Carving a gunstock from scratch

In this video, follow along step-by-step with Kelley as she takes you through the “how-to”process of creating a custom stock and forend for a 12 gauge Mossberg 500. From designing to inletting and shaping, Kelley shows the techniques and tools she uses to create a beautiful and functional piece.
Whether you're a seasoned gun enthusiast or just looking to try your hand at woodworking, this video is sure to inspire you to take on your own custom shotgun stock project. So grab your tools and start creating today!
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CHAPTERS
Intro 00:00
Design 00:36
Drilling & Inletting 1:44
Carving 04:52
The Forend 06:39
Finishing 09:51
Checkering 11:18
Final Product 15:30
Range Day 15:56
Outro 16:51
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For questions, comments, and business inquiries:
[e-mail]
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Gun safety is of the utmost importance when handling firearms. Always treat every gun as if it were loaded and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Before handling a gun, be sure to thoroughly familiarize yourself with its operation and never rely solely on the safety mechanism. Store firearms in a secure location, away from children and unauthorized persons. Always wear proper eye and ear protection and follow all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to firearms. Remember, responsible gun ownership is crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you SO MUCH for watching my video! What woodworking projects would you like to see me do next? 🪵 🛠️ Here’s a hint for the project I’m currently in the process of filming/making: 🎶 🎼 ⌛️

[@edl5074]

I would like you to keep the mind flowing and get to work .keep up the great content anything will do .

[@KelleyMakes]

@@edl5074 thanks, Ed! Im hard at work in the woodshop!

[@bkw0582]

Anxious to see your next project. I'm guessing a musical instrument. A guitar maybe???

[@KelleyMakes]

@@bkw0582 thank you so much for the support! I’m currently making a violin!

[@pierrispanagakos6468]

❤

[@bbhunting1]

I have been a woodworker and a 2nd amendment supporter for over 40 years and I just wanted to let you know you did a fabulous job on this. Its something I have always thought about doing but hesitated because of the difficulty. You made it look easy with a fabulous result.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much! Looking back I see things I’d change, but I’m very pleased with it being my first crack at it.

[@RAJINDERKUMAR-iv1sw]

I want to work with you wood worker

[@pigeonplucker01]

Well Done , as a Gun stock checkering guy i started in my teens been doing it for 50 years. your first atempt was great.😜

[@KelleyMakes]

What a big compliment!! Thank you so much!

[@bradthomason8461]

If you ever wondered why expensive guns are expensive... That was really fine work, start to finish. Thanks for filming it and letting us see.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@rickbraccia7027]

Great job, Kelley. I've done more than a fair share of stock work over the years, but never had the patience to learn checkering. I'm impressed with your determination.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Rick!

[@vw0514]

Wonderful video, well done! I admire your confidence and willingness to take on such a daunting task. I've made a few stocks and understand the difficulty in fitting them precisely.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much Vaughn!

[@StevenG222]

That stock is absolutely beautiful, I love the wood grain and the hand checkering! I can truly appreciate how much time you have in making it and I don't think it could of came out any better!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Steven!

[@rosalydiazhang9389]

That's amazing wood working, love it!🥰

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much Rosa!

[@adrianneedham2373]

10/10 you have definitely created a treasure to be proud of and your family for years to come 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much, Adrian from wales!

[@fakeitormakeit83]

Maam you done an amazing job on this video! The cinematic elements and music was beautiful! I have been wanting to try a gunstock for a long time. I have been learning checkering for a while so this video was the boost i needed to try this. That gunstock is STUNNING! Thank you for this inspiration!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! You should definitely go for it! You’re probably much better at the checkering than me! Lol

[@dgoodman1484]

Fantastic job, congrats! I’ve been making a living by working with my hands for 40 years and I wouldn’t even tackle checkering! lol 👍🏼

[@KelleyMakes]

Haha thank you so much!

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Best looking wood I've ever seen on a Mossberg 500.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you! It is a little strange, I know. I chose the MB500 because I figured it would easier to do the inletting to fit the forend/stock to the receiver than a typical over/under used for trap.

[@anthonyrenna6838]

Amazing craftsmanship. Definitely have a great talent. Well done!🙌

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks Anthony!

