Custom Guns

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Holy smokes I stumbled into this video just from auto play. Your videos continue to amaze me. First class presentations and guns and topics !

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Edward!

[@aaronbuckmaster7063]

I have many different types of wood. The finish I like the most is a long process, but a multiple layered hand rubbed oil finish looks beautiful. It doesn’t have a high sheen. It does however, bring out the beauty of the color and wood grain.

[@georgesheffield1580]

It doesn't look like a clear plastic covering

[@missey316]

I got lucky back 8 years ago and purchased a mauser 98 action done by Roy Vail he was out of Warwick NY. Unfortunately he had a sad ending. But a credit to his workmanship of producing Beautiful stocks and engravings was absolutely amazing. The caliber is 220 Swift and I have never shot it. She just sits in my gun safe only to be brought out every 6 months to lubricate and polish. Peace to you and have a great Christmas and Happy new year.

[@johnjuiceshipper4963]

Content is great as always, but the production quality on your videos just keeps improving! Sound and lighting seem to keep getting better with each video, and your cameraman plays along with your movements very well. I hope you get a lot more subscribers coming your way.

[@andymerk6017]

I agree fully this guy is great !!

[@thetoneknob4493]

wen i made a target stock for my ranger mod 36 22rf its really a marlin mod 80,i traced the outline used a drill to drill holes surrounding the peremiter out the outline.then i use a saw blade to cut out the rough shape then i start carving with a sharp pocket knife then insetting with a set of hobby chisels,and rough filing with a rasp to refine and further shape the proportions and set the angles. after that the action is fitted and the stock is sanded to a fine polish making sure i steam out and shave off all of the whiskers along the way or the oil wont penetrate how it needs to. then linnseed oil is applied in coats and then sanded back and then hand rubbed one final time. then its set to cure for a day or two before its hand polished with axle grease until it looks like glass and then i call it done..lol and it took no more than a few small hand tools to achieve a excellent outcome..do you have a Facebook i can send you photos of how it turned out.its a unique one off target stock made from fine black walnut that had a defect in it but was really cool looking still. and the Finnish will age like fine furniture dose.it worked out so well that i finished my guitar this way wen i made it witch again turned out fantastic!

[@kennethbailey2616]

Great video as usual! Jim Borden of Pennsylvania builds superb rifles as does Randy Selby of Wapiti, Wyoming. I built a 10/22 using a Dan Lilja barrel. A real tack driver. My 1k yd BR rifle was built by Mr. Borden using a Schneider barrel. You can’t go wrong with Shilen or many other makers. I marvel at the skill of these custom builders!

[@strartur]

As I was told by a German gunsmith in 2019 (discussed ordering a M98 sporter), Heym apparently still "cold-forges" / "cold-hammers" its barrels. The other big German barrel maker, Lothar Walther, apparently "button-rifles" its barrels.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Artur - I had to look that up - and he's correct. As you may know - hammer forging involved placing the barrel over a mandrel which has the rifling and bore and twist - all the features of the internal barrel - and then hammers literally pound the barrel to take on the shape of the mandrel inside - a dramatic and excellent barrel making method. Button rifled barrel makers pull a button through the already drilled bore and the rifling is "pressed" into the steel. Interesting that Heym has stuck with hammer forging. Thanks for the note.

[@strartur]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thanks for your elaborated reply. I believe it's common ground in the industry, that a forged barrel "lives" longer. But I believe it takes a hunter's whole life to "shoot out" a rifle barrel. Sauer in its Eckernförde days also had hammered their and Weatherby's barrels, don't know how they do it now within the Blaser group. Apparently Steyr also sticks to forging, with the hammer marks being a distinct trademark of their products. I used to have a Steyr SBS 96 a decade ago with definitely a forged barrel. Anyways, thanks for your great videos and channel 👍

[@russellmiller212]

That Heym blank is just the right diameter for my 1,000 yard match rifle! So nice to know someone who is familiar with names of great quality firearms manufacturers at home and abroad...even if abroad is home during specific periods.

