Stock repair questions

[bushwhacker]

I have a model 69A Win. .22 with the toe broken off the stock and buttplate. It is broken through the centre of the bottom screw hole. I priced getting it fixed by a guy who specializes in stock repairs, but for $130 I can't justify it. Checked Gun Parts, but out of replacement stocks. I have rasped down the break to get a flat surface and have a piece of walnut to make the toe. I am looking for a buttplate to use as a template to shape the stock to. What glue should I use that will be unobtrusive? I have heard that "natural" glues absorb the finish and are less noticeable than carpenter's glue. Is the best bet to find a buttplate that will let me drill and countersink two holes, one above the break, and one in the replacement toe?

 

[stocker]

Rasped it flat? How flat? It needs to be dead flat and so does the adjoining piece. They should also be re-inforced with a couple of internal dowels to increase shear strength. Carpenters glue will probably leave the least amount of visible glue line if the wood is properly mated. The join should be so perfect that once clamped together there are no gaps that the glue would show in. Epoxy works but will leave a thicker glue line and must be pre-stained to match the wood. Epoxy may be your best bet if you aren't taking the time to get the pieces properly mated as it will fill a lot of sloppy fitting. Gorilla glue isn't bad stuff and may come close to a color match as is but won't fill like epoxy.

Western Gun Parts in Edmonton may be able to provide you with a butt plate or a gunsmith may have a take off plate to sell.

As for the screw hole: I would have planed it until the old hole was completely removed and then join new wood so the new hole is not on the glue line. A quality glue joint is usually as strong or stronger than the original wood by the way but it requires perfect mating of the pieces.

Then shape it all , refinish and you'll get an idea why the price qouted was not too far out of line. If you paid to have it done you would expect it to be near perfect for fit and finish. That takes time. Are you prepared to do it to that standard?

 

[icedog]

I imagine you've already checked with local shops for a replacement buttplate and struck out. Sometimes they have a collection of bits and parts and you can find something to suit. Another possibility would be to order from Brownells in the U.S. They carry a line of reproduction buttplates including some "universals", and a couple Winchester styles, one of which might work for you...listed in their catalog for around $13.00. Of course by the time you get it to your door it would likely be double that. You might try Gorilla Glue for the stock repair. Depending on the color of your wood, it may blend in. It's strong stuff, but leaves a brown line when it dries, and must be tightly clamped while drying. I use strips of old inner tube or surgical tubing for the clamping job.

 

[Wrong Way]

130 is a bargain....trust me on this....I know

Seriously, if you want a great repair, tke it to a pro. I have made alot of money "unfixing" stock repairs done by amatures.

I take my truck to the mechanic, and my dental work to a dentist....'Cause I know that paying them to do the work initially will cost me less than having to pay them anyway later.

 

[sunray]

"...rasped down the break..." Should have left it alone. However, Gunparts lists the butt plate. Not exactly cheap at $14.55 US. Drill a couple small holes in your flattened bit and use epoxy.