[@J.Huff76]

Well as a fellow wood worker and gun owner you had my subscription with the Beretta hat you are wearing. Knowledgeable and classy. Good Job

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! I have a beretta a400 and would love to eventually get the 694 over under.

[@jamesberrange3671]

Excellent job Kelly. A really good result and of course you had that very special sense of satisfaction of having done it all yourself. Only fellow craftspeople will understand - the ultimate in personalisation. Very nice.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much, James!

[@nolandenton1224]

I really enjoyed this video and you accomplished your goal of inspiring me! I’m an amateur woodworker and am about 1/4 through the AGI Gunsmithing course. As a clay shooter, I’d like to be able to either make or repair shotgun stocks but would also like to make a couple of rifle stocks and do a custom built gun for each of my sons as an heirloom gift. You definitely showed me what’s possible so thanks!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Nolan, best of luck on your woodworking adventures!

[@howarddeheer8295]

Beautiful mossberg. You do outstanding work

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you 🙏

[@user-mg9uo9dk2l]

Kelley, Your video is very clear and easy to understand. This was an excellent presentation. You have really good woodworking skills and I'm impressed that you took on a complicated project requiring hand tools. I'm looking forward to your next project.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you for the thoughtful response & compliment, Art!

[@mongobongo91]

You nailed it!! Super impressed with your willingness to give something out of your comfort zone a try, especially with hand tools. From a fellow woodworker and 2A supporter, well done! From, Mary P's daughter and your old childhood pal (hope that rings a bell 🥰)

[@KelleyMakes]

Carrie! Thank you so much ❤ oh, the good ‘ol days…

[@kalybnielsen4183]

I have done probably 20 stocks for Marlin Mod 60's, I am a proficient woodworker but I can say, I haven't been able to talk myself into trying the checkering, I'm afraid ill mess up and be at ground zero, you did a great job. As for the Mossberg trigger, the modern Mossberg 500 is so different than one made 30+ years ago, even in weight, I don't really know about how durable the new ones are, the old ones are almost indestructible, they were built very well, they have only made about 20 billion of them, it's an unreal amount. Great job on the stock, everything looked great

[@KelleyMakes]

I was concerned when I got to the checkering i would just ruin the whole thing but luckily it worked out! If I had it to do over again there’s things I’d change but I’m happy with it for a first time. Thanks for watching!

[@martinconway7324]

Great end result. Amazing job. Well done

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@MelissaScheetz]

Well done! Your creativity and skills leave me in awe. Amazing crafts(wo)manship.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you, soul sista!

[@alanparks7919]

Absolutely incredibly job, and a great job on the video! Wow!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much Alan!

[@spamento]

Kelley, thanks for showing us how to do checkering! I think I am going to try it myself, all thanks to you for sharing your methods with us!

[@KelleyMakes]

I definitely don’t claim to be an expert on checkering but thanks for the kind words ! You should check out Larry potterfield at midway USA to see a pro in action.

[@tommarymarking1579]

Very impressed with your confidence, patience and skill. Beautiful piece of wood...it looks really terrific. Bravo!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@humuhumunukunuku6058]

Excellent video - your craftsmanship, music choice, friendliness, honesty all shine through! Looking forward to your next project! Well done.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you ❤

[@MyGraKat2]

You did a wonderful job and are an inspiration. I turned out beautiful!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! That is a huge compliment 😊

[@jerrymoran8323]

Kelley, Certainly immersion in your project revealed your attitude to imagine the details as they were presented to you. Seems like like much of your planning occurred in your dreams to sustain your confidence. Each is born with gifts and able to complete untried tasks with persistence and forethought. Knowledge is there, execution creates wisdom to share as you have done. Your Celtic music fluttered my heart as well as respiratory rate. Surely will watch for additional projects. ERIN ga’ Braugh ! Exquisite creative artistry! 🦅🙏🍀✡️

[@KelleyMakes]

Jerry, thank you so much for your kind words. You are right that I did see the finalized project in my dreams! Best wishes to you.

[@vegscrogbloom2077]

One of the best things I’ve seen on KZbin in years. Great job.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much for the compliment!

