Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 29, 2007 04:13pm | #1

   bufun,

   I have a couple older books, that you may be able to locate thru used booksellers, or be able to find more modern equivilants.

   One is a softback,  "The NRA Gunsmithing Guide", a compilation of articles from the '50's-70's, magazine "The American Rifleman".  A quick look showed a section on stock wood selection and design.  A more modern edition may be available from the NRA bookstore.  Another is Charles Edward Chapel's "Complete Guide to Gunsmithing", a hardback, 479pp, published in the '60's by A.S. Barnes & Co, which has a chapter on stocking.  Also George Shumway's book on "Recreating the Kentucky Longrifle"  Shumway Publishing, has a section on stocking the longrifle, more on fitting stocks to individual shooters.  This book is still available thru Dixie Gun Works, in Union City TN, I'm pretty sure, and other vendors of muzzleloading supplies.

   If you haven't already, you may want to check out the NRA website for their selection in their bookstore.  Also Brownell's might have what you are looking for, or Midway, maybe Numrich Arms.  These are all sellers of gun parts and gunsmithing supplies.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

1. 
   bufun | Jan 30, 2007 05:40pm | #5

   joinerswork, I mentioned to dukeone earlier trhat this research has been an interesting experience. After following one of your suggestions, ihave been given a lead to a forum where I can make a posting. All in all this has been a rewarding experience and I greatly appreciate your insight. By the way are you up or down valley?GoodWorkings-bufun

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 31, 2007 01:56am | #8

   bufun,

   "By the way are you up or down valley?"

   It depends on where you are. ;-)) 

   Did you hear about the blonde who was walking along the riverbank, and another girl on the other side shouted to her,"HEY !  How do I get to the other side of this river?"  The blonde looked at her for a moment, then shouted back,"You're ALREADY on the other side!"

   I'm in the central valley, near Harrisonburg.  Where are you?

   Ray

   p.s. by the way, good luck on your stocking project. 

1. 
   bufun | Jan 31, 2007 02:45am | #10

   joinerswork, Ive been told that in your part of town "up valley" refers to the south and "down valley" is north, being an elavation orientation as opposed to directional, therefore Iam "up valley" in the New River Valley. 33w into Pendleton Co. will go by Schaffers in Flatwood. He has some kind of a place for old tools and salvaged wood. If you make there go to the back and check out the cherry and walnut verticle slab cuts he's got stashed. I always wondered who influenced folks "down valley" to have fried fish and eggs at breakfast-GoodWorkings-bufun

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 31, 2007 03:23am | #12

   bufun.

   Yup,  "up"  and "dpwn" refer to the way the river flows.  The shenandoah is one of a few rivers whose course isto the North, so that up the river is down the map.

   The fish is probably saltfish, an acquired taste if ever there was one.

   Went on a rafting trip with the boy scouts a while ago, when I was s'master. Take out was right under the New River bridge.  Can't appreciate the size of that thing, til you are looking up at it.

   Regards,

   Ray

2. 
   dukeone | Jan 29, 2007 05:24pm | #2

   Bu: Try this link:http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?bx=off&ds=30&bi=0&y=0&tn=gunstock&sortby=1&x=0

   Duke

   "... Buy the best and only cry once.........

1. 
   bufun | Jan 30, 2007 02:08pm | #3

   dukeone, ThankYou for the direction, however my initial search for a manual that details the woodworking process of  rifle stocks has proved to be quite the endevour, People will sell me blanks but will not give research direction on how to build the stock from the blank. The site you so suggested had many books on finished carving and checkering but not on initial start up. I know its out there somewhere, but its interesting that something as common as gun parts in the USA has become in my opinion a lost craft. All in all Iam having a fascinating time doing the research and greatly appreciate your insight-GoodWorkings-bufun

1. 
   dukeone | Jan 30, 2007 04:05pm | #4

   Thanks and good luck.......

   Duke"... Buy the best and only cry once.........

3. 
   DanG | Jan 30, 2007 11:32pm | #6

   bufun,

   Don't know how much it'll help, but there's an ACTION BOOKS site at

   http://hppublish.com/index.html?lmd=39097.302928

   If you click on "Other Gun Titles" over on the left, it brings up "Making a Gunstock" near the bottom of the first column. After you get the password, you can download a PDF that tells how to make a gunstock "from a solid plank of wood."

   Looks a bit crude, and it doesn't appear to get into selection and drying of the wood, but it's probably better than nothing.

   Dan

1. 
   bufun | Jan 31, 2007 02:15am | #9

   Thanks DanG, this is the second time a fellow worker suggested them and I haven't worked my way there. Having a very intreresting time doing the research appreciate your help-GoodWorkings-bufun

4. 
   Troy | Jan 30, 2007 11:43pm | #7

   If you have not checked them out take a look a Brownells they have a huge catolog that is directed towards gunsmiths and it has everything you might want related to this field including books they have a website as well.

   Good luck

   Troy

1. 
   bufun | Jan 31, 2007 02:52am | #11

   Thanks Troy, I will jump on that site 0dark thirty-just finished bringing in the firewood since were expecting snow day after tomarrow Early to bed, Early to rise. GoodWorkings-bufun

2. 
   bufun | Jan 31, 2007 01:04pm | #13

   Troy, Brownells looks like a real winner, It has been the first site that a flintstone such as myself can find a definite reference material for what Ive been seeking. Thanks to you and all our fellow workers for a very positive and enlightening research experience. Some folks think this is a snooty, high brow web-site full of dysfunctional ego-maniacs posing about how smart they are, I have found it to be one of the best things that has happened to me and my workings since I first started smelling saw dust. There maybe some of us who have town haircuts but for me everybodys heart has been shaped in the bowl-GoodWorkings to All-bufun

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 31, 2007 04:27pm | #14

   bufun,

   "...Some folks think this is a snooty, high brow web-site full of dysfunctional ego-maniacs posing about how smart they are, I have found it to be one of the best things that... "

   Feel free to change your mind, as you get to know us a little better!

   Glad that Brownell's had what you wanted.  They have most everything, their catalog is like the old Rears and Sawbucks wish book, for craftspeople.

   Best wishes,

   Ray

    

1. 
   bufun | Jan 31, 2007 11:56pm | #15

   But,,,But..you don't act snooty. Are you feeling guilty bout sumpin??

   at this point it looks like-Professional Stockmaking by David L. Wesbrook, Wolfe Pub is the way to go. someone also suggessted (i think dukeone) a manual on Kentucy Long Rifles thats peaked my curiosity. Once again thanks to All my totaly down to earth, Knowledgeable yet very humble fellow wood workers who have taken the time out to help with thier suggestions- GoodWorkings-bufun

2. 
   Troy | Feb 01, 2007 12:56am | #16

   Glad to help, post a picture of the stock when your done.Troy