should i or shouldn't i?

[alex e.]

I'll save all The Rifle Shoppe details.. In the course of this horribly inletted build I had to fill a gap along one side of the barrel channel,roughly 4" long ,1/16" wide tapering to nothing at each end. In the same barre I channel I also had to channel a missing RR hole for a 51" barrel. I acraglassed the inlet all the way from breach to past the entry pipe. It needed to be done but now I fear its bit me in the butt.
  I slabbed the sides off to 1/8"" like I always do and shaped it as planned. I see the widest part of the acraglass repair, just a sliver. Now here's the question: this fusil is supposed to have a molding along the forestock,both top and bottom. I almost hate to cut into it for fear of exposing more acraglass. Its not the end of the world if the moldings are deleted,but I'd like to see them.  So, should i go for it or not?
    Its European walnut and I'll more than likely have to finish  it darker or age it to hide some other poor ''per inletting''
I'd like to know because I'll be repeating it again on fusil #2......

[ddoyle]

Alex,

What about starting over? Might be worth it in the end. Shame to bolt/pin all those hard to come by parts to an early stage problem.  Maybe source the wood and get Mr Rase to do the in-letting for you.  You'll be out the cost of one stock but you'll be ahead when the gun is done.

[oldtravler61]

Myself if the trs did the inletting (?) I would see if they would replace it. If NOT  I would follow Doyle's advice an replace the stock. Doubt you will be happy with it latter on. IMHO

[flinchrocket]

Your the only one who knows how much you can tolerate! In Mike Brooks building tutorial, he uses flat
black spray paint to age his stocks. Maybe you could sparsely use some to cover the acra glass if it
shows up in your moulding. I would avoid starting over if I could age it and cover the bad spots, but it's
your gun. Good luck!

[alex e.]

I'm not waiting another six years for a new gunstock. I already build a longer barreled version of this gun from a plank two years ago.. It has been a challenge/ struggle since I noticed no RR hole was drilled.
I think I will proceed with the moldings. They're part of what will make this build unique and look better no matter how much ''age''.
Thanks for the input.

[ddoyle]

I don't think Mr Rase would make you wait 6 years for barrel inlet!

[alex e.]

There was a time when 6 weeks was a long time for to wait for a barrel inlet.
Remember,TRS 's reputation precedes them. There was much drama around these parts.

[Dave B]

Alex,
I wonder if it is not possible for you to inlet a patch of wood over this offending area. I have seen European pieces that have used figured wood that have bark inclusions repaired in like manor. Just speculation but the inletting  on some wood can be difficult if left for a period unfilled by a barrel. The wood can warp from a perfect inlet to a canyon. I had a couple fowler precarves that did this mid forestock. They were easily fixed by steaming the portion that was warped. Now it was too small but easily re-inlet. The other possible fix is to glue a sliver of the wood to the inside of the barrel channel and re-inlet the barrel. Depending on where the molding is it is possible to hide the inlet seam with the molding line.

[Lucky R A]

 Alex,
      As long as you have a solid foundation, creative staining can cure most of the other problems.  I am guessing after the stain and finish is applied you will be the only one that will know the problem existed or how you fixed it.

Ron

[alex e.]

Thanks Ron, I tend to be my own worse critic on a good day. And the there this gun....