Following are descriptions and photos of typical stocks in each grade. We do have some English walnut and a few other species, which are priced on request.
Plain straight grained, properly laid out, with no real figure. This wood is typical of original lower grade rifle stocks and is suitable for most purposes.
Distinguished by some modest figure, at least on the right (non-cheekpiece) side.
Figured in the butt area 30-50%, perhaps not equal on both sides. This grade is standard on our rifles and suitable for any high-grade rifle. Best value in figured wood.
Grade 4: Fancy American Walnut
Very good figure over 50-75% of the stock, typically some crotch grain or exceptional color. Less figure on the cheekpiece side and through the wrist.
Very fine figure on both sides, but less figure in the wrist. Figure runs farther forward on drawbolt rifles, as tang styles require straighter wood around the grip. There will be color contrast, normally combined with heavy crotch grain or other fancy elements.
Available in either curly (fiddleback) or quilted style.
Grade 3: Standard maple
Available in either curly (fiddleback) or quilted style.
Grade 4: Fancy maple
Available in curly (fiddleback) grain with close to full coverage.
Exhibition Grade
If you have a specific figure pattern you are looking for, or just want to be sure of the wood you are getting, we have a limited number of blanks that we have photographed and posted on this site. Generally they are comparable to our grade #5 extra fancy wood, but the price can be higher since it reflects the time it takes us to photograph and update the website.
We are generally happy to carve wood that our customers send in, but do not think that this will save you money. To make a good stock, wood must be free of defects and carefully dried to 6 - 8% moisture. In most parts of the US, air drying is not sufficient, but wood that is kiln dried too fast will be filled with unpleasant surprises. We buy wood only from suppliers who specialize in gun stock blanks and suggest that you do the same. Buttstock wood must be 17" long, and otherwise large enough for the pattern you have chosen. More wood is better since it allows us to lay out the stock to use the grain to the best advantage.