Replacing the stock on a 1975 Browning BSS Side-by-Side - who can make me one?

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ichbins

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I have a BSS 12G side by side made in 1975. The stock is in pretty rough shape (corner cracked off, oil damage, previous repairs are visible) and has also been shortened by a previous owner. As it seems unlikely that I'll be able to match a new buttstock to a 40 year old fore-end, I would like to replace all the wood on the gun. Browning lists this model as "obsolete" and refers me to Western Gun Parts in Edmonton. WGP says they don't have any stocks, but they will sell me a (generic) unfinished/unfitted walnut butt stock for $130. I don't trust myself to fit a stock to this gun, the shape is somewhat complex where it attaches to the receiver.

In other words, I will have to have a stock made for this gun either way. Anyone have any suggestions for a gun smith or stock maker in BC or western Alberta who can make a field grade stock for this gun?
 
I can tell you what you are better off doing... unless that particular gun has sentimental value... sell it as a "beater" field gun and buy another one... it will be a lot less time and cost... you can spend a lot of money on the custom stock and not really be happy with the result... not to mention the time to get it done. If you decide to go this route, PM me... I can probably help.
 
Thanks but I'm not interested in selling this one. Took me a while to find one that locks up tight and is in good shape, only issue this has is the wood. Besides, the factory stock doesn't fit me all that well anyhow.
 
Having a stock made by an actual stock maker will not be cheap, especially if you have a forearm made as well and want a decent piece of wood. It will cost very well above the value of the gun. Now if you find someone who tinkers in wood as a pastime and says they can make you a stock, then who knows.
 
these people are hit and miss on wood quality ,but you can get them to send you a pic of the actual wood they will send you
http://w ww.shop.macongunstocks.com/Browning-BSS-12g-or-20g_c11.htm
 
Cary Striker of Leeder, Saskatchewan had/has a stock duplicating machine, the use of which might substantially reduce your cost of stock replacement. The question is whether Cary still has the machine and would do it. I think he substantially scaled back his gunsmithing because of health issues so I'm not sure if he's doing anything at all.

If it's from scratch ( a walnut blank) count on around $4,000 plus for a sidelock. Wood extra.

You might want to reconsider what can be done to repair the existing stock. I have seen remarkable work done. PM me for further details.

Just saw the post about Macon. IMHO, stay away. If you want to know why, research Macon on the Double Gun Forums. I've been involved in trying to get satisfaction from them. Shysters is the word that comes to mind.
 
A stock duplicator is exactly what I am looking for. My understanding is that it is possible to make a duplicate on a machine with minor adjustments, such as a longer LOP. The receiver interface (it's a box lock) will likely require some hand fitting either way.
 
pmatuk said:
these people are hit and miss on wood quality ,but you can get them to send you a pic of the actual wood they will send you
http://w ww.shop.macongunstocks.com/Browning-BSS-12g-or-20g_c11.htm
Click to expand...

Here is another Gun Shop in Southern Missouri, the web site has changed but his videos of their work is amazing.
http://w ww.artsgunshop.com/ A family run operation.
pmatuk, thanks for your link added to favs for future references .
ichbins for chits and giggles care to share an image of your BSS ..when time permits of course, you know a before and after experience.
Rob
 
I have read the disparaging comments on the Wood from macon .I requeste pics of the actual stock or stocks dry and wetted sent ot email .I have purchased numerous mid grade pieces and always received what I was expecting

There is also webber and markin in kelowna who do great work on hi grade wood .
 
pmatuk said:
I have read the disparaging comments on the Wood from macon .I requeste pics of the actual stock or stocks dry and wetted sent ot email .I have purchased numerous mid grade pieces and always received what I was expecting

There is also webber and markin in kelowna who do great work on hi grade wood .
Click to expand...

Plus one on the guys in Kelowna.

My experience with Macon involved trying to get money back for a friend in Europe. He ordered something that was in stock. He paid via paypay. They acknowledged receipt of the funds. They never shipped anything and gave him the runaround for 8 months. Took me six weeks of concerted effort to get the refund in full. They figured a guy in Europe would eventually give up and f off.
 
ichbins said:
Thanks but I'm not interested in selling this one. Took me a while to find one that locks up tight and is in good shape, only issue this has is the wood. Besides, the factory stock doesn't fit me all that well anyhow.
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I have one located that is in excellent shape with an excellent condition, unmolested stock and locks up tighter than a vault... but if you prefer to play with that one, I wish you the best of luck.
 
As some here know ,I do this for a living -so PM me if interested for more info ...as to saving money using a duplicated blank ,most all stockers nowadays work from a duplicated blank whether their own or another's duplicator it still has to be fit to the receiver...prices go up ,when you start adding checkering ,butt treatments ,fancy wood ,finish grades etc .

If your looking to save money by all means find a good duplicator guy and have one ran out , and try and fit it up yourself as to a duplicator, I can suggest the best...if you want a custom job contact a stocker.
 
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hoytcanon said:
I can tell you what you are better off doing... unless that particular gun has sentimental value... sell it as a "beater" field gun and buy another one... it will be a lot less time and cost... you can spend a lot of money on the custom stock and not really be happy with the result... not to mention the time to get it done. If you decide to go this route, PM me... I can probably help.
Click to expand...
This is good advice.
 
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