In the market for: walnut stock blank

24 April 2007, 18:41

MHC_TX

I'm in the market for a high-end walnut stock blank. If you happen to know of one or have one that you no longer need, please send me PM.

What I'm looking for:
correct grain lay-out in grip & fore end (416 Rigby)
dark wood
marble cake/heavy mineralization (exhibition grade)

I've looked at and am still looking at most of the typical walnut sources - got my eye on a couple, but nothing that really knocks my socks off.

Thanks

25 April 2007, 01:38

fla3006

Nothing at Denli or Chiron catches your fancy?

25 April 2007, 02:05

Marc_Stokeld

Where have you looked so far?

What is your price range?

25 April 2007, 02:40

MHC_TX

I've looked at Denli, Dressels and Luxus - there are a couple blanks on both that I'm considering.

Haven't looked at Chiron's - do you have their web page.

Just looking for that "one pretty girl" that really say's I'm the one.

25 April 2007, 02:52

vapodog

have we noticed that these stocks also come with "knock your socks off" prices?

25 April 2007, 03:07

fla3006

quote:
MHC_TX: Haven't looked at Chiron's - do you have their web page

www.hunterbid.com

25 April 2007, 03:10

MHC_TX

Vapordog

I'm ok with that as long as it's a fare price. I'm looking for a special piece of wood and I realize there is a limited supply.

25 April 2007, 03:22

TC1

Hard to believe Denli doesn't have anything that trips your trigger. I can't go there anymore, it gets too expensive.

Terry

25 April 2007, 03:25

Marc_Stokeld

Since you have already talked to the ones you mentioned, I would talk to Steve Heilmann and Jim Preslick.

What "fair price" range are you looking in?

I am going to post some pictures of wood that is being sold for Larry Brace's widow. I have not received the CD yet, so I can't say what is there. But it would also be worth a look when I get the pics uploaded. I will post a link and Steve Nelson is helping Mrs. Brace with the selling of the wood. All I am doing is loading them on a photosite I have-just in a small effort to help her out. But I am looking forward to seeing the pics, as I may need a new stick or two!

25 April 2007, 06:26

MHC_TX

I need to clarify my orginal statement a little bit. I have found several that I like and some of these were eliminated, because they didn't have the proper grain structure.

I'm just trying to see as many good blanks as I can, before I make my final selection.

25 April 2007, 08:14

ElCaballero

You might talk to this guy. I don't know that he would have anything you want but he will have wood to look at.

25 April 2007, 08:29

dempsey

Email Preslik and tell him your price range. In my limited experience he offers far more value for the buck than the others.

25 April 2007, 10:27

Stu C

This came from Presliks during an ACGG show a few years ago. Good people to deal with.

I hope it makes a nice stock in a few more years.

(sorry, not for sale)

- stu

26 April 2007, 06:10

Pegleg

I know a guy in Seattle that deals in Turkish Walnut and has some amazimg blanks. PM me if interested. Beware, expensive!

26 April 2007, 09:47

bulldog563

quote:
Originally posted by MHC_TX:
I'm in the market for a high-end walnut stock blank. If you happen to know of one or have one that you no longer need, please send me PM.

What I'm looking for:
correct grain lay-out in grip & fore end (416 Rigby)
dark wood
marble cake/heavy mineralization (exhibition grade)

I've looked at and am still looking at most of the typical walnut sources - got my eye on a couple, but nothing that really knocks my socks off.

Thanks

I was in your exact position a little while ago. Needed an exhibition blank for a 416 Rigby project. My advice to you is take your time, eventually you will see a piece of wood that just speaks to you. Also be sure to ask when it was cut and moisture level.

I ended up buying my blank from the Dressel's. Sharon was great to deal with. Also had lots of correspondence with Luxus and they were very helpful and have very nice wood for reasonable prices. Steve Heilmann is another one to call. He has some beautiful sticks (http://metalandwood.com/).

The blank I ended up purchasing has got to be one of the nicest blanks I have ever laid eyes on. Wouldn't sell it for twice what I paid and am very glad I was patient and bought something that was exactly what I wanted.

26 April 2007, 10:04

shootaway

WARNING! What YOU think is nice does't mean that is what is best for a big bore.You have to know what you are doing.I have seen some beautiful stocks but I don't think they would suit a big bore.IMO,this is an area where you should consult with a stock maker who has experience in the type of rifle you want built.

26 April 2007, 17:22

MHC_TX

quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
WARNING! What YOU think is nice does't mean that is what is best for a big bore.You have to know what you are doing.I have seen some beautiful stocks but I don't think they would suit a big bore.IMO,this is an area where you should consult with a stock maker who has experience in the type of rifle you want built.

Shootaway - you just said a mouthful - I agree 100%. I've learned a lot and fortunatley I have 2 very experienced guy's helping me out - they screen everything. Several beauty queens have been culled. One was even culled after it was purchased - didn't like the grain and couldn't tell from the photo's, so it was sent back.

I think I may have found my stock - if it passes final review I will try and post some pictures.

Thanks again for everybody's help and input.

26 April 2007, 18:24

fla3006

shootaway, how many custom stocks have you made or had made by someone else?

26 April 2007, 19:37

brayhaven

quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
WARNING! What YOU think is nice does't mean that is what is best for a big bore.You have to know what you are doing.I have seen some beautiful stocks but I don't think they would suit a big bore.IMO,this is an area where you should consult with a stock maker who has experience in the type of rifle you want built.

True. But for a big bore, you can beef up the wrist area which seems to be the main area of weakness. I've done a lot of them on stocks that I was making or just as a preventive on factory stocks thta I didn't like the grain on. There are a lot of big bores out there having no problems with some pretty bad grain patterns. I usually drill a hole from the inletting, down into the wrist and insert a roughed up piece of fiberglass (3/8") dowel with good epoxy & have never had one fail there. Once covered by bedding, you would never know it's there. Of course, English is much better than American walnut generally, though there are exceptions.

26 April 2007, 20:05

shootaway

fla3006,why do you ask?

27 April 2007, 03:03

Dago Red

I also suggest (spelling is going to be wrong) Gene Semillion. He is a gunmaker and friend of D'Arcy Echols. A first rate stockmaker and has some sticks he sells. A couple of years ago he had a blank at SCI that was by far the nicest one I found there. he wanted 1500 bucks for it and it was the first time I could see myself spending that much.

As far as the layout and quality, D'Arcy almost bought it to stock a 505 gibbs. Might want to give Gene a call, he probably has others of that level and might even still have that one. I imagine stocks at that level don't move quick.

Red
PS
If I'd had my checkbook with me I'd probably be single right now.

27 April 2007, 23:07

fla3006

quote:
shootaway: fla3006,why do you ask?

Just curious. My suspicion is that you have never had a custom stock made or made one yourself. You are of course still entitled to your opinions.

28 April 2007, 05:38

akrange

Check-out Bill Dowtin. www.oldworldwalnut.com..
I've bought 2 blanks from Him.. If you talk to Bill about Big Bore Stocks I think you may own one for Your next project..
Also, where He gets his Wood may surprise You..
AK

28 April 2007, 06:02

Bryan W

I would put my two cents in for Wineland Walnut in CA.

Bryan

28 April 2007, 09:38

shootaway

fla3006,I am having one made.What I was simply saying is that I would prefer to have one done by someone who is educated or knowledgeable in the area of big bore rifles.I like concentrating mostly on the shooting part of rifles and not on the history,building etc...