In a previous thread Ian said he would send anyone interested a stock to examine. As I had a couple of projects in mind I decided to take him up on his offer and asked to see a Model 70 stock of about 20 ounces finished in dark green with black marbeling.
The stock arrived today and I'll give you an overview of my impressions.
First this is a very well laid up stock and the colours as specified are contained in a thick gel coat. Scratches and abrasions should generally polish out if they aren't very deep.
The inletting was sharply done (no rounded edges in this job) and took very little actual fitting to drop the barreled action to depth.
It will take a light bedding job with Marine Tex to get it sealed on all the edges and perfectly supported but I wouldn't hesitate to test fire it as is if I was inclined.
The style of the stock is similar to that of a Remington Classic stock (no cheekpiece) and will suit me just fine. Has a bit of drop at heel but not excessive and the comb line gives good facial support in line with a scope. The forend is moderately full but not overly bulky.
Swivel studs are installed but I requested no recoil pad as I have a preference of pad that I prefer to use and have them on hand.
There is no checkering on the stock but I believe Ian is making new patterns that will include that nicety.
His stocks are not inexpensive and are probably priced comparably to other top of the line U.S. stocks when landed here. I don't think his stocks give up anything in construction to any of them. Solid stuff and worth our support.
Unfortunately I can't post pictures but perhaps when the whole job is done including a rebarrel job I ll find someone with the equipment to do it and let you all in on the stock.
The stock arrived today and I'll give you an overview of my impressions.
First this is a very well laid up stock and the colours as specified are contained in a thick gel coat. Scratches and abrasions should generally polish out if they aren't very deep.
The inletting was sharply done (no rounded edges in this job) and took very little actual fitting to drop the barreled action to depth.
It will take a light bedding job with Marine Tex to get it sealed on all the edges and perfectly supported but I wouldn't hesitate to test fire it as is if I was inclined.
The style of the stock is similar to that of a Remington Classic stock (no cheekpiece) and will suit me just fine. Has a bit of drop at heel but not excessive and the comb line gives good facial support in line with a scope. The forend is moderately full but not overly bulky.
Swivel studs are installed but I requested no recoil pad as I have a preference of pad that I prefer to use and have them on hand.
There is no checkering on the stock but I believe Ian is making new patterns that will include that nicety.
His stocks are not inexpensive and are probably priced comparably to other top of the line U.S. stocks when landed here. I don't think his stocks give up anything in construction to any of them. Solid stuff and worth our support.
Unfortunately I can't post pictures but perhaps when the whole job is done including a rebarrel job I ll find someone with the equipment to do it and let you all in on the stock.
