I would like to ask those in the know a question about proper stock architecture for a specific area on a wood bolt action stock.

The area in question is that area on the bottom of the stock from the rear of the floorplate (just in front of the triggerguard if you will) to the rear extension from the triggerguard where the rear screw is located.

In looking at two Winchester classics one notes that there is quite a bit of wood left there and it is quite flat. Pictures of custom rifles show that there are many different treatments for this area.

What is correct for the custom American Classic stock?

Factory stocks end up with flat areas mostly to accomodate the automated stock duplicating and checkering machines that they employ, and the typical factory stocks are thick in places as a way of increasing strength with the often poorly laid-out, cheaper grade wood that the factories provide. Once these stocks emerge from the machines, very little handwork is involved in finishing them.

The best American Classic custom stocks might start out by being turn on a stock duplicating machine, but MUCH handwork remains to complete them, and good custom stockmakers create function and art all at the same time, and they craft them from superior stock wood s as well.

Here's a prime example of the best in America Classic-style stockmaking:

www.biesen.com

AD

22WRF
BTW, I love that round. My supply has dwindled to around 1500 shells.

To begin, there is no "correct for the custom American Classic stock" dimensions or rules. Some may say so to favor their coveted stockmaker but most of the differences you see are just the stockmaker building what he sees as a more pleasing line to the stock. The simplest thing to do is to continue the flat surface and taper it so it disappears at the rear of the triggerguard. A more graceful approach, at least in my mind is to create a flute so to speak where the surface generated along the actual triggerguard intercepts the flat at the back of the magazine. Then the wood along the trigger guard can be rounded gracefully to fit more with the lines of the stock.

Most stocks do start with a flat plane based on the configuration that is generated by the normal magazine. In recent years, Jerry Fisher designed a round bottom magazine that not only allows but virtually requires the builder to round the stock to the edges of the magazine floorplate. Well you could go to a flat surface but the genius of this simple design would be wasted. I am just in the process of finishing one and am taking a break from the task and will post a photo when done.

Chic, If you have one handy, also post a picture of the "more graceful approach" you described. I did not think I would like Jerry's round bottom floorplate, but in Reno I got to handle the very first rifle equipped with it. It does make for a trim stock.

As Chic stated, flat areas around the floorplate are typically an area where the stocker can show some individual style while transitioning between differing thicknesses of the stock. From grip to magazine area in this case.

The early stockers, and as Linden advocated in his pamphlets, didn't use any flat areas.........not even those on the top of the stock along the barrel and action. These areas top and bottom were "shoeshined" smooth with sandpaper. A couple of examples....

An early Pilkington.....
http://www.stevebarnettfineguns.com/asp-bin/Detail.asp?ID=2548#

Early G&H (1926)
http://www.champlinarms.com/gunphotos/g&h06engy672.jpg

An example of Chic's description of the "long flat", carried from front to rear of the bottom metal.

Paul Jaeger long flat
http://www.stevebarnettfineguns.com/asp-bin/Detail.asp?ID=2431

Two variations of the flat defining the floorplate area, and transitioning to the round grip area at the trigger guard.

G&H 1933 flats and transition area
http://www.champlinarms.com/gunphotos/g&h06engy673.jpg

G&H flats
http://www.stevebarnettfineguns.com/asp-bin/images/3643-3.JPG

GV