Apples and Oranges (or just apples for now)

[Johann]

I am considering building a flintlock pistol using applewood, wherefore I am curious if anyone here has ever had any experience with it. Just looking for any advice on using (or avoiding) applewood, as it does not seem to be popular for pistols. Any thoughts?

[Acer Saccharum]

I think it will be ideal. It's dense, takes carving well. Sapwood is typically white. The heart can range in color from brown, to dark reddish brown, streaks of dark running through the heart.

Pear is bland by comparison, but another fine wood for a pistol.

[Lucky R A]

    The good thing is that you can use the shavings etc. to smoke your venison sausage...

[conquerordie]

I love this forum, I needed a good laugh to start my day. Thanks Lucky RA

[smart dog]

Hi Johann,
Apple is a fine wood but very bland in appearance.  Make sure it is well seasoned.  Gunmakers in NW France frequently used apple wood during the 16th-17th centuries. Below is a photo of a French wheellock stocked in apple wood, which gives you an idea of its appearance.

dave

[BJH]

 The only thing that might present a problem is getting a big enough piece of Apple wood. All the orchard trees I have seen never get big enough in dia. BJH

[T*O*F]

I don't know that I'd stain one again.  I had a piece with all kinds of interesting character in it, but staining it made it look like a piece of basswood.  All the figure disappeared.

[Johann]

Thank you all for your thoughts!   I have a piece of applewood that was from a local orchard . It has been seasoning (i.e. dust-collecting) in my workshop for a few years, and in its current form it is the perfect size for a pistol blank. Other pieces of wood from the same tree have proved to make fine spoons, hence my recent revelation; "if it makes good spoons, why cant it make a good pistol!''

[Acer Saccharum]

I'd not hesitate to use it for a pistol. Even if your piece is bland, it will take carving very well. With some areas carved, and hardware installed, a thumbpiece, well, there isn't much wood left to look at!