Knot in wood stock - something to worry about?

[Silent Bob]

For the past 3 years I have been heavily into firearms, I have mostly been into handguns. This year I decided to branch out into rifles and recently purchased a Yugoslavian M59/66 SKS to get started with, due to the inexpensive price of the rifle itself and the inexpensive price of 7.62x39 ammunition. I have put over 300 rounds through it with no problems. Yesterday however after returning from the range, I was cleaning the gun when I noticed a rough spot in the wood stock at the handguards. I showed the rifle to my stepfather, who has several guns with wood stocks and works with lumber. He said it was "knot" in the wood and therefore meant that that area was particularly brittle. He said he doubted it would be a problem, since it was in the handguard area and not in the rear area, which he says is more stressed when firing. Is this something to worry about, and if so, is there anyway to fix, or strengthen the area? Any input is appreciated.

 

[Steve Smith]

I have found that knots are exceedingly tough, not brittle at all. However, the surrounding material can easily shear because of the difference in strength properties, resluting in the knot pulling out of the wood completely. This may happen when sawing through a knot. In your case, I believe you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Kharn]

Since its in the handguard reason, just check for it whenever you take the rifle out of the safe and before you leave the range. If the knot falls out, glue it back in place with some wood glue.

Kharn

 

[mete]

You can strengthen it like you do with cracks - drill a hole 1/4 or 3/8" dia through the defect and glue in a hardwood dowel.

 

[Art Eatman]

The critical area for strength is from the front of the receiver back to the handgrip part of the stock. Weakness out in the forearm could be a problem with a lot of sling pressure, of course...

It's much more of a problem in military-style usage, which is far more violent than one's usual plinking or target shooting...

Art

 

[4v50 Gary]

When carving stocks, some guys drop a bit of super glue into the knot and let it soak in. This "reinforces" the stock so they won't have to do restoration work later. I didn't learn this stunt until my knot popped out.