doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Selecting the proper blank ?

I am in the process of restocking a Beretta ASEL 20.The gun will be used for its intended purpose. I originally thought that I would put exibition wood on it,but after a little research I have concluded that may not be the route to take from a strength perspective. What qualities do you look for in a blank to get the wow factor while also being strong enough not to crack under heavy use ? I figure if I am going to spend the money to do this ,might as well get the most bang for the buck.The gun weighs in @ 5# 14oz. The new stock will be an English grip.
Thanks for any insight that you can offer.

You can have both......just be patient. This stick is perfectly quarter sawn in the wrist.

USHOOT:
Your best bet is to address your needs to a GOOD wood man. If he's worth his salt, all his blanks will be properly cut. While no one can guarantee what wood strength will be, that's your best bet. If I were you, I'd contact Cecil Fredi in Las Vegas. Google him and his web site. He can meet any need you have. In spades.

I second this. Have been to his place and bought from him. Lots of good stuff to choose from.

I'd strongly consider involving the stockmaker in the process, and best if the stockmaker supplies the wood for many reasons. Lots can go wrong w/ a blank once it's whittled down, and you have an assurance w/ stockmaker provided wood.

I certainly "third" the motion above that you should put yourself into the hands of a good wood man if the stockmaker doesn't supply the wood.

On your concerns about the really wild wood being more fragile, it's really all about layout and grain flow. Your instincts are correct - you must be very careful about the grip section.

The stockmaker is going to supply several to choose from. He suggested that I do some looking on my own, and if I find something that we both agree upon proceed from there. Ultimately I am sure that I will probably pick out the most expensive blank available in the free world. After doing so I sure would hate for it to fall apart on the first shot.

Ushoot,
I agree with your approach. No sense in getting a mediocre blank when paying a lot to restock a gun. I don't see a problem with using an exhibition blank as long as the grain in the wrist is proper. Go for it.

One can get "too good" of a blank, so the wood does not fit the gun esthetically. I saw a nice Boss sxs a few years ago at Tulsa and the restock wood was just too fancy . It didn't have any harmony with the Boss.

Edited, server problems.

That's an interesting point. The Purdey I'm doing almost certainly could have had a plain-ish bit of wood on it. But for me I wanted something a little nicer. I get the "in fitting" point but all this comes down to art for me and I like nicely figured wood for old guns...

T