I just had a discussion today with an associate. His idea and my idea of "classic" differed wildly.

I don't personally care for skip line. But, as with all things, if it is done well I can at least appreciate the craftsmanship. Just cuz it don't float my boat don't make it wrong!

To me the stock in your pictures looks like a well executed example of poor taste...... .......DJ

Same thing could be said about ribbons & fluer-d-lis checkering. Many think it isn't appropriate on classic styling but if done well (like the Clayton Nelson rifle DJ recently posted) it can be very elegant.

Skip line checkering just reminds me of what was popular in the 60's. Whiteline spacers, big monte carlo's etc.

fluer-d-lis checkering W/ ribbons I think is appropriate on american style rifles

To me there is nothing more classic than a nice wrap around point patten in 22-24 LPI.

That said, it's really about what you like

Terry

Skipline always make me think of a 1970's Remington pump gun.

quote:

Originally posted by Recoil Rob:
Skipline always make me think of a 1970's Remington pump gun.

Makes me think of a Weatherby.

quote:

TC1: Makes me think of a Weatherby.

the last rifle i finished was AAA bastogne, rollover montecarlo, white spacers, rosewood accents and skip line checkering and i love it. a rack full of identical rifles gets really boring. they're ALL good. there's more than one legitimate way to do abt anything.

medallion grade fn browning bolt rifles had skip line checkering and those were most certainly not unattractive rifles.

Another issue of taste, some have it some don't.

Just kidding. I think whatever makes a person enjoy their rifle more is what they should choose. It's an individual pleasure, or it should be, not an attempt to please others. I like things that are clean and uncluttered. I like a solid paint job with maybe a pin strip, others like black paint and orange flame jobs.

vapodog, I voted that it did not make any difference as long as it is well done. Yours is very well done. Most modern "classic" stocks do not use it but that doesn't mean it does not fit. It is what you or the customer wants. Anytime we start to set standards for what is proper, at least in my mind, we step over the line. Custom and fine guns mean made for an individual to his choosing and that can be a balsa wood thumbhole. I also did not comment on whether I like it or not, I do like well executed work and that is what matters. I do draw the line at people who paint the individual diamonds on checkering to make it look like Indian bead work (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation exposition 1995 Portland Oregon), that made me sick.

Less is more.

quote:

....a balsa wood thumbhole.

THERE'S an idea for the ultimate mountain rifle stock....

One question though, varnish or oil finish?

FWIW, on the original question, I myself prefer to not have a skip line pattern.

quote:

Originally posted by willmckee:
the last rifle i finished was AAA bastogne, rollover montecarlo, white spacers, rosewood accents and skip line checkering and i love it. a rack full of identical rifles gets really boring. they're ALL good. there's more than one legitimate way to do abt anything.

Quite apart from the issue of skip line checkering, I could not agree more with the comment above. Firearms fashion changes with time. At present, the "classic" style is fashionable, and a very nice style it is. But 20 years ago something else was all the rage, and 20 years into the future...?? There are so many styles, and a well executed example of an otherwise unfashionable style can be just as intriguing as your next straight combed, open grip, fleur-de-lis checkered creation.

I really like classic rifles, it is one of the most elegant styles. But I like other styles as well. And I HATE it when the "style police" shows up in our discussions, claiming their preferred style is the only possible way to do a rifle in good taste. It is fine to have preferences, believing there is nothing else in the World testifies to a limited outlook rather than God given superiority, though.

- mike

Vapodog, this wasn't part of the discussion, but I love the grip cap on that stock you pictured! That's a nice touch.

Terry

Why care about what others think? Its your rifle &
what you like is most important. Personally, I
like actual elegant carving with checkering...but many wouldn't like it, and I don't care, since its my own preference.
Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!
Best Regards, Tom

I voted as long as it is well done it doesn't matter. It isn't my personal choice and won't go on my own rifles, but I don't see any reason why others shouldn't have it if they want it.

Red

quote:

Originally posted by TC1:
Vapodog, I love the grip cap on that stock you pictured! That's a nice touch.Terry

The gripcap is a bit of rosewood and it matches the forend. Today I use ebony as I prefer that color. I've also used fancy walnut and have some cocobolo that I want to try someday but it's so loud that I'm afraid of it.

It's interesting how we change as time goes on. It seems like traditional is what we evolve to but the more I read on this thread it seems we're saying..."To each his own".

I was going to comment that the grip cap and forearm tip looked like Vermillion. I use it occaisonally and like it. Very nice job overall. When I was in Gunsmith school Tigerwood,Vermillion,Ebony,CocaBola,Maple,Purple Heart (Amaranth),Rosewood were all popular. Time changes and wood choices go along with it. We even used the same wood the stock was with a thin piece of Holly as a spacer. Also the Vee'd
forearm tip was popular. I never liked the round look from the side myself. They also did a Maple/Walnut 5 or 7 piece laminate that was popular (it was CHEAP to do) also. The new Remington guide rifle is similar.