INSTRUCTIONS FOR FITTING AND FINISHING

YOU’RE SEMI INLET GUN STOCK

 

   In this article we will explain basic procedures for installing a semi inlet gunstock which we will be breaking into four parts; fitting, shaping, sanding and finishing. These steps should be completed in this order. Never attempt to shape or finish a stock before fitting is complete. If you have any additional question's, we have a technician available to assist you.


   If you need help finding the necessary tools and components to install, please contact us and if we don’t have it, we can get it. Please contact us for additional instructions and note: NOT ALL MODELS REQUIRE THE SAME FITTING AND SHAPING TECHNIQUES.


   We are an authorized dealer of Lin-Speed Gunstock Oil. Available in 2 oz jars $9.00 with free shipping with purchase.





Here are a few items you will need to finish stocks correctly.

    A. Lin-Speed Gunstock Oil for finish and to finish in

        checkering area. Available in 2 ounce jars $9.00.

    B. Acraglass Gel bedding compound for filling voids and to

        reinforce weak places in your stock. Be sure to use release

        agent which will come with your kit from Brownells. This

        will avoid permanently binding the parts.

    C. Locktite super glue to repair checking (small surface

        cracks which occur during drying time) and can be used

        with saw dust to fill larger voids. Pack the hole with saw

        dust and soak with Locktite.

    D. Inletters black for fitting which can be applied with a tiny

        touch up brush. Note use gold for dark woods. Apply thin

        coat to metal to find what part is catching when you are

        installing.

    E. Touch up pens and other dyes can be found at Brownells

         and help to fade repairs and other imperfects.

    F. Formby’s refinisher is a great way to remove most finishes

        from one part when matching to a new part. NOTE: it is

        always best to remove old finish to get to raw wood so the

        new part can be matched.



1. FITTING: When fitting a stock, regardless of the model, it is always best to start by closely comparing your original part to your new semi inlet part. Often small ridges and machining imperfections can be noted and cleaned using whatever appropriate scraping tool or file the application would require.


Note, a rotary grinding tool i.e. Foredom or Dremmel, while not mandatory, is an excellent advantage for any installer. Also, in addition to a good assortment of small (needle files) and standard size files, we recommend an assortment of chisels and scraping tools, which can be found in starter sets at most suppliers. Also, a good soft jaw bench vise to hold your project secure. Also, you will need inletting black/gold which can be purchased through a number of suppliers.


  1. Always attempt to install your part onto the metal component to check the fit. DO NOT FORCE.  If part does not install smoothly determine the cause visually.
  2.  If this is not possible, apply inletting black/gold to the metal parts that are suspect and reinstall the part. You will note a black/gold area appearing on the wood where contact is being made. Carefully clean off small amount of wood in the appropriate place (NOTE: DIMENSIONS ARE USUALLY WITHIN JUST A FEW THOUSANDTHS OF AN INCH). Be careful to only remove small amounts at a time. Repeat this step until fit is achieved.
  3. Often times drilling holes and other light modifications will need to be made before installation can be achieved. Fitting of buttplate/buttpad also grip cap/end caps, adjustable combs and other options will need to be done during the fitting process. Please feel free to contact us for information about proper procedures for these modifications.


2. SHAPING: With buttplate and grip cap and other options installed and with all inletting complete you are ready to shape your stock. This can generally be achieved with no more than a good set of files and a palm sander.


A.     With stock installed onto the gun note excess amount of wood where the marriage from metal-wood is achieved. This is referred to as the wood being proud to the metal. Using a pencil you can trace against the metal to achieve a line of reference. This will be helpful because shaping of the stock should be done with stock removed from the metal components. Use the appropriate files for shaping the areas to your preferred contour. Note: A very small amount of extra wood should be left for sanding.

B.     Now using a palm sander using 60 to 80 grit paper finish the shaping process and remove any file marks left on the stock, be careful not to over sand around inletted areas.


 

3. SANDING: Sanding is a simple process of removing any imperfections or machining marks not yet removed in the prior steps. Start off with 120 grit and a palm sander; I prefer the triangle shape because it is easier to get into small areas like flutes and around the grip. After all machine marks and imperfections have been removed switch to a 220 grit and repeat. Finally using a 400 grit paper brings the surface to a clean consistent appearance throughout.

 


4. FINISHING: Finishing a gunstock can be achieved with a number of different methods and different degrees. In the interest of keeping it simple, for less experienced installers, we will cover only the more simple techniques. We feel that a hand rubbed oil finish is the easiest method for an inexperienced installer to use and will easily produce a beautiful deluxe finish for any grade/type of gunstock.  A number of oil finishes are available on the market today including Tru Oil, Lin-Speed Gunstock Oil and many more.


  1. Apply a generous amount of oil to the stock part by first pouring the oil into the palm of your hand and rubbing it directly into the grain of the wood. Rub for about 5 minutes then let stand 5 minutes clean excess off your hands and rub again. This will remove the extra oil from the part. Repeat until all excess oil is removed. NOTE: EXCESS OIL WILL CAUSE GUMMY FEEL. Be sure to take care with the rags which have oil on them they may spontaneously combust and cause fire.
  2. After giving part time to dry, which will vary greatly from temperature – humidity and type of oil. It is time to lightly sand with 600 grit paper. Do not over sand you don’t want to remove all of the finish. Repeat step A until you achieve your preferred finish. For added luster a buffing wheel and compound is a real asset, but are not mandatory to achieve a quality finish.  You can also use a 1200 grit sandpaper that will add luster and shine to your finish.
      
       Dimensions needed to cut customer's wood
 Forend dimensions minimum of 1/2 inch wider, 1/2 inch taller and 2 inches longer than original forend.

 Stock dimensions minimum 1 inch wider, 2 inches taller and 2 inches longer than original stock.

 
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Mailing Address: 34535 Lickingteller Ave., Warsaw, MO 65355

Phone: 660-438-4699

Email: macongunstocks@dishmail.net


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