Mannlichering a Sako for Dino.

[Von Gruff]

I had an interesting chat with Dino a few weeks back and the upshot has been another project. He has a Sako 75 that has suffered from lack of use lately so he wanted to make it into a fine weather stalking rifle and had his heart set on a mannlicher stock.
He had been looking at the Bavarian and set that as the pattern to follow so these were the pics I downloaded to work from. The one difference was that I suggested a different shaped cheekpiece to the bavarians square backed euro style and no duck's bill on the forestock.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Deanes%20desired%20pattern_zpsdnws2gh5.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Deanes%20desired%20pattern_zpsdnws2gh5.png.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Deanes%20desired%20tip_zpsbbqvzqp6.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Deanes%20desired%20tip_zpsbbqvzqp6.png.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Deanes%20prefered_zpsuhtxgc1y.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Deanes%20prefered_zpsuhtxgc1y.png.html)

[Von Gruff]

I asked Brian from NZ Walnut to send me a few blank choices and Dino made his selection of a perfectly 1/4 sawn blank that will be as stable as possible for the long slender forestock.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/m78%203_zps8c2lq1ey.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/m78%203_zps8c2lq1ey.png.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/m78%202_zpsjo0hipxo.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/m78%202_zpsjo0hipxo.png.html)

With the specifics on paper a pattern was cut out to give the required 14 1/4 L O P, minus 4 degrees pitch and when it gets to fitting the checkered steel butt plate a 1/8 inch cast off.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2244_zps1guci7sw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2244_zps1guci7sw.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

With the action stripped of trigger group it was time to make a start. The barrel is going to be cut to 20 inches so the tape is the marker for the stock length
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2247_zps7jylxvoq.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2247_zps7jylxvoq.jpg.html)
First chore was to mark in and rout down to the action flat
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2249_zpsnfrzlt8j.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2249_zpsnfrzlt8j.jpg.html)
Having it to the stage where the b/a could be sat into or onto the initial inlet it was time to put it away for the day.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2250_zpstra2jbzb.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2250_zpstra2jbzb.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

Very anxious to follow your progress.

My father did this to a Garand 60 years ago.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?276251-After-55-Years-Dad-s-Garand-Comes-Back-to-the-Family

[wch]

Please keep the pics and story coming.

[Rustyleee]

Man do I ever love a nice Manlicher.

[MrWolf]

That looks great so far. Please keep the pics and progress coming.

[Bzcraig]

Good stuff..........

[nekshot]

drool, drool, drool. I love mannlichers, and sure appreciate your presentation of your work. Helps me learn.

[kiwi]

Hi Van Gruff love those Sako carbines you should put the duckbill in they are an aid to shooting and quite functional, I would buy one tomorrow if I had the 4K
they cost, I have a friend works at an H&F store they have one in stock I go visit him so I can fondle it

[Von Gruff]

Too late to think about the duckbill as the forestock has been cut with straight lines. While the machine made Bavarian can easily have the duckbill added, doing it by hand is not quite as simple as it may seem and more difficult (read time consuming) than its worth and cost is a factor in many of these projects.

[Von Gruff]

Next page was to get the barrel channel started and a chisel takes out the main of it before the scrapers come into play
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2251_zpsshvn78dd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2251_zpsshvn78dd.jpg.html)

Half way and you can see the blacking on the SS B/A where I have smoked it to show touch points that can be scraped off as it settles into the wood.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2255_zpsgrmvugyn.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2255_zpsgrmvugyn.jpg.html)

With it fully into place, the bottom metal is fitted and it can be screwed together for the first time.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2270_zpsf4960jej.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2270_zpsf4960jej.jpg.html)

A few holes drilled through to start the magazine inlet and a horseshoe rasp quickly brings if out to close then it can be finished with finer rasps, files and scrapers.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2254_zpsoouuuvx6.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2254_zpsoouuuvx6.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

At this stage it was run through the bandsaw to take the bulk of the forestock back to the shaping lines
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2271_zpshz7tp0em.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2271_zpshz7tp0em.jpg.html)

The forend tip was to have been ebony but the pieces I had were suited to a simple tip without the Schnabel so were not quite deep enough. Getting a suitably sized piece was going to be costly so Dino had a word to a knifemaker friend who had a piece of African blackwood which duly arrived by courier. After preparing it I marked it and the forestock end for the 3 brass 1/8in dowels. To ensure there is more hold on the dowels I mark them liberally with a pair of end nippers. You can see how little face contact there will be once the forestock is rounded off so good grip on the dowels is essential and critical
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2274_zps8ezwxpbw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2274_zps8ezwxpbw.jpg.html)
Mix the epoxy and cramp it up then release the cramp and tape a 1/2 x 1/2 block to the center of the tip and re cramp. This is to make sure the cramping is straight back as without the little block there can be uneven pressure on the top edge which can leave a gap at the bottom of the join. It gets left like this till the next day.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2276_zpswivncd6d.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2276_zpswivncd6d.jpg.html)

[eljefeoz]

Another classic coming to life. go Von G. Will need to keep an eye on this one...

