stocking of repros

[Bindlestiff]

My hunting partner is a lefty and had Dan Cullity bring his BHE repro to his specified measurements. He shoots it quite well and has been happy with it for years. I introduced him to Dan and was with him when he dropped it off and when he picked it up. I don't remember Dan saying that he touched the finish? But that was years ago. At about that time I had been reading about the use of hot oil to bend a stock and not having any affect on the finish, it may be that is what Dan did but I am only guessing.

[edgarspencer]

Beyond working with American walnut in my gun box making, I really don't know all the ins and outs of wood morphology. That said, I have believed that the finish, and pre-finish used on the 'California' wood used in reproductions doesn't lend itself well to mechanical manipulation.
I have had several experiences, some great, and one, ehhhh, with heat bending, but that was always on older guns with traditional finishes.
I think adding an additional 1/4" of drop is going to have so small effect on pitch, it would be very hard to measure. Good old trigonometry.

[Steve Hodges]

2 1/4" DAH is great for me. Please send all Repros not wanted my way