I was told that it's Circassian.... it came from an small estate of custom guns made by Al Biesen that I was given to sell. Here's a couple pics of the most ornate rifle made from the same wood.
btolson, If it's not too much trouble could you post a photo of the inside of the bottom inlet on the stock that came on the gun. I'm still trying to answer, in my mind, whether it is a FN/Browning production and of what vintage. Also, was the inside of the stock hollowed out, or solid when you removed the buttplate? Thanks, Will
Thanks, It appears that there may be some stamping in the lower inlet but they seem shallow and can not be made out from this photo. Thanks for the extra efforts and good luck with your search. I had a stock at one time I would have lent you, but sold all my miscellaneous parts years ago. Will
Sorry, I looked at this late last night after getting off an 8 hr drive. Biz was kind enough to remind me we are looking at a spacer that was added to lengthen the stock and of course not the stock's true back end. Will
Can anyone provide a pic of an engraved dog laying down on a period A5? I would like to see a potential example of what the offending screw hole on the lower tang destroyed? I'll give to my gunsmith to help with the pattern... thanks.
I doubt you will ever find any examples of that engraving. I believe your nice auto 5 was a special order. The only hunting/animal scene engraving scene I saw are on the type 4 and 5 as described in the Browning catalogues.
btolson, Your engraver may get some clues by looking at some of the dogs that are on Grade 3 Browning A5's. I know Steve Barnett is advertising at least one. I didn't see one that was stalking like what is on yours but he should get a general idea of the features that were used on that breed. Good Luck, Will
Has anyone here worked with Cottage Craft Works, from Brookshire, Texas? They make replacement rough inlet stocks and offer a straight stock for the A5...also have higher grade wood available...
Yes. Well, I started to. They send your order to Macon gunstocks. Old cat that owns Macon seems to be a good dude. I have read some negative about them. I talked to owner for about 45 min couple months ago about making a stock for a stevens sxs in 410. He checked all the boxes. Just haven't had time to get back to it yet.
I dealt with Macon a few years ago. I ordered a straight grip set for on of my 1904 auto 5. It arrived with a round shoulder and I waited one year and half before working on it. I assume the wood was not properly dried when they machined it, because it was all distorted and I had to discard the set. I will not judge them on that one try but at the time the quality control was not good.
I’ve contacted a shop in Europe. A finished straight grip stock would cost $325. shipped. But the wood is plain. Waiting to hear back if they have better wood available. Also when the catalogue says 14” stock, is that the length of pull or the wood?
I was quoted 3800 and I bring the wood. I hope that's not one of the aftermarket stocks. That is lop. https://images.app.goo.gl/79y98E9pimDxfLvy6 This one?
Yes. I contacted them... a bit of a challenge communication wise. I asked for pics of the stocks receiver end to verify application as well as if they had better wood. It would have been a "temporary" fix. I also contacted Macon, spoke to the owner and their finished price was in the $3000. range... with my blank. $1000. to $1200. to have them just do the shaping and inlet only... turn around time was going to be a couple month.
Biz, What did you have to do to ensure that the stock had square corners where it meets the receiver? Did you send him one to duplicate off of? btolson be sure that you ask that question as most straight grip stocks were produced after the change to the receiver. Will
Macon's knew that... I didn't get a response back from the European guys yet. I have the right stock located... just need to come to terms with the owner.
At the time, by ordering a very early straight grip stock, I falsely assumed they will send me the proper stock. I didn’t send an example as following my conversation with them I thought they knew their product. But shall we believe that they will know every details about all the stocks they can make???
Biz, I misinterpreted your "Shoulders" remark I had it in mind that the comb was not shaped accordingly. Sorry for your mishap. Glad they caught on btolson! Good luck and keep us posted. Will
When I obtain the right stock, I'm thinking of sending it to a specialist in "grain painting"... he "embellishes" the look. I've talked to a friend that had it done and he is very pleased. Here's a pic of a stock he extended 1 1/2" and painted the grain. Pretty impressive to me...
