AlvinMack
Member
Reged: 10/02/03
Posts: 2776
Post Bucks: $1.04
Loc: Lino Lakes, MN
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Often I’ve heard the argument from hunters that a no wood stock can hold up to the elements. I can only find myself agreeing with that statement to a point. You will find that argument to be somewhat true with factory stocked wood rifles. Why? Basically they finish only the exterior of the stock.
If you remove the barreled action from any factory shotgun or rifle you will find they don’t seal the inletting or the checkering. Thus leaving areas exposed to the elements, surely if they get wet they will swell over time. Fine, I can live with that. Here is the hot button. Folks will see a rifle that is custom stocked rifle and say that is too nice to hunt with!
I find myself taking aim at that statement. More often than not on a custom stock the craftsman never leaves a stone unturned. Sealing the checkering, inletting and exterior is essential. I’ve seen custom stocks finished with the most modern urethane finishes that have spent 2 weeks in the rainy climates of Alaska coming back looking as they just came out of the gun cabinet usually with the exception of a few dings. Dings only add close to a gun in my mind however. Below is an example of a Fine rifle built by Gary Goudy who’s fine rifles and shotguns have been hunted hard in all climates.
Why do I write this, well I will be the first to admit that I like to bring exposure to custom shotguns and rifles. Another reason I write this is if you're competent enough to take apart your rifle or shotgun you can do your own part is making sure your factory gun holds up to the elements by sealing the checkering and inletting of the stock. More updates to follow for ways you can go about doing this.
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AlvinMack
Member
Reged: 10/02/03
Posts: 2776
Post Bucks: $1.04
Loc: Lino Lakes, MN
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Right side...
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AlvinMack
Member
Reged: 10/02/03
Posts: 2776
Post Bucks: $1.04
Loc: Lino Lakes, MN
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Better picture details are here:
Gary Goudy 35 Whelen
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Briank
IDO Multi Media Sales Director
Reged: 09/02/02
Posts: 20717
Post Bucks: $2.80
Loc: Lakeland, MN
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Just love that wood!! It's amazing what a person can do with a piece of wood!
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Brian Klawitter
In-Depth Outdoors Multi Media Director
Trophy Catfishing and Sturgeon Adventures
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Rootski
Member
Reged: 10/12/03
Posts: 1109
Post Bucks: $1.00
Loc: South St. Paul, MN
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Mack,
I Bought a Ruger M77 in 30-06 the first year they came out. It has a cheap Tasco 3-9 scope with imitation Weaver rings on it. 25 years ago I set it up to shoot an inch high at 100 yards, and that day I put three shots (from the bench) through the paper that I could cover with a dime. After 25 hunting seasons the point-of impact and group size on this rifle has never changed. I don't even know if I can get the caps off over the adjustent screws on the scope because it's been so long since I had to touch them. And this is with a wooden stock. If it's done right with the right piece of wood you end up with a shooter. I understand the technical resons behind synthetic stocks, and the arguments make a lot of sense. But I still think most of them are ugly. Nothing like nice peice of wood!
Rootski
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Briank
IDO Multi Media Sales Director
Reged: 09/02/02
Posts: 20717
Post Bucks: $2.80
Loc: Lakeland, MN
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Quote:
But I still think most of them are ugly.
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Brian Klawitter
In-Depth Outdoors Multi Media Director
Trophy Catfishing and Sturgeon Adventures
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AlvinMack
Member
Reged: 10/02/03
Posts: 2776
Post Bucks: $1.04
Loc: Lino Lakes, MN
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AMEN!
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AmWatson
Member
Reged: 03/21/03
Posts: 4815
Post Bucks: $4.90
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I also like the looks of wood over the synthetic. When I order guns or buy used, that is one of my requirements. They just look so much nicer and I really don't worry about a few scuffs or scratches. I buy rifles to use, not to sit in the gun rack looking pretty  
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Fur count 2008
Rats-0
Coon-Not accomplished enough to catch thousands of coon.
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