[@kobuskotze3206]

Very well done for a first time. You have a lot of talent and can only get better at it. Please keep going with the gunstocks.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

[@muchachosholywar8938]

Absolutely great job! Well done!!! ❤

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@craigweaver8983]

Very well done! I love my Mossbergs. Bought my first in pieces and turned into a bruiser of a deer gun. Your content was very easy and enjoyable to follow. Will definitely look for future work from you. Thanks.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much Craig!

[@thomasgersitz338]

You picked a very difficult project, as your first. I have been shooting for 50 years, and i am always in awe of the work of the craftsmen, who take the pieces of raw wood and turn them into works of art. My hats off to you and the fine stock and forend that was the work of your labor of love. Great job.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much Thomas!

[@jamies8973]

This is inspiring. I have a couple of antiques that I've been pondering the task of creating the wood hardware for them. I'm sure I'll be watching this video again when I'm closer to taking on the task. Thank you. Please make more videos like this.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you for the kind words Jamie! I hope my video will be of help to you!

[@davecollins6113]

I started on a Browning 1885, then went to a Stevens 044-1/2. It is certainly interesting to see everything taking shape as you progress, it certainly feels like one heck of an accomplishment to get it done. I can recommend to anyone wanting to try it, buy a plain piece first, as long as it is a hardwood like walnut or good hard maple, you can afford to mess it up in working on the inletting. Can also laminate some 1" walnut boards together to work with, 1x8 x6ft will be a cheap board to try out. It's worth trying. This lady did a great job, used a nice piece of wood, and definitely rewarded herself for her efforts in a big way.

[@KelleyMakes]

That is a great piece of advice! I’ve said since the beginning of this project that I got lucky every step of the way!

[@garyjohnson801]

That was a really nice job. Beautifully done especially being your first time. I loved the beauty of the wood

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you! It is a special piece of wood

[@mangamaniaciam]

Thanks to several family members, I've received multiple antique firearms from several world wars!! I want to tell you that you did a fantastic job upgrading your shotgun stock!! You should consider making more stocks like this because of how decent you did!!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you! Best of luck to you

[@gcelente]

Bravo! Excellent at so many levels... from start to finish. And a real woman with a true fighting spirit in "The American Way"

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much, Gerald! ❤

[@alfieparris3795]

Hi, I'm from Cape Town South Africa. Ran a gunsmith operation for 28 years. I did not enjoy stock work but it came came with the territory. I enjoyed your video, keep up the good work.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks alfie! That’s a big compliment!

[@FYMM69]

as an avid clay shooter whos longing for a custom stock, my hat goes goes off to you for your passion and a wonderful job and best of all, thw pride that goes with it... thank you for the video.... break em all

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Ernie! That’s very kind

[@ddselvig]

I've wanted to make a gunstock for the longest time. Thanks for making a video of a first time endeavor at stockmaking. You did a very good job for the first try at it. The wood is beautiful!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much Dan!

[@cosimosanfilippo9050]

As you said it takes a bit of courage to embark a project of this level, but you did it and it looks fantastic. This alone inspired me, and you got my interest in your channel.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! I shocked myself that I didn’t have any major mess-ups along the way!

[@chriswolff3131]

Love the determination you display to finish. Great craftmanship as well.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much Chris! Due to the sake of storytelling, I edited out quite a few mistakes along the way and it didn’t go 100% smoothly the entire time, so it was definitely all about determination to get to the finish line.

[@outdoormaniac9951]

Beautiful job! Terrific video also. Keep up the good work.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@danieleverett8321]

I myself am a aspiring woodworker that makes reproduction furniture for my home. I also hunt and shoot shoot clays as a hobby, and are considering building my own stocks. Your beautiful work and detailed video was just what I needed. I was definitely on the fence on how to proceed on the fore end portion of it. Your method changed my view completely on how to go about it. Thanks so much for making and sharing this video. I'm sure other woodworkers feel the same. Your an outstanding artist. Please continue your passion, we all love it. Danny Everett

[@KelleyMakes]

The fore end was a total situation of “winging it” for me! Thank you for the kind words and best of luck with your project

[@Dagrond]

You must have the patience of Jobe to do all that checkering. Hat's off!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you! It was about 15 hours of checkering total.

