New walnut for an old classic

[Decker9]

Iv put my big bore build on hold for the time being, with another build that’s taken priority. I should keep this one updated pretty regularly this winter, hoping to have it ready for spring bear season.

This go around wer restocking a basically new, 1959 model 70 chambered in .338wm. Originally it had a 25” barrel, but it’s been cut to 22”, so collector value has left the building. Instead, we’ll turn it into a heirloom piece that will get used and handled down generations rather then a collector item that sits in a safe.

This will be a classic design with a couple ad on’s that the owner would like, it will have a couple changes that will make it a very unique stock, I hope.




The grain flow in this blank isn’t the ideal, but we’ll make it work, and shoot.


I’m not sure which is older, the rifle or my tools?

 

[100percent]

Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing your amazing talents!

 

[Decker9]

Got the shape roughed out



First blood



Getting some layout drawn in


From lessons learnt, drill these holes perfect before cutting into the top.


My square

 

[eLightfoot]

That piece of wood has a lot going on! Should be a screamer!

 

[Decker9]

All done with the Drill, hand made from here on out.

 

[Ghostman]

Looks like a sweet project.

 

[Gen273]

I love your stock building threads; thanks for sharing.

 

[Decker9]

I tell ya, this grain is testing. Just when I think my chisels are sharp, I gotta sharpen them better. I’m definitely getting lessons in sharpening.




Moving some inlet now.

 

[Breddoch]

Best threads on Rokslide, hands down!

 

[Choupique]

I want this rifle already!

I'm about to attempt my first bedding job on a new haven super express. Wish me luck!

 

[feanor]

That fore end is going to be awesome looking too. Sweet piece of wooooood

 

[Wapiti1]

Not to be a turd, but I am not liking the grain flow through the forearm. Wrist and butt look good. The forearm looks like trouble. How are you planning on strengthening and preventing warping with that grain flow? The blank leaning on the table behind is more my speed for grain layout.

Jeremy

 

[Decker9]

I want this rifle already!

I'm about to attempt my first bedding job on a new haven super express. Wish me luck!

It’s all in the prep work!! Test fit everything 3x, triple check you have everything on hand you might need, and don’t forget the release agent!! lol.

You’ll rock it, good luck!

 

[Choupique]

How are you going to handle the barrel boss and bolt? Spot bedding that part or something of that nature?

 

[Decker9]

Not to be a turd, but I am not liking the grain flow through the forearm. Wrist and butt look good. The forearm looks like trouble. How are you planning on strengthening and preventing warping with that grain flow? The blank leaning on the table behind is more my speed for grain layout.

Jeremy

I 100% agree, the gentleman who owns this build understands what he may be up against. So far the blanks I have worked with have been mostly straight grained, this cross grain that’s forward the wrist is very tough to cut cleanly, but I’m getting there.

We have debated bedding a stiffener of sorts into the forearm, I’m curious if it will take a bend before it’s even finished tbh. Something I’ll be keeping a straightedge on.

 

[Decker9]

How are you going to handle the barrel boss and bolt? Spot bedding that part or something of that nature?

I will leave the forearm screw out and free float the works, the forearm won’t have the screw hole in it.