[Gert Odendaal]

Good day to you Von Gruff
You never seize to amaze me with your excellent skills and craftsmanship when working on a project. I will follow this thread very closely since I really like a Mannlicer stock design..it is to me the perfect rifle stock design for small to medium caliber rifles...it really is a pleasure to see your work progress from the start to the finished product.

[Von Gruff]

Have made some progress on the tip but this African blackwood is HARD. Before I started to shape it I was able to cut a slice off one side to make the grip cap as the tip had been doweled onto the tip with this in mind

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2278_zpskdeirpwh.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2278_zpskdeirpwh.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2279_zpscc9slfs1.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2279_zpscc9slfs1.jpg.html)

about to final shape so it will sit like this till the final stock shaping when it may be refined

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2281_zpsbhek6al6.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2281_zpsbhek6al6.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Next step was to inlet the butt plate and after finding center a line was marked in an 1/8 inch to the right to give it the desires cast

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2282_zpsymeig5w8.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2282_zpsymeig5w8.jpg.html)

The butt plate was then settled into place
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2283_zps2yrqiaga.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2283_zps2yrqiaga.jpg.html)

to finish out the day I made the grip cap and again with two short 1/8 in brass dowels it was epoxied into place.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2284_zpsuse18lsl.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2284_zpsuse18lsl.jpg.html)

This is how it will sit for a couple of days as we are off into the city tomorrow and then it looks like we are in for some nice days so I am going to put a couple of guns in the truck and go play for a bit.

[Von Gruff]

Todays effort saw the start of the butt shaping with the wrist slimed down on the bandsaw before some rasping (lots of rasping)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2285_zpscnpzribc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2285_zpscnpzribc.jpg.html)

After some preliminary shaping I cut in the bolt notch and the cartridge ejection clearance

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2288_zpsjkp2icnm.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2288_zpsjkp2icnm.jpg.html)

And couldn't put it off any longer so started in on the cheekpiece side of the butt as well.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2286_zps4wt3ccoc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2286_zps4wt3ccoc.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

Extraordinary to watch old world craftsmanship in progress.

[Southern Son]

I luv these WIPs. Von Gruff, I wish that I could do half of what you can, and half as well.

[Gert Odendaal]

Thank you Von Gruff Sir, I really enjoy following your posts/threads it makes for so much learning from you. If possible and you have the time , please explain the cast off/on terminology to fit a shooter?

Regards

Gert

[Von Gruff]

Cast for a right handed shooter is when the center of the butt is set to the right (looking from the rear) of the bore line and is helpful for the larger chested shooter or those with a fatter face. It essentially allows a stance that is more square to the line of shot for the heavier chested shooter or allows the fatter faced shooter to get comfortably behind the center of the sights which in turn gives a more natural (less compromised) hold that helps for jump shooting. It was initially bought in for the shotgun shooters who need the fast and natural sight acquisition the sport dictates and it has the same benefit for the stalking shooter who may jump an animal from its bed and needs to get on target quickly and accurately.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Walnut%20-%20log%20cuts%20etc/cast-off_zpsfb754437.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Walnut%20-%20log%20cuts%20etc/cast-off_zpsfb754437.jpg.html)
This is an exaggerated view with the one on the right being for a shooter who is right handed but left eye dominant or has a damaged right eye
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Walnut%20-%20log%20cuts%20etc/cast-off2_zpsaca7adfd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Walnut%20-%20log%20cuts%20etc/cast-off2_zpsaca7adfd.jpg.html)

[kiwi]

Cast off is quite common in Europe I have a Husqvarna 98 action 9.3x62 with a cast off factory stock and did have a German 8x57JS with one,
they are nice to shoot with and come to the shoulder well,
I have also built a few stocks myself with cast off I also put some cant in, it settles the butt in the pocket of the shoulder I find it fast and comfortable
when taking snap shots, only thing is the scope is setup with a cant and other people have trouble using it,
Keep posting the progress Von Guff this rifle will be awesome you may get orders

[Von Gruff]

