Let me preface this by saying that I am very unhappy with these images.

I'm a photojournalist with two books in print, and try to keep my standards high. It's axiomatic that one--like a custom rifle builder--never posts anything less than his best work.

In this case, perhaps folks will understand that my photography time is now limited, as I have a part time job with a gunsmith, in addition to my freelance journalistic responsibilities. I shoot all ambient light (when I can) so I might not be able to reshoot these for a while.

With more appropriate settings on my very expensive digital camera. LOL.

In stockmaking, the ultimate issue is... the blank.

Starting with a beautiful piece of wood.

One of the reasons I despise these images is that they really don't communicate the perfect color and depth to the wood. In sunlight, the stock has an enviable light honey color in light areas, and as you can clearly see, quarter sawn characteristics on the right hand side, and considerable marbling in the cheekpiece area.

I watched the auction sites, and although I've purchased one blank from Denli, I'm pretty sold on Murat and his product at Chiron/Hunterbid.

This blank went for $550 including shipping, and I've seen many more, much more expensive, that to my eye don't compare. On other sites.



As I noted in GSP7's thread, I used an old Fajen European Special pattern. The pattern, as I received it, was very rough. There was only a cursory outline of a cheekpiece, so I had to carve the flutes and the shadow line--I'm ambivalent about the shadow line down by the belly of the butt, as I've noticed that most Guild Members have only the suggestion of a shadow line, a few thousandths deep--and the pattern had no schnabel.

Just a raised area of the pattern.

So, for better or for worse, the schnabel is my creation, and while it's not perfect, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's obvious that it's a unique style--is this a Fajen conceit?--and I'm now smitten by schnabels.

They come in numerous variations, some admittedly heavy handed, some just implication of a schnabel. I like 'em.

We've discussed the narrow comb nose issue on GSP's thread. Note the similarity between the nose comb on this, and Idared's stock. (I did not use Idared's pattern, although when I posted looking for a pattern he suggested the Fajen.)



I chose neither to bevel the ejection port--in emulation of early Mausers--nor flute the comb. The stern of the grip cap rides on the toe-line--a style I like--and I've left the area behind the grip very simple and plain.

On occasion, I've seen a veritable trough between the grip and the rest of the butt, and I believe it's a grave mistake.

Action is an Interarms Mark X, floorplate release in triggerguard bow, barrel 6.5x55 Lothar Walther, trigger Dayton/Traister, side swing safety by Dakota.

I originally hoped to mount a barrel band front globe for target use, with a Lyman 57 aperture, but couldn't figure out how to make that work with a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40. So I've settled on the Buckmaster with Warne QD mounts and rings.

(A tip of the hat to the Warne folks here; I lost one of those tiny parts--the guy at Warne suggested the "carpet monster" got it--and they sent me a new one, and a bunch of screws, gratis. Gotta appreciate good service!)



Okay, okay. By now you've noticed that orange butt pad.

For those who appreciate the Niedner style pads, I apologize. I built two rifles in that style.

Is a recoil pad appropriate on a 6.5x55?

Beats me.

All I know is that a couple of AR members, Scandinavian, built a pair, 6.5x55 and 9.3x62, and yup, even the 6.5 had a recoil pad.

I love that recoil pad.

flaco

flaco

That is one georgous stock.. Can you reach the trigger with that grip :-)

Rich

Hey flaco,

Nice wood, nice work. I too like schnabels. I don't personally care for the one you've got going. To me, it's a little on the heavy/bulky side. I prefer the more, should I say, sveldt style. But that's just me. Do like the recoilpad.

Great stick of wood, I think you really got your money's worth. My taste differ on some details but that's one nice rifle. Is there an ejection port shelf? Thanks for the Pics and inspiration....................DJ

That a London Guns pad?

Very sweet. I know you apologized for the photos and as a long standing amatuer/pro I appreciate your concern. I think the stock design is very nice with the exception of the schnabel, but I wonder if it isn't the photo that destroys it's lines? Anyway It is a great job and far better than anything I've ever cobbled up in 50 years of wood butchery. If you get a better shot of the schnabel, please post it.

Great looking wood and I really like the long open grip, they seem to fit me well and I like the sleek look to them.
I'm with Thaine though on the schnabel, sort of looks dog nutted to me.

Great job,and a real nice piece of wood!! Real professional,you should be real proud of your work. van

Flaco: EXQUISITE! I love that stock, the figure and the "striping" and "marbling"!
Wow!
Good for you and your artistry!
I am impressed.
Be sure and keep us updated with some pictures in the future.
Thanks for posting the wonderful pictures and your story.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Looks much better than it did as just a pattern stock. Nice job. Nice stock of wood too.

Very nice Flaco. Nice hunk of wood!

How much drop at heel is that?

I agree with z1r. I think the lines of a actual turned piece of wood will look way better than when you look at the pattern lines.

Very Nice.

Terry

Nice work, and a beautiful blank, especially for that price. I suspect alot of guys are on the Chiron website now!

A belated Thank You!, Gents.

For all your responses.

Although "dog nutted" did smart a little, jimmyd.

LOL.

Thaine, you are too kind, and Varmint Guy, too.

I always look for your enthusiastic and informative posts! Varmint Guy. And I'm happy to say you're another sufferer of Rifle Fever, chronic and acute.

GSP7-

I originally intended iron sights, so there's about 2" drop at the heel. I've been going over the Speed book for months, and stocks like this just look good to me.

With the scope, I expect to have my chin on the cheekpiece! LOL.

I also need to thank GrandView for his encouragement and support on this, my third project, and first stock pattern.

And everyone else, and AR in general.

What a great forum!

flaco

Geez, if I could take pictures that looked as good as those I would be a happy camper.

Very pretty rifle, and the pictures are very nicely done.

flaco, I do hope you took that "dog nutted" comment lightly, as that was the way it was meant. I am not a fan of the schnabels.
I just bought a G33/40 and would love for it to turn out as nice as the work you have done here.
Again, let me just say, what an outstanding job on the gun and the photo's.

First you build a "Light Box"!

Flaco, the lighting can't hide the beauty of the rifle. Very nice!