Making a gunstock

[Gert Odendaal]

Von Gruff , excellent quality work with all those rifles and stocks...it really is good to look at the craftsmanship of an expert..thank you for sharing...

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Von Gruff, very good work. You are great.
Witold

 

[DM Shooting]

The first thing I was told when being taught to make a stock was to remove everything that doesn't look like a gun stock then be careful and finish it.

I start by under size in letting a stock I use machines now, then roughly shape the out side saw them chisels and draw knifes. Finalise the in let smooth the out side bed the oil finally chequer.

 

[CTDolan]

For me, making a stock begins with a good set of drawings, life-size, including all relevant dimensions. It helps me to visualize the work.

 

[Bruce]

Before for the 404 Jeffery

and after


Before for the 7x57


and after


Before for the 577-450 Martini


and after

And I needed a carrying case for it as well because of its length

GREAT WORK... I envy you guys that can produce such craftsmanship. I certainly do not have the skills for this type of precision work.
The shop next door to my gun shop is a stock maker/ Gunsmith, so we just send him the business!!

 

[John P.]

I am not a stock maker but rather a retired old grump training myself to build stocks. I have learned a lot in the past two years but not yet enough skills and knowledge to do work for others, which is not my intent. I play with gun work to keep myself busy and hopefully keep the brain in good shape!

Von Gruff, I like your style of stock! Good work.

Anyway, some shop photos below. I believe that good tools are in order, but do not go out and blow a bunch of money, instead, buy what you need when you need it. I have been collecting gun building tools for nearly 50 years, both metal working and wood working. Now that I am retired I have the time to use them!

A prize. Found it under a blue tarp out in the rain 5 years ago at a steal. Gave it a rebuild, now I am learning how to use it.

A few of the hand tools. Purchased many years ago at far less prices than today!

Handy things. Made from scrap wood and 60 grit emery strips.

Made from those little sanding drums you use in the electric drill.

Made from coarse files:

A south facing bench with a big window gives good lighting. Plenty of overhead lighting also.

A versatile vise for gun stocks:

This tool straddles the cheek piece, allowing me to check the area before and behind the cheek piece for straightness:

Sanding cradle. Made from scrap. Rotates 360 degrees and locks in any position.

Those incredible Pfeil chisels. Christmas present to me this year.

Now all I have to do is learn how to produce quality stocks! Von Gruff, I wish you were my neighbor, you would make a good tutor.

PS, when you have a duplicator most of the work involves making a good pattern. More on this later if any interest.

 

[Slugs Away]

Mr P, I'm digging your wonderful work.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I just got to witness the gunmaker stock maker for Rigby checkering a new rifle at SCI Incredible skills. Great respect for anyone with the talent

 

[nztimb]

That is an impressive set of chisels John. I find a good set of files is a great aid in the shaping of the stock

 

[John P.]

That is an impressive set of chisels John. I find a good set of files is a great aid in the shaping of the stock

Yep. Gotta have files!

Files, sanding tools and scrapers get more use than the fancy chisels, but once you have used those Pfeil Chisels when working on the inletting for the action, you will kick yourself for not buying a set on your 18th birthday. They cut like a razor going through pudding. If you buy a set be sure to obtain the special shaped sharpening stones for keeping the edges sharp.

Here is the cheek piece straight edge in use: This stock needs more work.

These things are real handy in the barrel channel. Note the sanding sticks on the bench. Grab a piece of scrap wood of the shape needed, wack off a length of 60 or 80 grit emery strip (I use 2 inch wide strips, comes in a big roll) and some double sticky carpet tape. Put it together and go sanding.

More handy things.

 

[nztimb]

And spokeshaves as well John. I have the flat and the curved base tools and find them very good, and while I have my planes the short base of the spokeshaves is often more versatile for much of the shaping.

 

[John P.]

And spokeshaves as well John. I have the flat and the curved base tools and find them very good, and while I have my planes the short base of the spokeshaves is often more versatile for much of the shaping.

Have not bought one yet but have been thinking about it. That curved spoke shave might just be the ideal tool!

Have a couple of ancient draw knives but they will ruin a stock in a heart beat.