stocking of repros

[Bill Murphy]

Yup, carve wood off the top. Unfortunately, it doesn't work the other way.

[MD*GSP]

I've found, for me, that pulling the gun in really tight helps to overcome the high dimensions. It's basically become a natural mount for me and I haven't many problems wing shooting instinctually. But, to the point: I, too, wish the standard dims were 1-1/2 x 2-1/2 b/c that'd be just a little more natural and not require the development of gun specific muscle memory. Although I've considered it, I've been too scared to attempt a bend pretty much for the reasons Brian cited and confirmed through his attempt. Plus, I've never bent a stock b/f. Moreover, now that I've learned how to shoot them, I doubt I'll ever worry about it. YMMV

[B. Dudley]

There is a guy down in the Texas area (Keith Warner) that uses a different bending technique that uses hot water ( or some other liquid) cycled through surgical tubing that is wrapped around the wrist. It is supposed to not result in any finish damage. He reports very good results with bending repros and a lot of stocks in general and he guarantees his work if it moves later on.

IF I felt the need to try to have a stock bent again, he would be who I would try next.

[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

[Gary Laudermilch]

I'm with Steve. I never met a repro stock I did not like to shoot. I cannot say the same for Meriden examples. I do have one though that is a bit less than 25" that I am quite fond of.

[Cold Spring]

XXX

[edgarspencer]

The heel radius on a Repro is much larger than either Remington era or Meriden era.

[matt koepnick]

Hi folks. New to this forum. Recent purchase of my first Parker has me hooked.it's a repro 12 low serial number. Stocked 1 3/8 by 2 3/8 by 14 5/8. Dt.pg.and my favorite btfa. Shoots like a dream. Only 7 lbs 1oz. Gonna have to get a 16 of some sorts. Thanks.