Which gunstock source has the best reputation?

[Wilburbean]

Hello,
I am repairing a Winchester 1906 that has a broken stock that has been "repaired before and is pretty much junk. The forearm is in very good condition and won't be replaced. I think a new walnut stock will be easier to finish to look like the forearm which appears to be walnut vs. gumwood. I've found the following sources for new gunstocks:

• Gunville
• Brownells
• Gunstock Inc.
• Homestead Parts
• Macon Gunstocks

Other than price, I'm interested in anyone's experience dealing with the gunstocks from these vendors, the amount of inletting required, quality of wood, customer service, etc. I'm familiar with Brownells' mediocre customer service. I'm interested in their stock quality. Prices are all close enough to not be a deciding factor. If there are other vendors that you'd recommend, please share. Many thanks!

 

[Wilburbean]

Open for other recommendations. Here are some images of the old stock.

 

[Wilburbean]

Here's a shot of the wood on the pump action, It's in great shape but dull. there is a little varnish on the front end that remains.

 

[Wilburbean]

For doing something like this foreend, do folks use Tru-oil, Danish Oil, Tung or Linseed oil or varnishes, shellacs? I have used raw linseed oil on my M1 Garand and K98 stocks and they came out amazing. I used Danish oil in dark walnut to touch up an old shotgun stock vs. refinish. Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[wiscoaster]

Numrich lists a stock for your rife but not currently "in stock" https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/winchester/rifles-win/1906-win

As far as reputation I've done business with them and they're reputable.

 

[Wilburbean]

Thanks Wiscoaster! I’ve had good results with Numrich as well.

 

[wiscoaster]

For doing something like this foreend, do folks use Tru-oil, Danish Oil, Tung or Linseed oil or varnishes, shellacs? ....

I've used all of the above except varnish, but mostly because I was working with milsurps and wanted the result to be as close to the original as possible. So obviously some polyurethane varnish wouldn't have been appropriate. I'm not familiar with your rifle, so can't advise what would be best for it. If you can find out what they put on it originally, that's your best choice, unless you want to strip and start from bare wood, and that forearm doesn't need it, anyway.

 

[Wilburbean]

I've used all of the above except varnish, but mostly because I was working with milsurps and wanted the result to be as close to the original as possible. So obviously some polyurethane varnish wouldn't have been appropriate. I'm not familiar with your rifle, so can't advise what would be best for it. If you can find out what they put on it originally, that's your best choice, unless you want to strip and start from bare wood, and that forearm doesn't need it, anyway.

Thanks, I need to do some more research on old Winchesters.

 

[Wilburbean]

Did the gunstocks vary in size between the 1890, 1906 and the model 62? Here's the original from a 1906 and a replacement stock. The replacement stock is almost exactly an inch longer.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Maybe the original stock was cut down to make a one size fits all gallery gun. The replacement may be long to give some wiggle room for length of pull or a crescent buttplate.