[@chrismckay9923]

Kia Ora Gary, Chris from New Zealand here. I enjoy your videos very much. & it was really nice to hear my country mentioned in this one. We are still in the 21st century not that well known, I was surprised that you had walnut wood from here, not that we don't have the trees but they are not native to here. We have some incredible wood here that's unique to here. But yes walnut & maple seem to be the mainstay for guns. Dont suppose you could do a video on BSAs ? Got a .270 monarch of them & Mannlicher luxus 30.06 both great guns for going out the back & getting a kai ( feed) for the whanau ( family). Nga mihi ki kite ano ( kind regards & see you later) Chris McKay

[@ronmartin3755]

The camera is picking up a very good picture of how those stocks will look when finished and on a firearm. Good job. I really enjoy your videos. Great presentation and your delivery is soft and knowledgeable. By that I mean you come off as someone who knows what you are talking about without being pompous. Thank you for such great videos, Sir. Your blank that is labeled 1501 is a beautiful Marble Cake. Those pieces of wood are very expensive!!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Ron - you're right - the wood is valuable; and thanks for the good words! Take care.

[@paulsimmons5726]

"Limited only by your imagination and budget..." While I really appreciate a beautiful stock, your remark about someone being too worried to want to hunt with gorgeous piece of rifle-art pretty much sums it up for me. I love your videos because you show and discuss things I'd like to know more about. Perhaps when I win the lottery I'll get you to walk me through the steps. Yep, just need that lucky ticket! Thanks for the tips and insight though on high grade stock blanks, some of those pieces you displayed were jaw droppers! They'd look magnificent with a richly blued bolt gun and a triple-leaf mid-rear sight, pure old-school safari style.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Paul, I like every word you wrote. Of all the things one can buy, a fine rifle or shotgun somehow carries that extra special meaning. Must be that our guns are with us in the woods or marshes - the wild places - and opening day or any hunting day; friends and family and accomplishing something far from the usual routine of life. I've found that there are many types of lotteries in life and for most of them, one does not need to buy a ticket. You've probably already won. I'd be delighted to talk gun building with you one day.

[@rramramirez9323]

@USOG . Another great video. Again I appreciate your passion for the art. Fine furniture is what gives a classic firearm it's beauty and makes it a fine collectible to be cherished for generations. My children already have their eyes on some of my firearms though I don't have much of a collection. Some guns have more sentimental value as they have been handed down for 2 generations. I have been mostly an upland hunter and competitor with my pointing dogs, Brittanys. I bought my first Browning Citori over 30 years ago and fell in love with the quality, durability, reliability, and the fit and finish. I later acquired an A-Bolt Hunter in a 22-250 with nice American Walnut. I recently acquired another Browning Citori 725 Sporter 12GA shotgun. You mentioned in this video some manufacturers fill in pores or in my experience with my new 725 Citori, Browning didn't sand the stocks and or fill in the pores. One gun dealer suggested I buy a really inexpensive Turkish shotgun with higher grade wood, which has similar mono-bloc design and dimensions as one of my Brownings. As the sales rep stated if the wood can't be custom fit you will still have another nice looking shotgun for less than the costs to refinish my stock. I don't think you have ever mentioned your name and I respect your privacy it you haven't. USOG what would you advise someone who would like to start or add to a gun collection. Thank you

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Rram - first of all thank you for writing! You have a wonderful start to your collection and investment. The blend of sentimental and practical is how I found so much meaning in guns and their uses, history and art. Browning is a great brand. Citoris have gone up in value dramatically. In the rifle line, the Browning Safari in both the Mauser and Sako actioned models are desirable and useful. There is a push feed Mauser variant in the Safari line as well. One has to watch out for salt wood guns though. Some Brownings had stocks with salt in the wood - which rusted the metal - quite often difficult to see until the gun is taken apart. I've seen some really bad rust. The Auto 5 shotguns are undervalued and not only are good to trade and make some money on, but are also fun and effective to use. The bottom eject Browning S/A .22s are excellent as well. There are several books out there on the value of all the thousands of different guns out there. I like the Browning Double Automatic - some people sell them for very little. There are so many Brownings alone. As you can imagine, I could write for a long time and would love to. Probably the best advise is to continue with what you've been doing. Check out the online dealers; visit shows and gradually one gets a sense of what's what in the endlessly interesting gun world. Winchesters are always good. Pre-merger/acquisition Marlins have soared as have earlier Remingtons. Ithaca 37s change hands at embarrassing prices - and will go up. Specific models are gold - Winchester Pre-64 Model 70s and 94s, special feature 1886s or any 1886; 1895s - condition rules. I know some collectors that only collect Winchesters, others only Remington or Marlin, or English shotguns or Howdah pistols ... and on and on. Hope this helps. I am grateful that you like the channel. Please keep in touch.

