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Joined: Sep 2012
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Well it has been a work in progress for some time now. Started in Missouri last year, and finished here in New Mexico. I bought this 1959 Alaskan from a well known model 70 dealer on the east coast about 2 years ago and when I got my hands on it I was really upset. The stock was cracked at the tang and at the rear of the trigger guard. It had been glass bedded. Someone had drilled a hole across the stock and filled the hole with epoxy in the same spot where a cross bolt is usually installed. None of this was disclosed at time of sale, nor did the pictures show this. I even called and talked live to the dealer and asked if there was anything not original with the stock ( he said "no"). Anyway I scoped it and shot it. It would group 2 close together and one flyer everytime. I started checking screw tightening, sequence of tightening, forearm screw torque, etc.. all the things I know to mess with on the M70's. Nothing worked. But when I paid attention and loosened the front action screw in the dead quiet, with my ear close, I could hear the barrel squeaking. I took it apart, reassembled, and tried again.... Squeak!! Okay I had a stock issue. Well now the cool part. Found a stock that was rough inletted, barrel channel the size of a pencil, it had a Weatherby esque comb, and the bolt would not even fit in the slot. Best part it was 75 bucks. I bought it. The wrist was huge, and the forearm was really wide. Here was the day I started: So I again wanted to go old school with no power tools. First up, cut to fit. This made me nervous but going slow I was able to maintain a straight cut and then sand it square in short order. Then with a course file I knocked down the comb to a more classic M70 look. After that i inletted the barrel channel, rear tang, and set the pillars: I then bedded in the entire action, including the complete mag well. Every square bit of wood eventually was covered with Marine Tex. I even Marine Tex'd the entire bottom metal assembly as well. The barrel is completely free floated from the recoil lug and I eliminated the front forend screw. The pics show the progression. [img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/photo1_zps3599973b.jpg[/img][img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_0765_zpsjmhesnmh.jpg[/img][img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_0859_zpsmfajy0yf.jpg[/img]On to the Flutes: [img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_0067_zps6y7havdj.jpg[/img][img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_0072_zpshtunrets.jpg[/img][img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_0907_zpsi9vtgsnd.jpg[/img]More in post #2
Last edited by pre6422hornet; 06/29/15.
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 316
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 316 |
Now for the finishing. I went with what I used in the past, True Oil and Armor All. It went on great, but when I started the checkering process the finish started flaking off in huge pieces. I proceeded to checker the stock 3/4 of the way done and then strip the finish to redo. Here is the checkering. I went with a Supergrade wrap around ( first time trying this) as well as going borderless. Borderless is tough and there is no room for error as overruns stand out. After that I switched gears and under the advice of Scotty, bought some Waterlox and finished with that instead. What a difference. Waterlox is the cats meow. Now it does come in both original gloss and a satin finish, I chose the gloss. I had read online that Mister Clean Majic Erasers worked great to knock down the gloss on it as a finish so I said " what the heck". Worked like a charm. Here is the checkering after a few coats of waterlox to seal it. [img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/forearm%20stain_zpsz806h58w.jpg[/img]And the finished project, next to the original. [img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_1844_zpscxgv27p6.jpg[/img][img]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/hoagp/IMG_1845_zpswpy76de8.jpg[/img]I have tried to accomplish in making a weatherproof walnut stock. There is zero wood that exposed that doesn't have either Marine Tex, or Waterlox on it. Even the swivel bases are epoxied in. I already have some loads ready for her, even though I won't be using her this year in NM, I have full confidence she will be ready. A Burris 3x9x40 C4 is going on her in Talley steel mounts.
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Joined: May 2010
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Absolutely beautiful work, light years beyond my skill set....
Could you share the name of the well known, east coast M70 dealer?
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." Hunter S. Thompson
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Campfire Regular
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Very Nice stock work! Checkering looks superb!
If your a leftist, whatever Donald Trump says or does, that pisses you off rest assured, I am a Happy Camper!
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Joined: Dec 2014
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Very, very nice. You have way more patience not to mention skills than I have.
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I really hate people with talent.
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I really hate people with talent. Me too. For example, nothing pisses me off more than Northern Dave posting pictures showing how he can turn a heap of iron oxide back into a great car... John
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
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Awesome work. Very awe inspiring. Now you can drive to the east coast and shove the other stock in that dealers azz!!!!!!
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Nice, loved the journey. More finished pics.
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2002
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Very Nice
Member: Clan of the Turdlike People.
Courage is Fear that has said its Prayers
�If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.� Ronald Reagan.
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That is absolutely fantastic!
There's 2 dates they carve on your tombstone. Everyone knows what they mean. What's more important is time that is known as the little dash inbetween.
Razz
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Beautiful stock work Pat. I love the finish. Can't wait to hear how it wears for you. How many coats did you get on the stock?
Semper Fi
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,302 Likes: 37 |
I was at the LGS a couple days ago and thought to myself. If I could work a stock like pre6422hornet, I'd buy an intriguing rifle I found!!!!!
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Very, very nice. You have way more patience not to mention skills than I have. +1!! Really fun to read this thread. It turned out well and I like the old school craftsmanship! Eric
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,578
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Well done. Checkering is a skill I never tried to master, and now I think my aging eyes would be a deal breaker.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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Most enjoyable post I've read here lately. Love the project and the progression. Great stuff! More pictures, please! Bob
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
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Most enjoyable post I've read here lately. Love the project and the progression. Great stuff! More pictures, please! Bob I agree. If you like this one, you'll like EricM's Alaskan too after Mr. Simillion is done with it..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Outstanding... You are a lucky man to have those skills.. Excellent!!
Molon Labe
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