[@stevieg.4816]

Bravo, I know the feeling of feeling like your getting in over your head. It takes determination , gut's and intestinal fortitude and you have all of these gifts.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! 😄

[@pramagli]

Wow. Just wow! Beautiful project and a beautiful result. Congratulations.

[@brianwhite7686]

Watching you make that was therapeutic. Nicely done!

[@KelleyMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian!

[@markcandrl6039]

I’ve done this a few times with my own vintage restorations and the pleasure I experienced watching your efforts brought back the memories. You have a wonderful gift and I hope you already have your eye on the next project. Well done 👍🏻

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you very much for the compliment mark!

[@lawrencehud]

Wow! your "work arounds" and creative approach were truly impressive. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Lawrence!

[@ebayollis]

I was shocked how good it looked after you were done with the finish. Then i was blown away were you done the checkering as well...great job and beautiful work

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you josh!

[@Mimek442]

My day job is inletting and shaping custom gunstocks. For a first stock this is absolutely incredible, hopefully you do another!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much Michael!

[@A.R.American1]

As a guy who has been doing gun smithing for many years i am impressed. Very nice job

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks friend!

[@defomatt2684]

Incredible. Nicely done

[@kevingaddis7276]

Young lady you have done a fantastic job with that. Iv been making one of a kind pieces of furniture most of my life. Your work is above mine.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much Kevin!

[@daermon1000]

Awesome work Kelley, that looks beautiful. Much ❤ Joanne in the UK

[@justre73]

Kelley this is absolutely incredible and truly inspiring - you never cease to amaze me with your commitment to your goals and ability to achieve excellence in anything you put your mind to. So excited to see what you do next!!!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Justin for the support as always!!

[@duckdog38]

Very beautiful work!

[@jerrymarcum9981]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for making it.

[@SteaminPile]

Amazing work!

[@Babooze]

Wow! You make me want to give it a try! Great job!

[@jtothefx]

Wow. Looks great

[@davidbaldree1043]

Great job! Truly an upgrade to your mossberg! Looking forward to more of your clean and straight forward videos. Really enjoyed watching!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much David! Hopefully I’ll be posting the next one in the next week or so!

[@markyuknek2634]

Wow Kelley. Inspirational video and great detail on the woodwork.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much mark!

[@ronjones8580]

that was one of the prettiest stocks i've ever seen! great wood grain, sharp colors and an excellant job by the woodcrafter! you should really be proud of that the rest of your life and it will trully be a treasure when you pass it down to your family.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much Ron! I got very lucky with the quality of the blank!

[@markthompson9495]

Well done video and stock making!

[@Craig77777]

Absolutely beautiful well done

[@tigranchukhuryan7466]

Great job Kelley! Bravo

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@scottswineford6714]

Beautiful work

[@randyphillips1275]

Fantastic job, really enjoyed your video

[@usnchief1339]

Great job!

[@robgalbraith384]

Very impressive craftsmanship. I am starting a late 1800's family farm gun. I have already fixed the metal, and now on to the wood. Thank you for your video.

[@KelleyMakes]

Best of luck to you!

[@eddierodriguez1103]

You were very courageous at this level of a project. Confidence shows in your final stock project. Congratulations

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Eddie!

[@Th3Su8]

I think you did a really great job on the gun stock. I really like your choice of wood species as well. Checkering is one of those things that I am not sure I would have the patience for. Again, great job, and keep inspiring.

[@KelleyMakes]

The checkering took roughly 15 hours for me to complete, and now looking back I see things I would change! Thank you so much for watching

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Thank You for sharing your great work with fine music as well! I’ve been a cabinetmaker many years and I believe you did very well. I’ve done some checkering enough to know how complex it can be but the main tool is patience, as you found out I’m sure. Figured walnut is so beautiful and your stock is Beautiful! Thanks Again, Many Blessings and Good Shootin! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much davey jo! Cabinet makers have my respect! Everything must be so precise.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

@@KelleyMakes You should talk Brother Peter! You have some very precise work yourself in quite a few areas! Master of Kelly Station.

