Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Coin Inlay on stock

Okay. I know most will cringe...but: My dad passed about 14 years ago. I have bought 2 Model 99 take-downs manufactured the year of his birth: 1931. Both all original, no drill and tap, no sling swivels added etc. One...immaculate, maybe 95%. It's kind of a safe queen... (I'll never sell either. They will go to my kid or grand-kids)

The other...strong bore. Bluing patina color. No case color left on lever. Walnut Finish very worn. (sweet trigger pull) Carry it in truck on the ranch. So on this one...I have 2 very nice 1931 Indian Head nickels. Thinking about an inlay...one on each side. Indian Head facing forward one side...and Buffalo on the other side. Dad 1931 and Savage 1931...with 1931 Indian Head inlay.

I'm good working wood and have the right tools. Question: Should I apply varnish or lacquer or something to the coins when (if I do it) the inlay is complete?

Thanks!

If mine I and I wanted the coin inlays. I would find a replacement buttstock for the coin inlays and keep the org stock with matching serials. No finish on the coins if you inlay them

Your gun your decision. GW

While I fully understand and respect your desire to remember your Dad, having lost mine five years ago, I'm afraid i do have to cast my vote for not doing it. I'm sure your father is honored in many ways every day in simple acts you do that reflect how he raised you. Maybe you can make a nice cased set out of the 99 and the buffalo nickels - just a thought.

I'm not sure what will protect the nickels from tarnish if you do inlay them. Varnish, or any other such product would probably just rub off with wear. The only thing I can think of is to spray coat them with some clear baking lacquer before inletting - such as sold by Brownells.

It's nickel. It won't tarnish. The first part that wears on the buffalo nickel is the date as it's the high spot.

I vote with not doing it. Put it in the bolt hole under the butt plate. Out of sight though not out of mind.

Thanks all. Very much appreciated. Good thoughts on how to stand down or an alternate path. Replacement stock or under butt plate... I appreciate it.

Actually...I also have a 4 inch by 4 foot black walnut cut from a friend (a tree from her grandmother's house). Maybe a complete replacement stock is the answer...and save the originals.

Leads to next question...good source to use originals to make replacement stock and forearm?

We've seen plenty of stocks made, and they are never right.

Don't do it. If you must, purchase a replacement stock on GB or something, and inlay on those.

Why don't you use the nickels to start an all things 1931 collection that includes the 99s. You can add more 1931 coins and who knows what else you might come up with that would reflect your Dad's personality. Your kids might get a kick out of something like this years from now. And it too may bring a smile to your Fathers face, as you remember him.

I like that idea best of all. Take it a step further and show up at the next family reunion in a '31 Ford Model A with the entire "1931" collection on display on the back seat.

Well, just be sure not to go OCD on the project, that is unless you want to stuff the back seat full of 1931 99s! Just kidding. Let us know what you end up doing.

Thanks for the smile you gave me...

Need a 1904 ford for my granddad too...

(already have a 1904 Savage in 30-30)

Have a custom no-swivel leather sling made for the '31 99. Have the coin captured between two stitched layers of harness leather that have holes punched big enough to show the coin but not big enough for the coin to escape.