Just bought a Dakota 243 that will need a basic checkering job on the grip and forearm.

Also, picked up three left handed Zastava's that I plan on reshaping the stock, sanding off the existing crap checkering and refinishing the stocks. Then all three will need the same basic checkering job.

What is a reasonable cost for a basic checkering job? Any recommendations on who to contact to do the work?

How about lazer checkering? Good? Bad? Remember these are all hunting rifles, not customs.

Thank you

I have used Carol at Ahlmans in the past and plan to have her do my checkering jobs in the future.

yup call carol - you'll find she is quite good and very reasonable - you can look at their website at ahlmans.com. speaking of dakotas, i had here enlarge the patters on a matched set of them & you can't tell where she started or dakota left off

Thanks guys. Will give her a shout after the Dakota arrives.

I know you pursuits will cringe at this, but have any of you had anyone lazer the stock with a checkering style pattern or stipling?

Also try Tim at classiccheckering.com. He's fast and reasonable, and he's a gunsmith who has found his niche in woodwork.
Regards, Joe

You may want to consider the following:
http://www.cgm-gunstockcheckering.com/frame.htm

I have used Jim Kobe (952 884 6031) to checker some guns. Excellents work. Don't recall the cost as it was part of a project, but like anything else, "you get what you pay for."
And after a poor checkering job is complete, you are screwed.

I just did finish another rifle for Dale, a Sako in 222 Rem on a fantastic piece of wood wtih wrap-around 22LPI checkering front and back.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
I just did finish another rifle for Dale, a Sako in 222 Rem on a fantastic piece of wood wtih wrap-around 22LPI checkering front and back.

Hey Jim, what would a simple job similar this cost? 20 LPI wuld be good.





I want it done on this.




PM me if you are interested.

Dan

Just an update. Sent the Dakota stock to Alhmans guessing towards the middle to end of October. Asked them to refinish the stock along with the checkering so expected it to take longer than expected.
Stock came in todays mail and it would pass as new. I would give them a 9.5 on both the checkering and refinishing. Neither the checkering or the finish is perfect but both look really good. Certaintly worth the cost and I would use them again. The checkering is very functional. For a hunting rifle I am happy with the choice.

what specifics made you rate the work 9.5 instead of 10?