Checkering Question

[Keith Doty]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

A VH would have a two point pattern. With spacing at 18-20 lines per inch. I usually cut VH and PH grades at 18 lpi. The checkering would not really be fully pointed.

If you search the forum for photos of VH guns, you should be able to find a ton of photographic examples of what the pattern looks like.

If you have not checkered before, I would not really recommend a parker being your first attempt if you are to truly do it correctly. The Parker point wrist pattern looks simple, but it is actually very difficult to execute CORRECTLY. You should practice a lot on scrap and old stocks just to get a feel for the tools first.

And please… dont muck it up.

Brian is absolutely correct! Get some scrap or old valueless stock parts and make your mistakes there. I did a Browning A5 fore end replacement blank for myself. I'm a skilled craftsman in several disciplines BUT, CHECKERING CORRECTLY IS HARDER THAN YOU WOULD THINK!! My fore end is perfectly functional, looks good at 5 feet, but definitely an amateur attempt on close examination and that is a simple, symmetrical pattern.

[Chuck Loveless]

Definitely heeding all advise about practicing a lot first. Thanks to all!