Consensus on choice of walnut.

P

pinotguy

New member
What is the general (or specific) feelings here regarding the best kind of walnut for rifle stocks? I am aware that the grain and figuring play a role but am more interested in the species of tree in terms of weight, durability, workability, and finishing properties. English Walnut is my favorite from a visual standpoint yet I've seen some fantastic Claro, Bastogne, and Black Walnut as well.

Assuming that the grade of wood remains the same - very highly figured/Exhibition quality, what would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance.
 
Doing up a Ruger #1 at the moment in 6.5x55 (Did anybody get that?) Anyway i got an exhibition turkish walnut blank, and had it turned for me. I"m fitting all the hardware and doing the final finish. I'm very pleased with the way i can remove wood with the tools and the finish is working out very well. Its a good hard wood that does not fight ya like some of the other woods ive tried. And well i like English very much too, and i like, well lets just say i a woodaholic, very much so if shes pretty.
 
I have 2 gunstocks from Bastogne Walnut, just beautiful and it was a pleasure to work with. I also have had a few English and French not to mention several Black Walnut. I think the biggest thing I have noticed was the "workability" of the English and French type woods. Some of the American Blacks can be somewhat porus, but many are tight too.
 
My favorite is Claro because of the grain. It can be tricky though the way the grain swirls around can cause a chisel to gouge instead of shave.
 
wood

Sir:
Fine figured wood never grows close to a stream but up high where it must struggle to live.
So, I guess our lives are if we, too, struggle in life.
Harry B.
 
I understand some stock smiths only use root wood. I believe my seasoning blank is 1/2 trunk and 1/2 main root.

attachment.php
 
Thats cool when one can get a blank like that and have a fifty left over!:D
"BURP", sorry, ate to many meatballs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
 
Well, the 50 is long gone. The company I work for is going through some shrinking pains and I have been laid off except for a few contract jobs they are keeping me on. Project gets put on back burner for now (unless I decide to sell it when I'm done, and I don't want to do that).

Ya might as well take a picture of all yer rifles next time ya open the safe. Inquiring minds and prying eyes (I ain't askin' to see yer meatballs.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top