[@rramramirez9323]

My sincere appreciation for your reply and valuable information. I have been researching some of the models you referennced. I was intrigued by the Double Auto's design and engineering and will continue researching the various configurations manufactured. From what I understand only 67K were manufactured due to competition from it's siblings the Superposed and Auto A5. Do you have any favorite paid or unpaid resources (books, websites) for collector information including manufacturing data, collectibility, and valuation. I appreciate you sharing some of your methods/strategies for a gun collector.

[@kennethbailey2616]

I just had some grips for my Ruger Vaquero Bisley made from burled buckeye. It is much nicer than the plastic “ivory” grips that came with the revolver. The man who made them only does single action revolvers and 1911s. He even offers mammoth ivory! I’m sending him some elk antlers that we pick up in the spring.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Kenneth - birdseye maple is one of the prettiest woods there is. You must have just about the nicest Vaquero grips ever.

[@JaysonTuntland]

One of the best parts about custom guns is looking for and at nice wood.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Maybe the best part Jayson : )

[@JaysonTuntland]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thanks for the reply! Did you receive my email about the Hagn actions by any chance? I am sure you are constantly inundated with messages. Just wanted to make sure I sent it to the right place. - Jayson

[@kennethbailey2616]

I have one custom rifle, it’s my 1k yd BR rifle built by my friend Jim Borden. Of course it’s a kevlar stock but it’s beautiful in its own way. My next custom rifle will be built by Randy Selby of Wapiti, WY. Randy uses Borden actions unless the customer requests something different. I do like Remington actions that have been blueprinted. Carolina Precision Rifles customised a Ruger M77 years ago, it now belongs to my middle son as we did a little horse trading. I would love to have Jim Borden build a hunting rifle for me but he’s in Pennsylvania and I’m in Montana. Randy Selby is only an 8 hour drive from me. I did visit Jim’s shop in PA but I was on a project in Indiana at the time so not too bad a trip. Your videos are excellent and I am learning a lot! Thanks so much.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I'll have to look up Randy Selby. Your rifle sounds great - Kevlar is very practical - even if it is not walnut. I'm glad my channel is useful!

[@kennethbailey2616]

USOG Randy has a KZbin channel. It’s called The Real Gunsmith

[@kennethbailey2616]

I love the Mauser action as you do, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Domestic actions also intrigue me. Borden makes a fantastic action both for hunting and BR rifles. The “Borden Bumps” is quite famous in the BR world. Of course Kelbly makes great ones, too many to mention here. I look for actions that are used by precision shooters and I figure if they use them then that says a lot about them. Kinda like NASCAR selling automotive products. Race on Sunday, sell on Monday.

[@turkey0165]

A custom firearm with the finest wood Is artwork reserved for something like a fine museum for the class of conservatives to admire and love ❤️ appreciate adore in the Louvre ! Thanks for the video 📹 🍸

[@TakeDeadAim]

One of my favorite woods is birdseye maple. I have two pre 64 mod 70 Super grades dressed in those maple stocks and they really stand out amongst the other dark woods!

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Love maple wood stocks

[@leeadams5941]

I really loved this, could you go into the blueing process and how they get the top grade blueing that looks twenty feet deep

[@pseudopetrus]

A very well known hunter here in Canada, he teaches and does seminars and such as well as taken a record size whitetail told me that he likes wood because he has found that in winter his hands get too cold holding a synthetic stock. The wood does not draw as much heat out of your hands. I guess that would be personal preference, and you could wear heavy gloves and all, but I do love wood, even old guns with a bit of wear and tear. Wood has such a beautiful look and feel. Thank you for the lesson on gun wood.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I agree with the hunter. Something about wood - there is life in it - or used to be. Those long hours in the stand or by the trail or still hunting ; a warm walnut stock and trusted rifle - it all makes sense and fits. I understand though - to make that 5-900 yard shot one needs a machine with maybe a 20 MOA rail and a Nightforce or what have you scope - I've done that shooting too - that's not an easy game. When it matters though, you'll find me rifle in hand on a snowy evening watching his woods fill up with snow - and I may fire and I may not. I think most hunters know why we're here.

[@pseudopetrus]

Well said!

[@jeffreyreardon7487]

another great video, mate

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Jeffrey! And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag: "You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me." Do I hear that song?

[@Mauser_.]

Excellent! You have great blanks that would be worth a fortune :)

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hey Mauser - one of the mysteries of this great creation - that silent pieces of wood can carry so much beauty.

[@lpanades]

If you come to Brasil you will get crazy with our woods. There are several precious woods here.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Luis! I'll have to learn more about Brazilian woods : )

[@lpanades]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You will not regret about this.