[@markr9895]

Wow! Just wow! Amazing!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you!

[@samgreason4449]

Very impressive!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you 🙏

[@robertqueberg4612]

Young lady, From my seat on the couch, and after about sixty years since I started a toolmaking career, and helping a gunsmith get started, I would give you high marks. As you well know, it is impossible to finish a challenge that you avoid. I did enjoy your presentation very much. For your next video, you could start engraving. There are some very talented ladies, producing beautiful work. Stock making, checkering, and engraving can be satisfying and lucrative carriers for women, as there is not a lot of physical strength required.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks for the kind words! I might do some kind of engraving work somewhere down the line. Next I’m going to tackle part 2 of my violin making series ☺️

[@adrianjackway5138]

Great work kelly , i,d certainly be proud to sign my name on that piece of work. dropped here buy accident as ive got my grandfathers browning pump with a broken butt , ive thought about doing and certainly has given me the inspiration.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! Getting started is the hardest part!

[@lincolneasleyable]

Amazing work

[@jeffrycarper7286]

You did an outstanding job!!!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@stevegodfrey44]

Best looking stock I've ever seen on a 500, nice job !

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks Steve!

[@stevegodfrey44]

@@KelleyMakes It was very entertaining, so Thank You

[@arthurcushing-fj7eg]

Wow! I have a Browning BPS 12 ga., that I want to restock, and this video has really helped me with better understanding, as to how to do it. I never tried checkering, and I think it would take a lot of practice to get it right. Getting both sides of the stock and forearm, is a little difficult, but necessary, for the checkering to look right. I really appreciate this video, and your talent, and clear explanation, as to how to do it- you give me confidence! Thanks, Art.

[@KelleyMakes]

I’m glad to hear that art! Best of luck to you

[@rabidturnip78]

There is no more beautiful wood than hand finished walnut

[@KelleyMakes]

I agree!

[@simonDon6645]

Great effort for your first stock. I really liked how you didn’t hold back or compromise your design especially the checkering.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much Simon!

[@jeffe.9904]

Great Job!

[@toddgillison7210]

GORGEOUS piece of wood, and beautiful craftsmanship!! Nice work!!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@jasonnorthcutt3771]

I'm just an old hillbilly, but I worked a little with wood. And I think you done a fine job. And I guarantee you your children will cherish that shotgun!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you Jason!

[@markwayne6940]

What a nice labor of love. Never quit!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much mark! I’ll never quit!

[@neilis2405]

Absolutely beautiful work. What's great is that you can tell that for some of the stuff you were doing it the "non-established" way and figuring it out but still achieving wonderful results in the end.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! Yeah, i winged it pretty much the entire time, haha. Thanks for watching

[@theodorehowe2262]

Your wood working skills are amazing to watch, beautiful job on your first project ❤😊

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you, Theodore!!

[@francsg7622]

Wow, very impressive. Please keep them coming. I enjoyed it.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much! I’m currently preparing and researching for my next project.

[@rickstrandberg6398]

Wow, definitely impressed! Good job❤

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much Rick!

[@andrewclayton2330]

Great work on the stock and the video.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks so much, Andrew!

[@stephenmorgans7116]

Well done. It looks awesome. If that is your first project it's going to be interesting to see what other firearm content your channel provides. Thank you.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks for watching Stephen!

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Beautiful work. I enjoy woodworking and have felt that I could definitely make my own stock. You are inspiring me to do it.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you! And that’s fantastic! You should definitely give it a try.

[@Madd_fat]

I, too, like to DIY and make things. Always wanted to do a stock for my ol’ lever gun. I’ve watched a bunch of videos. This is the best I’ve seen. Mostly because you weren’t telling us how to do it, only showing us how YOU did it. Thankyou.

[@KelleyMakes]

Thank you so much! You should definitely give it a try. I had a few moments where I was tearing out my hair a bit but overall the process went smoothly.

[@gfkusaka]

That was Spectacular !!

[@KelleyMakes]

Thanks Gary!

[@CasperEngineering]

This is awesome. Thank you.