Thread: Common stock making errors

Hey guys,

I’ve noticed that there are a number of guys having a go at making their own stocks. I thought I’d use the chance to pass on what I have learned now that I’m getting out of the game. I’ll run this as a bit of a series highlighting some of the common mistakes I have seen, and I guess it can be used as a bit of a q&a if that’s what people want. I may go into stock refinishing too, as there’s definitely a few pitfalls to a truly good job.

Anyway, here we go. Stock making design error #1 - a sagging belly in the buttstock. Hopefully the diagram explains what I mean. One line keeps the buttstock lines trim, the other ends up a bit ‘club-like’ and unnecessarily bulky.



Note how the nose of the comb is above the middle of the grip cap. Give or take about 1/4”.

Mistake # two - clamping stock in steel vice??

Thats how you get checkering done quickly.

@Hunter_Nick. Looking forward to your further posts on this subject. Thanks for initiating this.

Ok, next instalment. This one is often done wrong and a bit misunderstood. Reference the drawing, there should be a dead straight line along the thickest part of the buttstock cross section, from recoil pad to narrow point of the wrist. No lumps or bumps, dead straight. If you want to be tricky and add a palm swell, that will usually occur south of this line.

It’s also important to note that the thin part of the wrist is very slightly smaller in diameter than the grip cap end. This ensures that due to the taper in the grip the hand finds a consistent fore-aft position every time.

For reference, I make my grip caps 45x32mm with the wrist about 30mm thick.

I looked at a few what I would call classic stocks and they do fit the first key measurements you posted.
Anything else looks a bit odd.

@Hunter_Nick great stuff please keep it coming

Originally Posted by erniec

I looked at a few what I would call classic stocks and they do fit the first key measurements you posted.
Anything else looks a bit odd.

These dimensions and proportions are most certainly not my own work, just conventions that have been well established over time. They’re not that widely known though I guess.

Originally Posted by Shamus_

@Hunter_Nick great stuff please keep it coming

Will-do. Going to be away this weekend at a hunting comp, so may be a bit slow over the next few days. Definitely a lot to discuss though…

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

These dimensions and proportions are most certainly not my own work, just conventions that have been well established over time. They’re not that widely known though I guess.

You find the dimensions you have highlighted mentioned in several books
This book is a good read Professional Stockmaking: Through the Eyes of a Stockmaker
You can find a copy here https://www.amazon.com.au/Profession.../dp/1879356155