I once saw a M1 carbine for sale that had a Mannlicher full stock on it, wish I had bought it; that style has always interested me, but don't have anything llike it, not a huge rifle guy; although I have my share :)

Is a nice gift to be able to make wood into something beautiful Ron!

Ed

Thanks Ed,


It's kind of in my blood. My Grandad was a Cabinet Maker. He made a black walnut and mahogany coffee table for my Mother that was absolutely unbelievable.

Unfortunately, it got broken beyond repair during a move to their new house long after he had passed on.

Ron

Ron
Excellent work!! Thats quite a piece of walnut. Working with wood is always a pleasure. And you do it very well!! Bill

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the kind words. I just wish I could make it worth while, but you almost have to be a member of the Gun Maker's Guild before you can charge the big bucks.

R.G. "Bob" West and Larry Brace were both locals from Eugene, and world renowned stock carvers (both are deceased). Neither one of them would touch a stock for less than $2000 - $2500. I received some very valuable mentoring on techniques from both of them.

My first attempts were, let's say, less than satisfactory, at least to my eye. I still see one now and then pop up at local gun shows.

Ron

Ron,

Absolutely gorgeous work! What kind of walnut is that?

Mike:D

LOL... I know about chi being out, and squeaky parts.

FN

Hi Mike,

It's either Bastogne, or American Tiger Stripe. I think probably Bastogne, which is a hybrid.

Ron

Ron you have a wonderful gift. Beautiful work

Hi Richie,

I appreciate the compliment.

Thanks...

Ron

I havr a pre 64 M70 reworked in Japan.
I wish it was original, actually.

Hi Mike,

Stock carvings were popular in the late '40s and early '50s. The fleur de lys on the cheek piece is nice.

Ron

I just received this email from the man I did the stock work for. My prices just went up...:)

"Hi Ron,

The Winchester just arrived in the USPS JEEP. The stock is superb. I cannot believe the way you created a nimble, elegant light sporting rifle out of that huge log of Walnut I sent you. You are a pro. The finish is perfect, but not flashy and equal or better than any of my custom rifles, including Griffin & Howe, Al Biesen, Wilbur Hauck, Jaeger, Wm. Bennet, etc... Now I am afraid to let another stockmaker checker it. I will have to think about this.

Keep in touch. My wife has just retired and we hope to travel up the West Coast from San Francisco next year and I would be pleased to thank you in person and have you and your wife join us for a nice meal.

Take care of yourself and best wishes,

Angus"

Ron