Wood Selection for #164542
 

Well the call finally came and it's time to pick out the wood! But first a little about 164542. She was shipped in Sep. 1913 as ordered by H.D. Freeman of Atlanta, GA. as follows: DHE 12 Ga, 34" Titanic Steel barrels, with a special request for no safety, 5 lb. trigger pulls, no pitch, Silvers rubber butt, RH 265 pellets and LH 285 pellets, straight grip stock (14 x 1 3/4 x 1 5/8) with a weight of 7lb. 15 oz. When I came across her she was sitting in the owners gun rack gathering dust awaiting who knows what or when. The barrels were confirmed as good, which they still are, nothing has been touched on them and they measure good and still true to the original. As I am a push over for long barrels (not to mention, DT, SG, and no safety, GEEZ!!) a deal was struck that made a total restoration possible. This was really the only option as the stock was not salvageable. She will be restored to the exact dimensions in the letter which I can actually shoot.As previously mentioned the call came in, time to pick out some wood. I was sent numerous examples and have narrowed it down to 2 in my mind. My goal is to select wood that would be right at the top end for a DH.I am going to attach some pics and would be interested in your thoughts. Blank #5 is over the top for a DH but it sure gets your attention. I will attach blank #1 in this post and the remainders will follow if I get this right.

Blank #2
 

Blank #2

Blank #3
 

Blank #3

Blank #5
 

Blank #5--This is the last one, I did not include #4 as I have eliminated it as a contender.

I like 1 and 2 the most

# 1.

I like 1

#1 in my book

Randy,
It looks like the dog's are focused on #5 and I agree with them.

PML

Number 1 and 2 are more appropriate for the gun and are closer to what could have originally been on the gun.

Number 5 nice, but too modern looking. Number 3 just doesnt have good grain for the head.

I like 1

Number 1 would be my choice.

Number 1

Number 1

Wood selection
 

No 1 is appropriate and a classy looking D grade stick of wood.

I'll join the rest number 1, but number 2 is very nice and appropriate for a D grade of that vintage.

Randy, you should think long and hard about those stock dimensions. This is now your gun and you will receive much more enjoyment from the gun if you were to stock it to fit your exact dimensions. If you are not sure of your dimensions invest the money for a professional fitting. This will be the best money you could spend in this gun collecting business!
All the best,
Buddy

Words of wisdom for certain however in this case it is just plain luck of the draw in that these dimensions work for me. The stock is going to be shaped and then I am going to have an initial fitting and shoot the gun prior to the final shaping and finishing. I really believe we will not have to change a thing other than the pitch possibly as this was special ordered with no pitch. I am not sure if I have ever used a shotgun with no pitch thus the uncertainty... Thanks !

#2 is very nice and also is quite appropriate for a grade 3.
I would however, stain it a shade or two darker to enhance that nice grain.





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# 1 and #5

5 is more appropriate for a custom contemporary gun.





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#1 definitely

Definitely true, but it sure gets your attention.

#1 would suit fine, but were it me I would be haunted by #5 until I had it setting in the on deck circle.

After wrestling with this decision for a few days I have decided on #1. To me it was always between 1 & 2 and it's still a coin toss for me, I could be happy with either one. As far as #5 goes, WOW ! It is a dandy but would be over the top for a DH.

#1 is gorgeous wood, and a contender. #2 looks more authentic for a D grade restoration.

#1 looks more like the wood that would be on a Remington era DHE.






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#1 if it were mine! But 5, well........

Yeah I know Keavin. I am not going back and look at 5 again, ever, I think.

Number 1

I wonder who picked the wood back in the day?

I would go with 1. Why not buy 5 too and save it for a repro custom job.

Good idea but those barrels on the repros are to short for my liking. To bad they did not make a 32" small bore.

Update-Stock has been shaped
 

Received an update advising the wood has been shaped but not checkered, also sent me a cell phone pic with a little water on the stock to bring out the grain. I think I'm gonna like it !

That is nice!

What’s not to like. Great figure

Nbr 1 for sure

How is this project coming along Randy?

Hey Reggie. Just pulled in from the Southern. It's behind schedule like all gun projects. I would say it's a month out yet and some 6 months behind what I was originally told. Nice to meet you BTW.