Cheers kiwi and for some of my own stocks I have put cant in as well and often about the same as the cast. On my 7x57 I put 3/16 cast and a further 3/16 cant or toe out and agree that it really makes a rifle quite lively to bring into play

[kiwi]

I use an 1/8" cast and another 1/8" cant The first stock I made from scratch I still have it's a 25/06 on a Remington 700 action the walnut is from Blenheim
the design is a fusion Baravian butt and a Remington fore end,
I tried shooting it left-handed last time out ( technically I'm a lefty) I couldn't hit the gong at 200m I had been shooting right handed,
The cast and cant really made it difficult to shoot, most of the stocks I made were for target shooting so the cast and cant work well as
you don't change shoulders, for bush hunting I like to be able to take a shot left or right handed.

[Von Gruff]

With files, scrapers, carving chisels and sandpaper and about 5 1/2 hours today I got some shape refining done. Getting palm swells and cheekpieces done are not my favourite parts of the process and in fact the last cheekpiece I did was in the late 70's and doing this one reminded me why that was so. With the depth of the stock necessitated by the hog back trying to get a neat little cheekpiece with a balance with shape, depth of the cheekpiece and the remaining wood between the bottom edge and the toe line is a bit of a juggle. It is much easier where there is no combline rise but I think I may still take a little more from the bottom edge toward the front. Anyway this is it as it sits now
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2292_zpsjzbha4fs.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2292_zpsjzbha4fs.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2294_zpsqvj3by8r.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2294_zpsqvj3by8r.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2293_zpszkuiwwfc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2293_zpszkuiwwfc.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2295_zps9rakqprd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2295_zps9rakqprd.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

You are a truly amazing artisan.

My father cheated (comparatively) when he fabricated the Mannlicher stock for the M1 Garand. He glued together several pieces of scrap wood that were far easier to work than a hardwood and over a period of 2 or 3 months of working on it intermittently in evenings (after work) and on weekends fabricated the shape he wanted. I think I remember him saying he threw his fist effort away.

He then took the finished shape, made of scrap pieces of wood and a very nice walnut blank to a man with a profiling lathe and had the walnut blank turned to match his hand made shape.

[Von Gruff]

Spent a little more time on the Schnabel to reduce some of the bulk and think I am about close to the finish shape now and then had a look at the grip cap. Using a home made guage I marked a line round the base
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2296_zpsgshwis4a.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2296_zpsgshwis4a.jpg.html)

Then marked in a line round the top (?? bottom) face so I had two guiding lines to work to

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2297_zpsptozwgw7.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2297_zpsptozwgw7.jpg.html)

Then with a rat tail file set to, to file in the first curve. I have grip caps made and in the drawer but they are smaller than the grip size that Dino wanted. I was to copy the sako stock where the grip cap is 2" x 1 1/2" where I usually make mine 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" for a slimmer grip.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2298_zpseagvxztx.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2298_zpseagvxztx.jpg.html)

When the radius is filed in right round and to both guide lines the first part is done

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2299_zpspvzfgenb.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2299_zpspvzfgenb.jpg.html)

After which the top (??bottom) radius is filed on and a bit of sandpaper takes out the heavy file marks.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2301_zpsk3s1aosj.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2301_zpsk3s1aosj.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

Went over your pics and descriptions 4 or 5 times. Looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks again for allowing us to watch.

[Von Gruff]

I think I have the final shape about as requested now with the Schnabel on Dino's
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2303_zpsmstovvhc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2303_zpsmstovvhc.jpg.html)

compared to the Sako 85 Bavarian that was the pattern
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2305_zpsfqpu6apv.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2305_zpsfqpu6apv.png.html)

And with the cheekpiece refined a little we are just about there. The combline was taken from the sak stock suited for a scope sight and as this is to be an aperture sighted rifle I fully expect that when Dino comes down for a fitting I will be able to lower therear of the comb at least which will bring a slightly better proportion to it.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2304_zpsoo5aqopw.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2304_zpsoo5aqopw.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Dino was down yesterday for a fitting session. I had bent up a couple of pieces of brass and drilled a hole for the peep at the right height above the receiver to match what the factory sako aperture sight he has coming and taped it onto the bridge and a another piece on for a front sight. I knew the combline would be way to high as it was copied from his sako stock that was suited to a scope sight so with Dino having a couple of trial shoulderings the big rasp came into play and the combline altered to suit. As I had suspected I had to take a good 1/2" off, but it comes to shoulder with "sights" aligned now so bit of a sand up and slight re-shape of the cheekpiece to go, then it is back to finish sanding so I can get some oil into it. I had taken the two pieces that were cut off the sides of the forestock and gave half of one a coat of alkanet infused oil, and on the other piece gave half of it a coat of walnut stain infused oil with the ends of both pieces given a coat of plain oil. Dino could see the richness that the alkanet bought to the wood so that is what the finish will be.

https://mlcnfriends.mooo.com/Themes/DilberMC_2/images/icons/modify_inline.gif

[Red River Rick]

Amazing Workmanship............

