stock bending
 

Does anyone know a gunsmith in New England [preferably Maine or New Hampshire] who could bend a repro. straight stock for cast off?

My suggestion... Don't do it. A completely risky undertaking as to the results.

Dave Trevallion in South Berwick, ME. (207) 704-0450

Probably true, but I did have my SSS bent for less drop at the comb and it came out perfectly. I don't remember who did it though, as it was many years ago. Can be done.

stock bending
 

Thanks all,I think I will not have it done per Brian's advice. Do not want to take any unnecessary chances ,bird season is to close. Cheers,Herb

I am not disagreeing with you Brian, just curious as to why you say that. Do you mean risky in the sense of maybe the bend wouldn't hold? Or are you meaning risky in the sense that the stock may break? Have you seen Herb's gun to make that determination? Would you have answered the same if it were any other gun?

TIA,

All of the above.

That is my personal opinion on bending in regards to ANY stock.

Just too many chances for things to go wrong or not to at all.

Generally speaking, I believe that stocks can be bent for cast more successfully than they can be bent for drop.

Herb wants some cast. But, Herbs gun is a straight grip Repro. These guns were weak in the wrists to begin with. Why chance damaging it by trying to put a little cast in it.

Again, just my opinion.

Brian, I'm not trying to be argumentative, but rather trying to further this discussion . . . you're not recommending bending for your aforementioned reasons--even though thousands have had their stocks bent successfully. So how is one to achieve proper gun fit if bending is not a good choice? Is he to learn to shoot an ill-fitting gun, have the gun re-stocked to his desired dimensions or something else?

Considering his experience and talent w/these guns I'd sure like to hear more from Brian on this subject as well...been thinking about making a fixture.


...there should be an "eagerly soaking up information like a sponge" emoticon!

If I must elaborate on my feelings about bending... Like I said, it is a crap shoot as to the results as to how well the operation will go. The wood may not move as much as desired. It may work its way back over time after bending. Inletting joints may open up. The wood may break. The finish may get damaged and require attention. Or, it may go perfectly and the stock will do exactly what you want it to.

I personally know people who have had around 30% success with having multiple guns bent by the same party. Those odds are not great in his example.

I am just saying that the risk is great for something to go wrong with a gun that you just likely spent thousands of dollars on. And it may cost you more in the long run.

I really have nothing further to add to this discussion.