Gunstocks page 4
A couple of overall pictures of the rifles that we have been looking at.
Tools
1.
2.
3.
Photos 1 and 2, in addition to the marking ink, show a tang
screw in each picture. Note that the tang screw has a tapered shank. This taper provides a
means to force the action rearward, rigidly securing it to the 'head' or front of the
stock. The tool at the far left is simply and old screw driver which has had a tang screw
brazed to the tip. When installing the tang screw, the holes on the action are located
between centers and a hole is drilled through the wood. The diameter of this hole is a few
thousandths larger than the smallest diameter of the tang screw. The tool with the
'tang screw' end is then heated to about 250 degrees and inserted into the top of the hole
with firm pressure while being rotated. When the tool cools, repeat the process 4-5 times
until the parallel hole has become tapered, polished and a perfect mate for the actual
tang screw. The lockup will be perfect.
The chisels, stropping leather, stone and jar of kerosene remind us that these tools must be SHARP!! But that is another project.
Inspiration
Everyone needs a little inspiration! Have a look at the inletting and superb workmanship on the Alexander Henry rifle shown below. If it is any consolation, the workman who inletted the lock was a specialist who only did this work and could well have inletted hundreds of locks in his career. The lower photo shows the inside of the forend of this rifle.
More inspiration
Pictured below is a long rifle by Don Kline. Don has been a custom stock maker for over 30 years, primarily focusing on single shot and bolt action rifles. His work has been shown in the pages of The Gun Digest and displayed as well at various places around the country. This is his first American long rifle. Notice the work shows NO toolmarks while being crisp and alive. Additional carving and wire inlay to be added.
Visit Don at http://donkleincustomguns.com/
Hawken stocks
These stocks are leftovers from when Don Allen and I were making and selling a Hawken Kit in the early 1980's
#1 is plain maple with no ramrod hole drilled
#2 is fancy figured hard maple
#3 is fancy figured hard maple...this stock has a couple of minor dings on the top of the barrel track about 6" ahead of the breech
All were cut on Dons stock duplicator for the following specs.
-GRRW tang and breech
-barrel track tapers from 1.125" to 1.050"
-Lock mortise for Schillinger lock
-GRRW butt plate
-Ron Long triggers
-Hawken shop entry thimble
