Stock extention?

[3rdTennCo.C]

Let's say some chap inherited a rifle or shotgun but it was a bit too short. Are there any known period ways of extending the stocks of guns from the time? Perhaps adding and shaping a block of wood to match the shape of the stock like this?

 

[7thWisconsin]

I think putting the lock and barrel over onto another stock may have been the easier option.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Funny. The English gun makers actually produced a "short butt" version of the P53 Enfield as there were a number of soldiers that needed a more compact stock configuration due to their stature. I have not heard (or read any accounts) of military arms being returned for purposes of lengthening the gun stock though.

 

[johan_steele]

I suspect for military weapons it was the same as being left handed. Live with it or find yourself doing something different.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

Ultimately I have a bit older repo double shotgun and the stock is a couple inches too short for me, but I use it for reenacting and want a period style/looking extension because I do shoot it

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

From what I've seen on period stock extensions they basically took a slab of wood, cut the butt flat and screwed the piece on. Usually very sloppily and without a buttplate of any kind.

 

[JOHN42768]

If I were going to attempt it I would find a salvageable old stock a bit larger and transplant the needed piece between the butt end and plate. probable require some refinishing.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

It does seem like that would have been the period way of doing it

 

[Booner]

Let's say some chap inherited a rifle or shotgun but it was a bit too short. Are there any known period ways of extending the stocks of guns from the time? Perhaps adding and shaping a block of wood to match the shape of the stock like this?View attachment 341564

I believe you had it right the first time. It would be very hard to find a stock for an inherited (antique ) gun that would work. It would also be rather expensive to have a stock made to fit the gun. Adding a couple of inches to the butt would probably be the easiest thing. I would think the hardest thing about doing that is to match the finish so it doesn't show. People back then weren't as big as they are now.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

I believe you had it right the first time. It would be very hard to find a stock for an inherited (antique ) gun that would work. It would also be rather expensive to have a stock made to fit the gun. Adding a couple of inches to the butt would probably be the easiest thing. I would think the hardest thing about doing that is to match the finish so it doesn't show. People back then weren't as big as they are now.

If anything, I dont mind the color difference as long as the clear coat is even, ya know, a light stock with a nice deep walnut butt, I would like to reshape it a bit to accommodate the original buttplate though

 

[Booner]

If anything, I dont mind the color difference as long as the clear coat is even, ya know, a light stock with a nice deep walnut butt, I would like to reshape it a bit to accommodate the original buttplate though

on You Tube, look up some video's by Jim Kibler. He custom made flintlocks for a number of years and now he is offering kit guns for Southern Mountain Rifles and a Colonial-era flintlock. His video on the Colonial gun shows how he puts the gun together, including how he attached the butt plate to the stock. It could give you some ideas not only how to do it, but how to make the lines "flow" so the attachment doesn't look odd. Also, check out the American Longrifle website. A number of professional gun makers are on the site, and I've learned a lot of how these guns were made by being a long-time lurker.

I was wondering what's the length of pull on the gun in question? If it's kind of short, perhaps it was made for a child, or woman, or maybe a small man.

And what's the stock made of? Maple or Walnut? If you can match the wood, including the way the grain flows, to the original wood, you may be able to hide the extension. I would use Tite-Bond II for the glue, as it may hide the glue line better, but do some research on that.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

on You Tube, look up some video's by Jim Kibler. He custom made flintlocks for a number of years and now he is offering kit guns for Southern Mountain Rifles and a Colonial-era flintlock. His video on the Colonial gun shows how he puts the gun together, including how he attached the butt plate to the stock. It could give you some ideas not only how to do it, but how to make the lines "flow" so the attachment doesn't look odd. Also, check out the American Longrifle website. A number of professional gun makers are on the site, and I've learned a lot of how these guns were made by being a long-time lurker.

I was wondering what's the length of pull on the gun in question? If it's kind of short, perhaps it was made for a child, or woman, or maybe a small man.

And what's the stock made of? Maple or Walnut? If you can match the wood, including the way the grain flows, to the original wood, you may be able to hide the extension. I would use Tite-Bond II for the glue, as it may hide the glue line better, but do some research on that.

The gun I believe may have been modified for a young shooter, it is one of the earlier CVA double barrel 12g, I thing the stock is maple, it was a kit to start with.