I am putting the components together for an upcoming rifle project, and am unsure at this point which I would prefer. I had an older Weatherby Vanguard back in the 80's and I believe that stock was Claro walnut. I think English walnut would finish out somewhat darker and richer. I'm going with a "select" grade because I need to have $ left in the budjet for checkering, and would rather have nice checkering than fancy figure. Would be greatful for your thoughts thanks!

If I'm not mistaken, think the English walnut is of a lighter shade than Carlo. Black walnut would be best for the darker coloring.

I'll go with kdub. I personally like english walnut and claro also. I've done a few black walnut stocks and they come out really dark. If you havn't done a lot of checkering check out the decal patterns Brownell's has. You stick them on and go from there. I've had really good luck putting on some fancy patterns with them. They let you follow the guide lines around all the curves easier and make layout a snap.

You can check out what some of these different stocks look like at Richards site. Here is the link.

rifle-stocks.com/

Thanks fella's,
I'm looking at a Richards "Modern Classic".I'll most likely go with the black walnut. Do you feel there is enough difference between 20 and 24 lpi,to warrent the extra cost ?

I like the corser checkering. It seems to give me a better grip. If you can check out rifles with both before you decide. Looking at them side by side gives you a much better perspective and this gun is liable to be with you for a while.

Yes indeed, this won't be one I'll ever part with! I s'pose I could go with 22lpi and split the dif.

18 lpi is the most common. Getting to 20 to 24 is really fine and will take the denser black walnut to have it hold up, IMHO. Sure like the looks of a 20 and above checkering job, though.

I'm the same way. Trouble is, I'm told that at 20.00 per. hr. bench time,it would take 14hrs. to complete. My simple mind says thats 280.00. And while I feel that is a reasonable price, I just ain't got the clams. Champaign taste on a beer budjet ! ..... Update.. I decided to bite the bullet and do the 22lpi. Problem...backlog of a year or more! Can anyone recomend a professional to do the work? I'll be looking as well . Thanks for any input!

www.checkering.com Sherry used to be head checkerer for Kimber. I've had her do a couple of stocks for me, and her work is outstanding.

Thanks for the lead "Cowboy", I checked the website and she may get the job, if her turn-time isn't too long. I'm also greatful her prices aer within my range.

Glad I could help. I'm certain you would be pleased with her work.
I also know of another shop, but I don't know if Donnie does checkering. Donnie was the custom shop foreman for Reinhart Fajen. Do a Google on Show Me Gunstocks, he doesn't have a web site but you will find his phone number in the telepone directory.

Update,
I e-mailed the lady from "checkering.com" and she's in my range price wise and her turn time is 8 to 10 wks. A little longer than I'ed like but I can live with it. Also ordered the barreled action: 7mmWSM from Howa. Should be here in a week or so.