stocking of repros

[tom tutwiler]

Just sort of ran into this thread. Regarding bending Repros (or any other guns), Black or Claro Walnut doesn't normally bend well at all. Quartersawn wood bends best if one is looking at lowering the DAH/DAC. I was at the NE SXS and watched Dan Rossiter bend two stocks from guns that were given to him during the show. He took the guns home and bent the stocks and returned them to the owners the next morning. He has a rather nice set up at the shop that involves, various jigs and heat lamps. He doesn't even attempt the bend until the temp hits specific number at the wrist and then literally he bends the stock to the required position by hand and then clamps it in the various jigs at the required position/dimension the customer needs and lets it cool overnight to set the bend.

Above said, there are occasions where the heat is applied and the perfect temp is achieved and the stock just won't move. Its a rather imperfect science.

PS. I have seen him bend several stocks over the years. English Gripped stocks made with the various European type walnut can sometimes bend like a noodle. There can be a bit of spring back at times. If folks want a stock bend during the Vintagers event in Sept, swing by and talk to Dan at his booth. He can pretty much take one look at the stock and tell you if he thinks it can be bent. The good thing is no shipping and he will hand the finished gun back to you the following morning.