Custom rifle stock, decision time

[cmk]

So, it is soon time for me to make the decision. I have a .30-06 and a 404 Jeffery which are going to get new stocks, but I'm not sure which rifle should get which piece of wood..

Both of the rifles are Sako's, so while not a classic action, I'd still like the classic look. Gloss finish on action and barrel (which is the current state anyway). Straight comb, overall slim looks, no drop-belly magazine, ebony fore end tip, wrap-around checkering etc. The .30-06 should really get a Red Silvers pad, but for the 404 I'm afraid I'll need something softer (Pachmayr?).
Also, they are both left-hand, so the 'presentation side' is different from the more common right hand stocks.

My idea is a stock shape (for both rifles) similar to the Dorleac & Dorleac "Classic Plains Game Rifle" (not sure if it is OK to borrow their picures, but I can at least post a link).
https://www.dorleac-dorleac.com/guns/our-products/our-product-line/classique/?lang=en

The 404 has a 26 inch barrel which of course has a heavier profile than the 30-06 (which is only 23 in), but the stock maker can surely find a way to give them the same "visual balance" so to speak.

With that bit of background, which would you choose for which rifle?

 

[NWT]

I would weigh the blanks and use the heaviest one for the .404.
What magazine box and bottom metal are you using for the .404?
I love the older Sako's.

 

[cmk]

I would guess, but it is only a guess, that the darker one is heavier. I will use the same bottom metal and mag box that are already in the rifles in their factory stocks.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

On looks alone, the one on the right!

 

[cmk]

Follow-up question regarding recoil pads, would the darker (right) stock work with a Silvers Red pad, or would it just be too dark all over?

Also, would you choose the one with a "nib" or without?

/cmk

 

[HuntingGold]

I would weigh the blanks and use the heaviest one for the .404.

I agree. Either way, both are very nice!

 

[bruce moulds]

look for the best grain following the pistol grip for the biggest kicker.
to me that looks like the one on the left, but you really nned to see them in the flesh.
probably both o.k. that way.
bruce.

 

[rookhawk]

One on the left has a bend in the grain flowing with the wrist. I wish it had more in fact. Left one ought to be 404.

FYI. Necg has a fake silvers pad that absorbs recoil for that 404.

 

[CAustin]

Good looking wood

 

[cmk]

Thanks for the input fellas.

One on the left has a bend in the grain flowing with the wrist. I wish it had more in fact. Left one ought to be 404.

FYI. Necg has a fake silvers pad that absorbs recoil for that 404.

I think that the grain flow could be "improved" by tilting the drawing a little bit - so to speak. I guess it isn't necessary to follow the drawn lines exactly

That recoil pad actually looks quite a lot nicer colour-wise than a Pachmayr (more red, less pink-brown). But then again, pictures can be deceiving.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Both are very beautiful.
You have a difficult choice.

 

[cmk]

@rookhawk : thanks for the tip on the Necg recoil pads. If you happen to own a red one I'd love to see a picture of it mounted on a rifle.

Overseas shipping is rather expensive, especially compared to the cost of the pad, so a real-life photo would be helpful in deciding.

Thanks / cmk

 

[GeoffB]

Here is a link to a video explaining how to basically pick a gunstock blank and the things to look out for.
In this case he is picking a stock blank for a .375 H&H project.

 

[rookhawk]

@rookhawk : thanks for the tip on the Necg recoil pads. If you happen to own a red one I'd love to see a picture of it mounted on a rifle.

Overseas shipping is rather expensive, especially compared to the cost of the pad, so a real-life photo would be helpful in deciding.

Thanks / cmk

London Orange. You’d never know from 2’ away. The red looks like a red silver also.

I use them on youth rifles to provide good recoil management without defiling the look of a proper rifle.

 

[cmk]

Thanks for the picture @rookhawk. Maybe the "London Orange" is discontinued, currently only "Red" is listed by NECG.
Follow-up question: do you think it would be possible to thin out the black spacer from the underside, i.e. where it meets the wood, and still attach it properly? Not too much - say by 25-30% -

Hm, maybe I should ask them directly...

Thanks for the link @GeoffB , some gorgeous pieces there.... anyway, I've more or less decided that the 404 will get the lighter coloured stock on the left.

BR,

cmk

 

[rookhawk]

Thanks for the picture @rookhawk. Maybe the "London Orange" is discontinued, currently only "Red" is listed by NECG.
Follow-up question: do you think it would be possible to thin out the black spacer from the underside, i.e. where it meets the wood, and still attach it properly? Not too much - say by 25-30% -

No, you can’t. That area is hollow and holds a removable mounting bracket so you can swap pads to change LOP.

 

[nztimb]

Here is a link to a video explaining how to basically pick a gunstock blank and the things to look out for.
In this case he is picking a stock blank for a .375 H&H project.

Those last two blanks are exquisite

 

[cmk]

No, you can’t. That area is hollow and holds a removable mounting bracket so you can swap pads to change LOP.

Aah...too bad. I am not looking for detachable anyway. Sent an email to Necg anyway. Thanks for your help.

 

[YancyW]

I'm not sure you could go wrong here, both look fantastic to me.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I think the left blank would be better for the big rifle. As for recoil pads, I have always liked the Pachmyr Decelerator covered in black pigskin. Use one at least 3/4" thick on the bigger rifle.