Making a rifle stock

[Hunter125]

I am wanting to build my own rifle stock for my Model 60 just for a fun project. I have some woodworking experience, but none with making a stock. What are the steps I should take, what wood should I get, what tools I will need, etc? Anyone know good resources to use for reference?

 

[Reloadron]

Stock making is far from my forte. However, if you frequent gun shows you will occasionally find rough cut blanks in Walnut or Birch as well as other types of good hardwoods to work with. I know Brownells carries stock working tools so may work as a starter but I am sure other members will have some thoughts. I have seen masters start with a block of wood and begin by penciling an outline. Measure the action and literally work from there, It's an art that requires skill. Anyway, birch or american walnut might make for a good start. Best of luck and take pictures!

Ron

 

[dubya450]

Id love to have the time to try to make my own stock as well. Just too busy with a baby, new house and 60-70 hr a week job! Maybe start out with a stock thats been cut into the basic shape and do the fine touches and inletting yourself? Ive looked into many custom stock shops and places that sell really nice blanks online. Google custom rifle stocks to get an idea of what kimd of work you want to do (either starting from a blank or buying a semi finished stock/blank and doing the rest).

Good luck,
Cory

 

[RPRNY]

I made the stock for this 45LC/454 Casull break action last Winter (except the checkering which I had a pro do). I started with rough walnut blanks. I had no woodworking experience.



I used a pinewood derby car kit, chisel, dremmel and these (most important):
http://www.finewoodworking.com/pages/w00007.asp Woodworking cards - about $16 on ebay and the best tool. I also followed the best advice I was given - go slow, ponder often.

Minwax stain, Birchwood Casey Tru-oil stock finishing kit (excellent instructions). If you have an existing stock, you are in great shape because you can take measurements (remove small amounts of wood, check, repeat). If not, it takes longer.

I suggest walnut. Maple is really nice but harder to work with. Birch isn't worth the effort. There are checkering kits out there, I just wasn't brave enough to try.

I'm about to start a new project on a single shot 30-30 in walnut.

Rough cut it with electrics and dremmel, then get out the files, cards and sandpaper. For walnut, Minwax "special walnut" was great. Go slowly.

 

[Hunter125]

Thanks for the replies. I have never even run across scrapers like that, I will have to pick some up, they look handy. I am intending this to be a long slow project that I can work on when I have time to just tinker for a while. I was thinking of getting a softer wood blank just to learn on before I get the real thing, but it might not be worth the extra time.