Concern About Cracks

[t.caster]

Open for discussion.
I have this rifle for sale here and have had several inquiries about cracks in the buttstock area. I believe they are very shallow checks from drying the wood. They don't go through, and I don't think they ever will. It is well sealed and waxed. Therefor I don't think it will ever affect the performance of the rifle. It is cosmetic only, and actually enhances the aged look so many builders strive for.
I can remember when worm holes were very popular on a stock. I built several of those and shooters gobbled them up for the character it gave the piece!

Do you builders have any concerns and comments about this type if cracking?

You might have to zoom in to see them just in front of the cheek piece, and in the lower right corner above the toe plate.

[Jim Kibler]

I don't get worked up about too much when it comes to things like this, but let me tell, you customers certainly tend to.  Experience gives confidence in what you can get away with and what matters.  Those without this experience can be sometimes be overly concerned and not at all trusting either.

Jim

[FlintFan]

Huh?

[oldtravler61]

  I've repaired several gun stocks with cracks. Some even with a complete wrist break. Done well I don't give it a second thought. Most people who have a real understanding of minor issues and proper repair don't care either.
  Most people don't care IF it's pointed out. They do get excited when its NOT....JM2C

[Scota4570]

I'd like to see the rest of it.  An Armstrong? 

For me, the cost of great wood is not a consideration.  If I spend 100+ hours making a rifle, why would I skimp and use flawed wood?  My time is worth about $5K, least least it used to be. : )  Great wood is only hundreds $ more than wood with flaws. 
 

[t.caster]

Jim K., I like your candor.
Scota, it is an Armstrong pattern, and is listed as "F/S: Maryland. 50 cal". It is a precarved stock.

[elkhorne]

I agree totally with oldtraveler61! I recently purchased a Fowler that was represented as a shooter. When I received it, the lock had been removed and I attempted to put in in the stock. First, I had to move the cock to full cock to place the lock in place. Then I noticed a large crack through the lock inlet that went back into the wrist. Someone had “played” with cocking and shooting the lock without a flint in the jaws! As I cocked the lock, the crack opened up more. As I did a closer inspection, the reason the lock had to be moved to full cock I discovered - the trigger shoe was too high and constantly put upward pressure on the sear spring and caused the crack. There was even pressure marks in the top area of the lock inlet from the constant sear spring pressure! One might ask how I knew the lock had never been fired with a flint, well the top jaw screw was bent so a flint could not be installed properly and there was no mark from a flint on the frizzen face! I’m gradually repairing this Fowler as time permits but like oldtraveler61 said, had these problems been disclosed I could have decided to or not to purchase but THEY WERE NOT AND IT WAS SOLD AS A TURKEY FOWLER SHORTLY BEFORE THE SPRING TURKEY SEASON! That is what irritates most of us - someone on here misrepresenting a piece and all to make a quick buck!