Hard maple has been used for gunstocks since the earliest days of firearms manufacture in America. At first, this was because maple was easier to obtain in some areas compared to walnut. Hard maple (Acer saccharum aka Sugar Maple or Rock Maple) is harder than walnut, but it is certainly not “brittle” in terms of splitting easily.
Full Answer
What is the best Maple for a gun stock?
Red maple and sugar maple are both popular for gun stocks. Although red maple is known as "soft" maple by some, it is just as hard as black walnut. However, it is not as hard as sugar maple.
What is the difference between red maple and walnut maple?
Red maple is know for the look of the striping and curly patterns, while sugar maple is chosen by those who want checkering or raised carvings on the gun stock. There are other types of walnut; in fact, the University of California at Davis has identified more than 100 different varieties of walnut, classified by the nut of the tree.
What are the different types of Walnut used in guns?
Turkish English is an expensive type of walnut. Other exotic woods used by some gun makers include bubinga rosewood, black cherry, white ash and screwbean mesquite. These woods appeal to certain buyers who like the finished look or their durability.
What types of wood are used for gun stocks?
However, there are other woods that can be used for gun stocks that are both beautiful and functional. There are a variety of companies that sell stocks for finishing, but stocks can also be hand-crafted from a commercial blank or from rough wood. Different types of wood have different properties that gun enthusiasts look for in a stock.
Is maple good for a gun stock?
Red maple and sugar maple are both popular for gun stocks. Although red maple is known as "soft" maple by some, it is just as hard as black walnut.
What wood is best for gun stocks?
Walnut possesses a number of qualities that make it the ideal material for gun stocks. Its exquisite, heavy figuring may be stunning to look at, but its beauty is more than skin deep. Walnut is hard, dense, and resilient.
Why are gun stocks made of walnut?
Walnut is tough, light, rigid, hard and doesn't split easily, making it just about the perfect choice for a gunstock. Other woods have been used, but the most popular material has been walnut, though as with any wood species, it comes with its own unique issues.
Is walnut oil good for gun stocks?
Walnut oil will help protect your wood and give a lovely finish to your gun stock. The best way of applying this walnut oil to your gun stock is by putting a little bit into the palm of your hand and rubbing it into to stock.
What is the best finish for gun stocks?
The best finish to put on a gun stock is an oil finish. It is easy to apply, durable and can be used on finished and unfinished wood. Oil finish is also water-proof, prevents UV light from damaging the wood, and can last for several years.
Is Oak good for gun stocks?
Oak is not popular for gun stocks simply because, though it is hard enough…. and a strong wood, grain variability is very great… wide vs. narrow growth rings, the thickness of the heart wood, checking and cracking problems as the wood dries, etc.
Will synthetic rifle stocks last as long as wood?
There's simply no denying that synthetic stocks are considerably more moisture-resistant than traditional wood stocks. They're physically incapable of absorbing water, making them impervious to the swelling and shrinking that even the finest wood stock will suffer if subjected long enough to moisture.
Does Ash make a good gun stock?
Yep, ash is a good stock wood. I'd use it on a utilitarian piece without a lot of carving detail, as it's got a lot of contrast between growth rings. That said, Chris Laubach made a stunning carved ash-stocked gun.
What kind of wood are gun stocks made from?
walnutWood stocks While walnut is the favored gunstock wood, many other woods are used, including maple, myrtle, birch, and mesquite. In making stocks from solid wood, one must take into account the natural properties and variability of woods.
What is the best oil for shotgun stock?
boiled linseed oilStock Care To maintain the stock and forend of your shotgun(s) we recommend the following method using boiled linseed oil. This is easy to administer and will protect the stock with a certain level of water-resistance, as well as accentuate the grain.
Is tung oil good for gun stocks?
We recommend using our High Lustre Polymerized Tung Oil formulation as it builds to create a well sealed and durable coating, while maintaining a hand rubbed, “gun stock” finish.
How long does Parker Hale walnut oil take to dry?
It can be used over a true oiled gun stock, but a very very small amount is required and it will take two weeks for it to be hand dry touchable.... Generally this product is okay, but if you're impatient, then just use this on already treated gun stocks, and do bear in mind the overly long drying time.
What is walnut used for?
Walnut is famous for its light brown to a dark chocolate color. It is mainly used to make quality furniture, flooring, gunstocks, carvings, etc.
Where is maple found?
About 70-80 species of maple are found in Asia and the rest of the species are found in Europe, Northern Africa, and North America.
How long does walnut wood last outside?
Although it is durable, there is a possibility of insect attacks. Walnut wood can last only for about 2 to 4 weeks in the external environment. Ipe and other hardwoods are very good options for outdoor use.
Where are walnuts native to?
Seeds are referred to as walnuts. Nuts are most commonly used as food. It is native to North and South America, southern Europe, Asia, and the West Indies. There are about 21 species of walnut. The properties of these species are almost the same.
Is maple hard or soft?
Some species of maple come in the hard maple category. The density and weight of this type of species are high so that it may be difficult in machine work. Maple has a tendency to burn and heat when being machined with high-speed cutters. Otherwise, it Turns, glues, and finishes well.
Is maple wood durable?
Maple wood looks great, strong, stable, and Durable. However, these properties are found differently in different species of maple. It is widely used to make quality furniture, flooring, cabinetry, kitchen platform, Pulpwood, craft, and more.
Can you stain walnut wood?
The color of walnut wood is slightly darker. Its color varies from light brown to dark brown. It can be stained. But most people do not like to stain. Because walnut wood has a natural dark color.