Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Custom wood stock

I have a piece of black walnut that means something to me were is the best place to send it to get a stock made. I see Richard micro fit does it

Budget?

It all depends on the work you want done.

Do you want just stock shaped and semi inlet or a full custom finished stock. and checkered?

What type of gun will it be made for?

Frankly , I would not trust Richards to properly shape and inlet an irreplacable piece of wood.

This guy seems to do nice work.

https://tsavocustomfirearms.com/

What style, for what action?

Richards is the last place I’d send wood to be inletted. IME, their inletting is terrible.

They do have good selection of wood and styles.

DF

I’m working with Matt Roberts who owns MNR Custom in VT. Maybe worth a call.

Would like to hear the best or top inletting service with CNC.

DF

This.

A buddy had one done by Wenig, he was happy with the results.

https://wenig.com/

I’m gonna use a pre 64 action and make a swift on it.

Several years ago I visited the Wenig operation in Missouri to have a Model 70 Classic restocked, and to have two Beretta O/U shotguns restocked and fitted to me. This is not exactly what you are looking for, but I can say I was very impressed with what I saw that day and the work that was done.

Wenig does top end work and they not cheap.

If the OP is just looking for someone to do a good job with inletting and shaping, I think there are other options for less.

I’d ask about CNC inletting. I think he’d be more pleased with that level of work.

Let us know.

DF

You might try Ahlman’s but you are still looking at $1000 or so plus wood and checkering

John Vest is one of the very best for duplicating (very precise and has lots of patterns), but I don't know if he's taking work anymore. A few years ago John was $450 just to duplicate, but he could get the inletting to within a gnat's eyelash; said it took him 8 hours to duplicate a bolt gun to his standards. He is not returning phone calls and is getting up in years. Matt Roberts (MNR) is also top-notch and a great guy.

There is just no way around it — custom wood stocks are expensive. And there are fewer active artisans. For some of us it is worth it. When the hunting is slow, you can admire your rifle.

Good info, tag for later

I wouldn't hesitate to use Matthew Horninger you can checkout his instagram and I'll add his website here.

www.ah-custom.com

The best duplicating process I’ve read, is they get it within a 1/4 inch. Let the stock rest in case of movement. Then 2nd time finish it up. I’ve did a few stocks in my milling machine since most of the work is in the action and took the 2 step approach. Good luck and keep us posted!