Show me your uncheckered rifle stocks?

[Stompbox]

Here are some pictures from the first two stocks that I made. The blue laminate is on an NEF .17 HMR and the other one is a pre 64 model 70 in .270 Winchester. I've always liked the look of a mannlicher style stock, so I thought I would give it a try. Someone had already cut the barrel down when I acquired the Winchester otherwise I would have left it the full length if it had been unmolested.

 

[Challer]

I have found really fine, sharp pointed checkering to be an asset but that's custom all the way. Laser checkering doesn't provide any advantage for me and the swirly stuff does nothing for me.

I remember when people used a sanded varnish in the grip area...

 

[Rare Breed]

@clockwork_7mm_gator
This is the uncheckered stock on my 1885 lowall. My gunsmith calls it his unfinished job but I think checkering would spoil the look of a nice piece of wood

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Let there be no question. Beautiful wood…would be no checkering for me

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

I've always liked the look of a mannlicher style stock, so I thought I would give it a try.

Stutzen: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/tire-kicking-for-a-mannlicher-stocked-rifle.71053/#post-965061

 

[clockwork_7mm_gator]

Some gorgeous rifles, gents.

 

[Trail Rated]

No checkering on these old sporters in vintage Fajen stocks. Top is FN Mauser, bottom is a Rock Island 1903, both in .30-06 (though I bought the FN with the idea of converting it to 9.3x62).

 

[Jeff505]

Timely post! I’m finishing a stock for my Ruger #1 300 H&H. The wood is so nice, I hate to checker it.

I suppose that there’s a functional advantage in checkering. In all my years hunting, though, I haven’t ever felt that it did much in helping me grip the firearm.

Interested in other’s thoughts.

My thought is this, where is the picture.

 

[cash_tx]

Most of my favorite bolt actions have beautiful wood and no checkering; however, if you really feel the need to do it, I would keep it subtle...like on the stock of this Heym 98. Anything more ornate than that distracts from the beauty of the wood, in my opinion. Personally, if outdoor conditions are such that I need checkering in order to maintain a grip on the rifle, I'm probably just going home. ;-)

 

[Doug3006]

My thought is this, where is the picture.

Took it to the range today an snapped some outside photos.

 

[Doug3006]

I guess I don’t need to tell this group of smoke-cured outdoorsmen, but my load may not be safe in your rifle. Work up to it as the loading manuals suggest.

 

[cash_tx]

Took it to the range today an snapped some outside photos.

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Gorgeous wood, and impressive accuracy!

 

[Jeff505]

Took it to the range today an snapped some outside photos.

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Pretty and accurate, the gun not you.

 

[Doug3006]

Pretty and accurate, the gun not you.

like that clarification was needed!

 

[CJW]

As others have pointed out, bad or pressed checkering is abominable. But fine checkering can enhance the looks of a rifle, even on exhibition grade walnut; it doesn't hide the figure where coarse will. Keep in mind, I also like carving on gunstocks, although I won't touch high grade wood with anything but checkering, with possibly a carved border.
Checkering can also take a nondescript stock, like laminate, and make it look good..
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There's undoubtedly an uncheckered stock in the safe. Just means I haven't gotten around to improving that stock.....

So do you do other people's stock's or only your own? PM me a price for the above work assuming it's yours if you are willing.

Don't worry it's not high grade wood.

 

[Ryan]

My brothers Browning BAR Safari in 300 Win Mag, Boyds stock in Claro walnut that I finished for him as a gift. The original stock is a synthetic he's keeping for foul weather. SB McWilliams alkenet red oil and Waterlox has done it well.

 

[C.W. Richter]

'Friend's grandfather was in Nazi Germany in WWII. He collected a few trinkets from fallen officers (engraved with names Walther pistols, etc. etc.) but when he returned home, he bought some of Winchester's latest offerings (my childhood friend did NOT shoot, so he gave me all of grandad's guns when he passed-my friends parents tragically died when he/his siblings were teens.) Anyway, the medium contour Mod 68 single shot 26" 22LR w/ peep sights was superbly accurate (and plain-jane like a lot of Win stuff pre- and post-war.) This is the teaser pic-i'll find more later. It's been a long couple of weekends at the farm....This thing was superbly accurate to 50 yds. I sold it to pay for my divorce in '00 (along with a banged up family heirloom-a muzzleloader with a nickel action made by Bell in London and re-barreled by a gunsmith in PA in the mid 1800s, shot so much it was drilled out and used as a scattergun. I kept the rest. Oh, the Walther PPK Wafenbriek was "borrowed" by a neighbor and he took off to AZ never giving it back. (If I had to guess, it re$ide$ in Mex now.)

 

[C.W. Richter]

'Friend's grandfather was in Nazi Germany in WWII. He collected a few trinkets from fallen officers (engraved with names Walther pistols, etc. etc.) but when he returned home, he bought some of Winchester's latest offerings (my childhood friend did NOT shoot, so he gave me all of grandad's guns when he passed-my friends parents tragically died when he/his siblings were teens.) Anyway, the medium contour Mod 68 single shot 26" 22LR w/ peep sights was superbly accurate (and plain-jane like a lot of Win stuff pre- and post-war.) This is the teaser pic-i'll find more later. It's been a long couple of weekends at the farm....This thing was superbly accurate to 50 yds. I sold it to pay for my divorce in '00 (along with a banged up family heirloom-a muzzleloader with a nickel action made by Bell in London and re-barreled by a gunsmith in PA in the mid 1800s, shot so much it was drilled out and used as a scattergun. I kept the rest. Oh, the Walther PPK Wafenbriek was "borrowed" by a neighbor and he took off to AZ never giving it back. View attachment 534096

i was going to post a pic of a Cricket 22 rifle. LOL wonderful for backyard pest safaris!

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

My brothers Browning BAR Safari in 300 Win Mag, Boyds stock in Claro walnut that I finished for him as a gift. The original stock is a synthetic he's keeping for foul weather. SB McWilliams alkenet red oil and Waterlox has done it well. View attachment 534092View attachment 534093

That has come out very well Ryan.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I'll be the voice of dissent: lever actions forever, it's snowmachine not snowmobile, steaks well done, BBWs are where it's at, please... no Trump in 2024, and I like my gun stocks with checkering.

But yeah, that does look sharp Ryan.

 

[VertigoBE]

I'll be the voice of dissent: lever actions forever, it's snowmachine not snowmobile, steaks well done, BBWs are where it's at, please... no Trump in 2024, and I like my gun stocks with checkering.

But yeah, that does look sharp Ryan.

Steaks well done????
And what are BBW’s?