Lancaster AK-47 Question

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That is called checking and just means that the lacquer or varnish did not expand or contract as fast as the wood did at some point. This happens with vintage guitars all the time and is considered a normal thing. I'm not sure about AK stocks though, depends how old it is.
 
IMO that seems like poor quality control from them, I know there AKs aren't cheap either - I ordered one, haven't gotten it yet, but I wouldn't be too happy if mine looks like that. How long did it take before you got yours from them? Is it stamped or milled?
 
It is stamped. Placed order the last week of Dec 2008 and just got it 4-5 weeks ago. Its a beauty even with the bad finish and I feel sure that they will take care of the problem.
 
For as much $$$ as Lancasters are going for, I'd call and complain. Make them send you a new stock set and a call tag so you don't have to pay to ship the "checkered" stocks back.
 
Was probably exposed to cold air and then warmed up too fast. Can't say if it's Lancaster's fault directly. Could have happened in shipping. Personally, I wouldn't care, because it's an AK, but if you're mad, ask them to correct it.
 
Checking in varnish doesn't happen solely in the finishing process. It can happen from direct exposure to sunlight after a period of cold temperature, changes in humidity, i.e. too little or too much water in the wood. Think of it this way- wood contracts and expands and varnish is hard. Varnish can only expand so much (flex) until it cracks (it is rigid like glass). You can call them, and maybe they can set you a new stock set, but it could happen again. This is one reason I prefer oil finishes or varnish finishes.

Edit: Think about this. Your rifle gets on a plane in Goodyear, AZ where the temp is ~75F. Then, in flight, the cargo hold temp gets to about ~30F. Then the plane lands in KY, where you are, and sits in the sun while being offloaded for 45 minutes. Then your rifle is sitting in an oven for 45 minutes! (enclosed metal cargo hold with sun beating on it) Just an idea.
 
Personally, if the wood looks good, I'd just refinish the hand gaurds myself with an oil finish. It's not that hard to do and you will be happier with the finished product. As mentioned above, a new set of hand gaurds may do the same thing, or may not be as nice as the set you already have.
 
I just talked with Mike and they are sending a Call Tag for my AK. I could have changed them out myself but he said that would void the warranty. They are picking up the shipping so I can't complain.
 
Was probably exposed to cold air and then warmed up too fast. Can't say if it's Lancaster's fault directly. Could have happened in shipping.
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Probably did, it is generally caused by changes in temp./humidity and exposure to UV light (sunlight). I would still complain about it if I had paid that much for an AK.
 
Lancaster AKs are good quality, but with some quirks. All the furniture on mine was marked "A USA" on the outside, with stickers clearly stating "Made in Bulgaria" on the inside. Odd, but since the receiver was made in the USA I didn't need to worry about 922(r)
 
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