RRR

[Ballistics in Scotland]

That is marvelous work as usual, and I agree about the African blackwood rather than ebony for the schnabel, although I would be tempted to use horn. Ebony isn't that dimensionally stable, and is prone to cracking. Blackwood is preferred for making bagpipes, which have to withstand a regular alternation between extreme moisture (you probably don't want to reflect why), and drying out.

I have never found stock offset very significant for me, but I do like cant, and since shooting from the left eye is out of the question for me, shooting from the left shoulder is no sacrifice.

You don't mention bedding, which is about the biggest problem with the Mannlicher-style stock, although not as bad with the carbine as with a full-length rifle barrel,, on which I think it looks wrong anyway. With most sporting rifles my reaction would be to glass-bed the full length of the forend, possibly with a piece of rubber at the tip. I know the theoretical advantages of free-floating a barrel, but I think only the kind of gap you can pass a towel through is likely to be reliable. The thickness of a business card is likely to turn into erratic contact with humidity changes, sling tension etc., and will harbor dirt and water. The latter will be held in place by capillary tension, and will sometimes turn into ice. Even when liquid it acts like an inelastic solid when things happen quickly enough.

With a sporting Martini carbine I had a barrel which would have made it too light for the cartridge. So I glassed in a foot of half-inch square mild steel running from just forward of the action. The mounting screw, to a lug on the barrel, passed through it, with its brass escutcheon touching steel, and the front sling swivel was threaded into it. Where weight is less desirable it could be done with aluminium. Normally I hate to see the stuff on a traditional rifle, but never again to be seen is different.

[Von Gruff]

The bedding is something that Dino and I discussed at the outset and where I like to bed on wood, for this one I settled everything down to just bellow its finished position and then lifted it slightly with the Devcon steel from the flat behind the recoil lug through to the front of the chamber. This blank is a perfect 1/4 sawn cut so the floating is .02 down the sides and about .025 underneath the barrel so I think with a well sealed finish it should be ok. Two other point to keep in mind is that this rifle will not have sling eyes as it is a carry only stalking rifle for the way Dino hunts and it is to be a fine weather rifle. The original Sako stock will be used for any foul weather hunting or for when he hunts in areas that might require longer range shooting than he is comfortable with through the aperture in which case, his scope will go back on.
He has rifles dedicated to other aspects of his hunting so this one is an indulgence that will be used within the limitations that it brings with it.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

That sounds a lot better than the .01in. or so some advocate. But I would provide him with a piece of flexible .01in. plastic to check, in future years or after disassembly and reassembly, that the wood hasn't moved. I tend to forget that there are countries where fine weather when you set out means fine weather in a couple of hours.

[Von Gruff]

Having re-shaped the cheekpiece and sanded through 150 and 220 grit, this morning saw it taken to 360 then wetted to raise the grain, sanded with 360, wetted and 360'd again then wetted for the third time and rubbed back with worn 360paper then 600 paper. After that the first flood coat of the alkanet oil is brushed on and left for a half hour before rubbing back with a square of old towel. I will flood it twice more before the next phase.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2306_zpsw8bgi0ub.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2306_zpsw8bgi0ub.jpg.html)

[eljefeoz]

Coming back after a longish hiatus, look what I found. keep on at it Von G.
Made my day!

[Von Gruff]

I am about ready to call this one finished after 22 coats of oil comprising of a couple of flood coats of alkanet infused oil, followed by a couple of 600 grit wet sands with the rest taken up by rubbed coats and finished with a tung/blo/beeswax mix.
I think it is as close to the brief as following a picture can get without a stock and a duplicator.
The colour is not the slightly washed out yellowed look that my cell camera and lack of skills to use it may show.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2313_zpstromu8me.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2313_zpstromu8me.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2318_zpsjfisa1ms.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2318_zpsjfisa1ms.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2314_zpspmt2hp34.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2314_zpspmt2hp34.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2315_zpsplazzlgf.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2315_zpsplazzlgf.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2320_zpsiwfqkloo.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2320_zpsiwfqkloo.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2317_zpswsblhd83.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/Photo2317_zpswsblhd83.png.html)

[smoked turkey]

Absolutely stunning. This is art work at it finest. Thank you for taking the time to document this outstanding work.

