Gents,

These are the stock blanks I'm looking at for the .30-06 project in my "need more mauser pics" post.

I'd be very interested in your feedback given the details of the project I outlined in that post and given the stock design I'm building toward. In case you can't tell, this is my first foray into the true custom stock realm.

Some more:

FYI, #80 & 2E fall oustide the price range my wife will spring for. Ain't she swell, she's buying me a blank as a gift.

I really like 40, and 6 would be my second choice. but I am not a stockmaker or wood expert so just going with what appeals to my eye. What will the rifle be chambered in?

Red

what's 40? it's excellent in my mind

jeffe

This is what I'll be duplicating without the Lyman sight. Caliber will be .30-06. I'm shooting for a very light weight rifle given that it will be wearing a 24" Shilen #1 barrel.



I also liked #40

Go with either #40 or #6, quarter sawn, straight, tight strong grain structure with contrasting colors, always my favorite.

40 was my 1st choice with "V" coming in a very close 2nd.

After looking at your stock you're duplicating "V" all the way! The grain pattern in the wrist is the best and the "seedling" grain in the butt makes for a beautiful stock when finished. On the side to side color differences in the forearm, I bet it wouldn't even be noticable after the blank is turned. "v" or nothing for me

Terry

40, 6, and V in that order.

I'd be interested to know that they cost. Might be interested in buying one of them if you don't.

Brent

40 would be my choice.. if you dont buy it let me know where it is and the price I might ;o)

Put me down for #40 also. I would not use another one with the possible exception of 6, but it is not close to #40. You can not tell suitaiblity of a slab sawm blank like V and the others of that type by looking at the side. You need to see how the grain is running through the wrist and if it is cross grained anywhere along the blank, looking down.

Thanks Gents. #40 it is. Oddly, my wife liked it best too, lol!

zr1 you have a pm

I would go with #40, the rest would make good vanier for furniture..#6 is a good piece of wood but will finish out rather plain, but thats not always bad, it would make a good hunting stock as its layed out right, but #40 is by far the better...V is not layed out to suit me with grain tending to dip in the forend.

You always need to look at the top of the wood and at the butt, what you see on the sides is not always the real story on a blank IMO....

Thanks to all for your help. I need to get with the program with regards to judging good wood. At least I'm on the right track as #40 was my pick too. Hard when all you have is photos.

I'm wondering if I should snatch #6 up for my 8x68, hmm.

Not that often you see what you can expect out of a blank.
Hope this helps a bit with your choice.

40 is the best of the bunch, 6 is 0k, but I would not limit myself to just those stocks, I would keep looking, but that just my take.