16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

I am obsessing about choosing a stock maker to put a new stock on my Simson 16 gauge. I have a complete pattern stock on it now. The gun has a scalloped action so I need someone with experience. I am considering Wenig's, Show Me Gunstocks, Macon Stockworks, Kody Kearcher, Brian Dudley and Rich Painter. Any information you can share would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff

Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 443

Dennis E. Smith, The Stock Doctor.

Susquehanna stock works Craig Libhart 717-367-3414

http://www.mikeyeecustomstocking.com

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

Anyone ever hear of James Katzung in Minnesota?

Wenig has done three for me , I'm a repeat customer . Best recommendation
I can give

Everyone listed are top notch makers. Choosing one of them would not be a mistake. Ask questions. I would be a pleasure to help you find someone you will enjoy working with....even if is not myself!

I agree with DES as to the qualifications of the stock makers mentioned. When I go to a stockmaker, which I've done pretty regularly since 1957, the deciding factor is

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET MY GUN BACK!!!! PRICE BECOMES SECONDARY. IF YOU HAVE TO WAIT 2 YEARS OR MORE YEARS TO GET TO USE YOUR GUN why don't these guys book your restock job with a 25% deposit and you keep using the gun. When the time comes the stockmaker should notify you that he/she will start working on your stock 30 days from the date of notification. If the gun isn't received within 10 days, the gun owner loses his deposit and goes to the back of the line when another deposit is received. And like Purdey, the new order is now placed at the stockmaker's new price of the replacement gunstock.

In my line of work, if I told someone you have to wait TWO MONTHS to get your report, that would be the end of that someone as a client. And I've been in my line of work for almost 40 years.

Some of these guys think their droppings smell like Tiffany's perfume. They take on more work than they can possibly complete in a reasonable amount of time and use the pitch "my clients are willing to wait a little longer for my quality work" which is a lot of malarkey. They all use a duplicator to rough out the stock and then hand tool the final 30% to 35% of the fit and finish.

JMEO

Joined: 20 May 2012 Posts: 69 Location: Rockford, MI

Dave VanDenbrand, Wet Olive MI. Best stock maker in the country period.

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

I've seen a bunch of Dave's work and it is superb. He does as nice a finish as I have ever seen. I heard his prices had gone up quite a bit, but I should contact him. I am, unfortunately, not wealthy. I am leaning heavily towards Wenig's. Reasonable prices and a 3-4 month turnaround. I have a friend here who is a good stock maker and amazingly reasonable. Without advertising his buisiness has grown by word of mouth. He is 3 YEARS out and is not taking any more restocks in. I will probably have him finish and checker my gun as he does fabulous checkering.
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This is my Long Range Waterfowl that he checkered. Shoots okay, too! I like to think I have the prettiest field grade Smith on the planet.
Regards,
Jeff

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

How do I make my photo show up bigger? Photobucket keeps locking up on me tonight as well.

Guest

Jeff, if you send me an email with the image I'll enlarge it and post it here.

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Member Joined: 30 Nov 2011 Posts: 1696 Location: Minnesota

Oh yeah!

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

Um, thanks!
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Here's my Fox AE. Not a 16, but I still really like it. Like I said this guy can checker. This is the thinnest ribbon he's ever done and I think it's sexy.