[Reg]

Very, very nice looking work !! A little scratching on the grip and forearm with a checkering tool and nothing better could be had.
I do have a question.
You speak of oil infused with the alkanet. I assume this is the fine powdered alkanet that is available online. If you don't mind my asking. What kind of oil did you use and about how much of the powder did you mix with it and about how long did you let the oil and powder mix set ? Did the alkanet ever actually blend completely blend with the oil or did it still show minute particles of the powder that still remained in suspension.
Am playing with this alkanet process myself on several stocks, one with a tung oil base , another with a Tru Oil base , the amounts of powder vary from 1/2 tsp. powder to 2 tsp powder to 2 oz. oil . The results while excellent on both cases as far as a finish goes still lack that deep reddish color that Winchester got back in the 30's and 40's. The top view of your butt stock shows you have that color.
If you don't mind handing out your "speed secrets ".
Again, very nice work !!

[RED333]

I am amazed at you skills, very nice.
Wish we where closer, I have a Left hand Browning that wants some love like this.

[Von Gruff]

Reg, yes it is the powder offered on the internet and I have learned a little more about this ground alkanet and how to best use it over the last couple of years as I had a similar result to yours at the start. Now I have it to a degree of concentration that gives the richness of colour that I was looking for. Of course each stock has its own characteristics so it allows for a flood coat left on for a half hour to an hour then a wipe off and to see what has developed with subsequent coats in the same manner until the desired richness is obtained.
I did try various methods and holding agents but have found that BLO is by far the best and put a good 2 oz of alkanet powder in a cup of oil (about 6oz) in a throwaway jar. I sit it in a warm place for three to four days and give it a good shake every time I am near it to keep the powder in suspension. Then let it sit for a good 24 hours undisturbed and it can be carefully decanted leaving all the settled powder in the throwaway jar. Once in you keeper jar it may have a little sludge develop on the bottom but this is minimal and seems to almost set on the bottom and as there is no need to shake the jar again there is nothing other than the infused oil that can then be brushed onto the stock.

I have just got a full set of checkering tools but it is going to be quite some time before I am ready to start in on a 'good stock'. I have a couple of old ones that I will practice on until I am confident enough to have a go at some of my own before going near one I have done for someone else.

[Reg]

Von Gruff
I think I see my mistake. My concentration mixed 2 tsp. to 2 oz. I think is heavy enough but I did not do a flood coat but rather used the normal process of building small light coats and once that first coat had dried from then on the wood was almost sealed and would resist the coloring in the finish. I have another stock coming up and will flood coat it and see what happens.
Once you get the knack to it checkering is fun but it will try your patience at times. When I was learning many years ago, my ol professor wouldn't let us start on stocks but rather had us do simple diamond patterns on flat pieces of scrap. I think his idea being that you have to learn to control the tools first. A simple diamond ( 3 to 1) about 3 inches long will teach you to hold your lines straight and true and when you make a mistake it is simple to go on to another section of flat wood. Once you get the small diamond mastered we went on to a bigger diamond about 6 inches long. You are looking for a perfect diamond shape with even depth of cut and no run overs. This can be tested by holding the diamond flat up to a light source and the cut small diamonds will all line up in perfect rows and will not form wavey lines. Once this was mastered then we could go on to old stocks and at that point a whole new series of problems had to be overcome but by then at least we knew what we wanted and how to produce it but putting that onto the curved sections of the stock was a whole new experience in tool control. Controlling the tool is the secret and each stock , figure, hardness and even the shape of the pattern at times will require you to change your technique just a bit. Learn to make your own tools, it is simple really and if you don't have it already, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of " Checkering and Carving of Gunstocks " by Kennedy. I still refer to it constantly.
Thanks for the tips on using the alkanet and I look forward to seeing your "scratching " ( checkering ) on some of your nice stock work.

[Von Gruff]

I have Monty's book Reg. I had been waiting for a new spacer tool as the one I had was given to me and it was past being used with rust dulled teeth so now that I have the tools and time to play I expect to make a decent start over the summer.

[Von Gruff]

I see that Dino has had the barrel shortened and sights added so he will see how the height relates to zero and go from there before deciding on the finish of the metalwork.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/41083d1443759334-mannlicher-stock-project-image_zpsbiizn8hy.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/My%20rifles%20stocks%20etc/Deanes%20Mannlicher%20Sako/41083d1443759334-mannlicher-stock-project-image_zpsbiizn8hy.jpg.html)
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