is this stock blank to "much" for old school 416 Rigby?

[CBH Australia]

That’s a stunning piece of timber. If you want to make a pretty rifle go for it. If you want a workhorse then dumb it down and save that for something that is going to be treated right.

 

[rookhawk]

That’s a stunning piece of timber. If you want to make a pretty rifle go for it. If you want a workhorse then dumb it down and save that for something that is going to be treated right.

This is where I disagree, respectfully. There is nothing more beautiful to my eyes than a well loved, well worn best rifle. Honest wear, patina, a bit of oil freshening of an XXX quality stock over its life, and its a stunner.

The ugliest time in a best gun's life is the first scratch. What's nice about blued and walnut guns with oil finishes as they build character and can be refreshed. You cannot refresh polyurethane guns with pressed checkering, nor can you touch up chips in cerrakote that would be nothing but a bit of bluing loss on a rust blued weapon.

 

[CBH Australia]

This is where I disagree, respectfully. There is nothing more beautiful to my eyes than a well loved, well worn best rifle. Honest wear, patina, a bit of oil freshening of an XXX quality stock over its life, and its a stunner.

The ugliest time in a best gun's life is the first scratch. What's nice about blued and walnut guns with oil finishes as they build character and can be refreshed. You cannot refresh polyurethane guns with pressed checkering, nor can you touch up chips in cerrakote that would be nothing but a bit of bluing loss on a rust blued weapon.

I understand and agree. I would like a nice classic rifle, something like a Rigby just because. Something nice, something classic and something special. But, the thing is I can’t afford to buy it and mistreat it.
Yes I could have some nicer gear but it is a stretch. So if I stretch the budget I need to treat it with kid gloves because I can’t afford to neglect it.

 

[rookhawk]

I understand and agree. I would like a nice classic rifle, something like a Rigby just because. Something nice, something classic and something special. But, the thing is I can’t afford to buy it and mistreat it.
Yes I could have some nicer gear but it is a stretch. So if I stretch the budget I need to treat it with kid gloves because I can’t afford to neglect it.

This is where buying used is healthy for two reasons: 1.) Financially, what you cannot afford you suddenly can, and 2.) It comes pre-worn so you never gasp by putting the first scratch and 20% depreciation onto it.

 

[Jefferry404]

Most of my wood stock rifles "mis-treatment" comes from handling, on/off the rack, safe, etc.
To me, the "patina" one gets from handling while hunting, on a nicely stocked rifle, is appealing.
Do not think would do Alaska, but the drier locals, sure.
As I am typing this, my Rolex Seadweller bangs against the keyboard, desktop, etc but...
but I have my own scars to
Here is Philippe Cousteau Seadweller, conditioned by the 32 years at sea.
Mine is not looking as nice yet but I am trying...
Steve

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Cousteau​