I have the opportunity to purchase a particular rifle. The dealer has three of this same model. Part of the cache of this model is the wood used to stock it. Of the available three, one has spectacular wood on one side of the stock - turn it over and it is plain to no grain on the other side. The other two have just "nice" figure (but far from spectacular), but it is all over - even at that, still one side is slightly better than the other. Which do you choose - the one-sided wonder, and just never turn it over? Or the semi-plain Janes with more even figure? Thanks for your opinions.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I have the opportunity to purchase a particular rifle. The dealer has three of this same model. Part of the cache of this model is the wood used to stock it. Of the available three, one has spectacular wood on one side of the stock - turn it over and it is plain to no grain on the other side. The other two have just "nice" figure (but far from spectacular), but it is all over - even at that, still one side is slightly better than the other. Which do you choose - the one-sided wonder, and just never turn it over? Or the semi-plain Janes with more even figure? Thanks for your opinions.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

Sounds like a bargaining ploy. "Well, if you're willing to deal on this ugly one sided wonder, maybe I'll go for it"

It may just be the cut of the grain. Take a look at the plain side and turn it upside down and look. I have a rifle that is similar to what you're describing.

One side wonder would be my choice, epically if it's a surplus rifle.

choose one of the other two, if your gonna refinish the wood. Mind as well do the whole rifle. At least with the beat up ones it will come out evenly. With the first one it still might be a two sided gun even after you refinish it.

This is a new gun - so no refinishing is in the works. Already sewed the seeds for this as a bargaining chip, as this transaction is my consolation prize for losing the auction on another of the same gun with really nice wood. I'm inclined to go with the less spectacular/more even choice. It will be a shooter - not a wall hanger or safe queen.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

It will be a shooter - not a wall hanger or safe queen.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

I'm looking forward to seeing it at range 14 one of these days.

plain or straight grain is stronger.the bigger the gun the plainer wood I want