Gunsmithing Exotic stock blank dimensions

[Mr. Z]

I’m looking to put together a lifetime rifle/ family heirloom, with a long timeline and unimportant budget.

Details:
So far all I have in motion is a line on exhibition grade stock material, coming from a family member who is a woodworker in Hawaii. I will be having the stock made to M40A1 spec out of curly koa, a species only found in Hawaii. Examples:

What I need from the close to infinite knowledge of the Hide is the blank dimensions needed to come out with the finished product. I trust your opinions more than the internet as a whole. Any direction on competent stock makers that will still be in operation about a year from now and willing to undertake a piece of wood that should have cost me ~$2k would also be appreciated.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I’m looking to put together a lifetime rifle/ family heirloom, with a long timeline and unimportant budget.

Details:
So far all I have in motion is a line on exhibition grade stock material, coming from a family member who is a woodworker in Hawaii. I will be having the stock made to M40A1 spec out of curly koa, a species only found in Hawaii. Examples:
View attachment 7104867View attachment 7104868
What I need from the close to infinite knowledge of the Hide is the blank dimensions needed to come out with the finished product. I trust your opinions more than the internet as a whole. Any direction on competent stock makers that will still be in operation about a year from now and willing to undertake a piece of wood that should have cost me ~$2k would also be appreciated.

I can't help you with your request, but that upper piece would make a fantastic grip for a single action pistol or a knife.

@bourbonbent

 

[GH41]

Call Wenig> http://wenig.com/ They have been around forever and routeinly work with slabs 10 times the value of your wood. Size?? Depends on where the figure is in the slab.

 

[Mr. Z]

Call Wenig> http://wenig.com/ They have been around forever and routeinly work with slabs 10 times the value of your wood. Size?? Depends on where the figure is in the slab.

Great, thanks!

 

[bourbonbent]

Koa is a soft wood, so bear that in mind.

Top block has some nice figure in it.

Depending on size, having it stabilized at K&G and cut into handle blocks for knifemakers and pistol grip makers could net you a handsome sum, enough to get a nice board of Circassian or Bastogne walnut.

I’m not sure how well koa will do for a gunstock, but I just don’t know. I know when stabilized it’s wonderful for knives.

 

[tc69]

I would contact Al Lind. He did a custom stock for me several years ago. Wonderful guy to work with
and his workmanship is nothing short of perfection. He will be able to answer all your questions.

 

[Mr. Z]

The intention isn’t necessarily infallible as far as the stock goes. More like a few boxes a year of factory ammo and a few miles across the fields and up into the woods a year capable. It won’t get used like my Tikkas or chassis rifles but may very well spend a weekend in the deer stand with me in the rain and snow, so “water resistant” at least would be great. Thanks for the replies.