When it comes to your gunstock, you need quality wood to be used in the build process. It is the part of a long gun or rifle that provides structural support so that you can aim with accuracy. A good stock will fit securely so that the rifle does not shift under its recoil, but perhaps one of the most important things is that it will stand up to anything. It should be made with quality wood that will not change its shape due to temperature changes, humidity, and more. It is for this reason that many people choose Claro Walnut for their most preferred gun stock. It is extremely durable and outstandingly beautiful.
The Beauty of Claro
Claro Walnut or California Black Walnut is a type of wood that can range in color from pale brown to dark chocolate brown. It may also have darker streaks of color or a hint of green, gray, red, or purple. If you are looking at Claro sapwood, it may be nearly white in color. In either case, the wood grain pattern will mostly be straight, but not always. However, some people do enjoy the white color since it has numerous color variations in the grain’s pattern.
For some gun lovers, the feathered pattern of Claro walnut is what matters most. Burled or fiddle patterns are also available and each one can be beautiful as a stock.
This type of wood is very durable. It does not rot easily and most of the time, it is very easy to work with during the cutting and polishing stage, which is important if you are hoping to have a gunstock made of it.
Choosing Your Gunstock Blank
Most Claro gunstock will come to you as a blank. This allows you to put it on your gun. However, you do need to be careful which blank you choose.
A stock with burl or feathering in the thinner areas can sometimes end up being a little weak. A fiddle or straight grain is best for the thin wrist and action areas. When choosing a blank you also want to take notice of the ends and sides of the wood stock. If you have straight lines when looking from these areas as well, especially in the thinner areas. If the grain turns out instead since the stock will be weaker and may not provide the recoil protection or durability that is required.
The Right Fit
Beyond choosing the right walnut and right wood grain patterns, you will also need to consider size when it comes to a blank. Most rifle blanks will measure 28” to 48”. A blank for a shotgun or a two-piece rifle will measure out to be 16” to 21”. Both will be approximately 5-8 inches in height.
To know which size is best, you will want to either measure your existing stock or speak with the stock blank provider. Most people who design stocks will know what length and size you need based on the gun that you have.