Stock makers
 

Any suggestions on stock makers in central Missouri. I would like to have a stock made for my 16 gauge VH. I need more modern dimensions than the original stock. Thanks in advance.

Brian Dudley isn’t in MO but he would be my recommendation. He posts here frequently.

You shouldn't limit the field by proximity to you. There are some fine stockmakers throughout North America.





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Maybe see if Donnie Gemmes in Warsaw will do it. It is not cheap.

An alternative is to adjust your position and learn to shoot it. The old folks shot these guns with 3-4 inch drop just fine. Parker stocks were built with 2 1/2” to 4 “ drops for a reason .

I have a 2-bbl set 26"/30" VH12 in stunning condition that has 3-1/2" DAH and, using the old method of keeping your head upright, fits me absolutely perfectly. At the same time, I shoot a 2-1/2" DAH VH12 better than any of my other Parkers. I've managed to learn to adjust to most of the guns and their varying dimensions vs changing any of them. The only Parker I was never able to really get proficient with was a 26" VH20 with 2-1/4"DAH. Could just be that it had a pretty short LOP also. That one just stumped me, as do most low-dimensioned Repros.

I include myself in that category of "old folks" because, like Richard Flanders, I can shoot most any drop of 2 1/4" through 4+" of drop - just bring the gun up to your cheek or jaw or wherever it will fit and give you a "sight picture" of the bead and target beyond.





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I envy you guys. I can adapt myself to lower stock dimensions when shooting dove or ducks or even turkeys, but for quail, grouse, pheasant and woodcock, there's too much instinctive shooting for me and I can't hit a thing with a stock below about 2 1/2".

So, Tom, if you do decide to have a new stock made, just save the original one and keep everything together to leave to your heirs. It will be appreciated and valued, I'm sure.

I feel the way fellow quail hunter.

Ebbie Jones is in Missouri. 417-262-5821. He does restocking and grain matching. A true artist. His website is Tsavocustomfirearms.com. He’s also on FB