Friends-

The following pictures are of the stock blank that I received from Denli last week. I would not hesitate to purchase another blank from him. My apologies for the glare on some of the photos.









I do have a layout question. In looking at the pictures you will see the layout template as it came from Denli. If you look closely, you will see some faint marker lines "up high" at the top of the blank with another layout selection for the stock.

Question is, which one do you like, and why? I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks in advance.

Well to me as best as I can tell in the photos it looks like one selection of layout favors the wood in the butt of the rifles left side and the other layout favors the stocks butt wood on the right side, I kinda like the higher fainter layout, but before I made a decision I'd have to see that chunk of wood in person.
Nice piece no matter how you cut it, it is magnificent.
Please show photos of the progress.

just my take but the higher layout is to catch the dark line on the left side, and most pattern boards being on the large side I doubt it will be there when its turned, in other words it might be to high. Might have to move it down.

Either way, its a very nice blank.........not a bad problem to have.

after looking at it again, I'd turn it as high as I could.

again..............dang nice black.

I'd hold the heel as high as possible and drop the forend tip as much as possible. Crowd the right side as much as possible at the forend tip. This would make the grain/color run much straighter through the forend.
gunmaker

The higher faint layout is certainly much more in favour to me than the lower you have marked.

Last but not least important it would appear that the grain is a bit straighter thru the wrist with the uper lay out. My 2 cents

Mark,

Great walnut! How did Denli grade these blanks?

I have been trying to ignore the wood on their site...but, resistance may be futile.

Regards,
Dave

All-

Thank you for your comments. They are very much appreciated.

DavidC-

The four pictures are of the same blank; with and without flash. The blank was graded Fancy according to Denli.

Again, thanks!!