a used rifle. He has no emotional connection to the previous owner, why shouldn't he restore or rebuild it to a condition where he can be proud of it and the rifle can enjoy a second lease on life?

The difference between a beater and a treasured heirloom has to do with whether or not you know and care for the one who got it there...

P.S. Ramrod340, have you ever considered trying to undo the blueing? If you noted my comment on the "rust blueing with patina" thread, I have my Grandpa's Sharps that my dad had reblued in the 1950s when it was just a rusty old gun. For years I have thought about trying to achieve a finish that is more appropriate.

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He has no emotional connection to the previous owner, why shouldn't he restore or rebuild it to a condition where he can be proud of it and the rifle can enjoy a second lease on life?

Missed that mind read what it wanted too and saw in dad's safe. Build it the way you want for sure.

Nope never thought of trying to undo the bluing. I just look at it when I have to move it and kick myself.

Not that I plan on ever selling it but if I were to restock it & keep original, would any value be lost? Or here, are there any modifications that would have to be done. The metal butt plate is the only thing that I can think of..I could sure be missing something though, as I do not know much about the process!

If you just set the original aside. Then restock it you can always go back. If that is your plan I'd leave the factory butt plate and grip cap with the original. Go aftermarket on the new

Frankly, I would rather have a 54 that looks like Blacktailer's pictured above than a gussied up version of the same rifle. There's a certain elegance there that can't be created short of 80+ years spent in the deer woods.

I have added a link to pictures in the custom rifle forum. I will also get some better pics posted after christmas. Thanks for the replies!