Not sure if this is the right place, but was wondering who out there designs custom made full stocks for hunting rifles?

Thanks,

Brian

Allout. There are several poster on this site that will do all or part of the work for you. Bill Soverns, Chic Worthing, Jim Kobe to just list a couple. I'm sure other will join in.

If you are simply looking for a blank there is a pretty good list here.
http://sst.benchrest.com/#stocks

Brian:

I am having Bill Soverns stock my .30-06 project.

Question for you: Are you thinking of having a whole new stock designed, or are you thinking of a stock that is similar to a stock that is already in existence? The reason I ask is because if there is a stock template that currently exists that could be used as a base for what it is you want, it will be easier and cheaper to modify the existing stock.

Here is a place that has a lot of blanks:

http://www.gunstocks.com/Stockstyles.html

THat is a very broad question and a little more information is needed in order for you to get good answers to your questions.

First, what is your budget for the project?

Ramrod - thanks for the link.

577 - I would not be opposed to something similar to what cz is using for thier FS rifles. I like that design. the cheek piece needs to be a bit higher though. I can do that myself with a comb raising kit. Thanks for the link.

Marc - I realized after I posted the question it was pretty broad. Sorry about that. I realize that $$$ is always a major concern. I do not need a show piece for sure. it would just get scratched, dented and dinged. every gun I own is a working gun (no collectors items here). So I thought (and I am probably wrong) that it shouldn't cost more than $400.00 to have one made up. How far off am I?

Thanks for the responses.

Brian

quote:

So I thought (and I am probably wrong) that it shouldn't cost more than $400.00 to have one made up.

What do you figure to include in that $400? The blank or the completed stock?? There are a couple of places around that last time I checked would complete inletting your blank, finish, checker and install a pad for around $450. Then you add the cost of the blank. Maybe I just don't understand. I know I have been confused before and will be again.

Cheapest way to get a rifle with a full stock is to buy one. Used or new. There is the CZ the Ruger International or a used one.

OK just did a little adding at GAG Plain blank, fitted to shop rifle, sanded, dull finish no checkering or pad $505.

John Valicek (Val-a-check) in Canyon Lake Texas.

He made both the stocks for my 404 Jeffery rifles. He a good man and does excellant work.

A true custom stock will start at $3k and quickly go up from there. That is for labor. Wood is availible from $100 to a few thousand, with good blanks starting above your final figure.

There are aftermarket options out there and if you can do some work yourself then you can have a much nicer stock than factory for $400. Depends on how good you are with your hands.

Like everything else in life, it all depends on what level quality you are after. And also your desire to have a true custom stock vs. an aftermarket stock that is a definite upgrade. It sounds like an aftermarket job will be fine for you as long as you can do the work. There are several companies that sell turned stocks, but I do not know who they are.

BTW-people who have $10k in a stock do hunt with it and get it dinged, sctratched, rained on, snowed on, etc.

oh, i forgot to tell you that the book "professional Stockmaking" by David Wesbrook would be a very good reference for you if you decide to finish a turned blank yourself. It will show you how to do everything but the checkering. I really encourage you to do this. Take the $400 and buy a turned stock, get a few tools, the book, and a can of stock finish, and do it. YoOu do not need fancy equipment to do this-just desire. I made my first stock from the blank with under $30 worth of tools and it turned out fine.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:
A true custom stock will start at $3k and quickly go up from there.

Not sure what that means really. There are plenty of guys out there who charge less than $3K and build a great stock. There are also stockmakers who charge much more than $3K who's work isnt all that great.