Ok, you know how when we get a new gun, mount the scope, find the right load, job complete. correct??


Then, most of us immediately start planning our next project, new rifle, new scope, never "done", never "satisfied" I've been this way for 64 years, I always have to have "something" to look forward too.

I'm not looking forward to croaking yet, so lets talk about toys.

So, I have this Pre-64, Model 70 featherweight in .243. The dang gun shoots REALLY good but as most old rifles, the stock is a little worn, the metal is a little worn.

I went online shopping for a smith to do this. I found a couple custom stock places, very pricey around $2,000+ for the finished XXX Claro/Circassian stock, modest hand checkering, inletted swivel studs, hand rubbed oil finish, something really nice, etc.

then will need all metal re-blued. I would like to find someone local to do it but we'll see.

I may wait for the Dallas Safari Club show, see if I can afford anyone there.

Id have the metal re-blued by a pro and consider refinishing the stock yourself. I refinished my old 700 stock over a period of 2 months of sanding and several coats of hand rubbed tru-oil. I had my doubts along the way but it turned out fantastic.

BTW, looks like you left your Fruit of the Loom whitey tighties on your work bench.

$2000 is pretty inexpensive for an aftermarket machined wood stock finished out. Especially considering a higher grade black walnut or claro blank alone will run $300-$600. European walnut like Turkish or "Circasian goes up substantially from there, higher grade blanks usually $1500-$2500. I don't know how they do it. Most of your custom makers doing them by hand will be $3000+

you may be correct TDK I think the blank was 1100

The pre 64 you have is an excellent and a classic gun, i would restore it.
I would buy a Mauser style Winchester or other Mauser style gun and rework it.
If you need a new gun project.
Your gun is such a classic it would be a shame to restock it.

Say what you want if that gun shoots great I would not mess with it. The gun has seen a lot of hunts and I am sure you can recall each blemish on it, who you were with, & the outcome. I would buy another gun and work it over if I was you, but my old friends are fine just the way they are. I know I don't understand.

I'd leave the danged rifle in all original condtition, Buzz. They're not making pre-64 Featherweights anymore. Spend the money doing up something else...in fact, I know where you can find a 70 Classic barreled action (all I gotta do is remember...hahahaha) to do all kinds of things to without regretting it later. That way, when you get done, you've got an original pre-64 Featherweight AND a custom Model 70.

You tell me where that 70 is, and I'll make a stock from scratch out of Mesquite.

I'm just like you. As soon as I get one dialed in and tricked out, I get bored and start looking for the next project. But...I'm going to have to go with some of the others on this one. Part of what makes those classics cool is that "used" look that show its age, and that it was a hard working tool with stories to tell. Years of scratches and dings on a stock, and that nice patina the blued steel get all add to the panache. Add to that the fact it shoots really well, and I wouldn't touch it. My opinion, but it's your rifle and your wallet. I think you'll have a fine rifle either way.

Buzzsaw, how do you like that Jack Daniel's single barrel? That's some good stuff right there.

LG, I'll have to admit I bought that booze for decoration, cuz I like the bottles

LG, I'll have to admit I bought that booze for decoration, cuz I like the bottles

I promise, haven't even cracked the tops off, I do have a decanter with Jack Black cause I have a buddy who like jack, Coke. I'm a beer guy


I am tempted to open all of them to see if I can tell the difference in Bourbons