[@craigbrown4932]

I'm troubled by you exclusion of the Walnut from the "walnut capitol of the world", Claro, Calif. A "mecca" for custom gunstock wood. Claro walnut, French, and Bastogne.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Craig - shame on me. Claro is a great walnut with probably the most figure per dollar available. Possibly a little softer to checker - you're right - I should have mentioned Claro. I just didn't have any : (

[@ragnar338]

Thank You, i would like a in depth look into wood and finish. Horrido!

[@rickbattle5706]

Very enlightening! Had no idea that was the process. I learned a lot. Many thanks. Vids are taking on a professional quality. Nice! :-)

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Rick, I keep on pedaling : ) I remember your early advice and am always glad to see your comments.

[@bobscruggs8886]

Great video

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Bob

[@SWEmanque]

Have you ever tried to use walnut from Sweden? I wonder if the cold would make the wood better/more beautiful or the other way round.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I would try it in a heartbeat! Where can I buy a blank? Please let me know.

[@SWEmanque]

I wish I could give you a simple answer. No internet based store seem to have it, although that might bjust be an indicator that they don't have enough of it to let it take up space in a webb-page. I think it is one of those "ask around untill you find the right person for your problem" kind of deal. I know there is Walnut grown here, so there must be a seller somewhere.

[@robertbrandywine]

What about Circassian Walnut?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Probably the best of them all. Some people call it Turkish walnut but you're right - it grows in other places and should be named by type not my place.

[@cpborrelli]

Should do a video on fitting firearms for lop etc

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Good idea!

[@craigleibbrand7761]

LOVE WOOD Any kind that's suitable for a gun stock.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Craig - We're on the same page!

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I think burl walnut is beautiful. Is that even a possibility for a gun stock?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Yes - I made them myself - sometimes there are voids and fractures to be filled - but they more or less disappear. Also - a good idea to internally reinforce through the grip from the inside.

[@MrPh30]

And check with builders if they have a price estimate that dont suddenly rise unexpectedly.

[@MrPh30]

Or if they give one price first, and them suddenly moments later suddenly add more and more.

[@MrPh30]

I have a oilfinished Fajen Black Walnut stock on a rifle, the buttstock is black ,brown i color. There is nice wood on it, but i have to use the flash at the camera to see the grain,so dark it is.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

You are so right - one has to be sure the final price is agreed to and everyone understands the details of the gun being ordered/built. Thankfully, I've found most gunmakers to be honest people. Your stock must be one of those rich, dark figured black walnut stocks - these can be very special. Sometimes I take a bright light and sort of look into the wood as if I was looking into a well - it is surprising how much beauty one can see inside.

[@MrPh30]

USOG i will make a little film of it later and show .

[@roeng1368]

Great video USOG. I was looking at some high end shotguns in a shop recently, Beretta dt's, Blasers and Perazzi's. All had very average walnut, very little figure at all, disappointing. In comparison i seen an old Purdey hammergun that was found in an attic, and the wood was stunning even though the gun was basically scrap. Polyurethane rattle cans ? They are for barbarians !

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Isn't it amazing to have come so far and yet what we had a hundred years ago carried to much more meaning. I'm wondering where meaning has gone or is going in this age of technology. I 'm glad you're watching and know what I'm trying to say and show and share on my channel.

[@rjlundeen]

Lucky guy!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I'm grateful for everything. : )

[@captainzeb1969]

Are there any custom hunting rifle makers in Canada that you would recommend? Thanks for making these videos.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Brent - Gary Flach in Langley, BC is one of the finest - and if you want to spend more - Ralf Martini in Creston builds rifles that are unbeatable no matter where you go on this good earth.

[@captainzeb1969]

Thanks!

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

What state are you in?

[@vanelistine8726]

Do you make custom guns? Or why do you have all the wood blocks?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Bishop. Sadly - no time for making guns as I used to many years ago. Still, I like to work on guns - much as most gun men and women do. Once in awhile I'll make a stock or rust blue something but my work is limited by not the best tools or skill; yet I have that creative urge I suppose. The wood blocks are probably a lot like blank canvases in a painters studio. I sort of picture what the wood could be. Thanks for writing.

[@oldgoat1890]

You could see the gun companies going over to straight grained junk walnut when pressed checkering became popular. Most of the new walnut stocks look like cheap, died pine. Hard to beat the look of a nice grained walnut stock, but they are usually heavy.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

"Cheap, died pine" - just about perfect description - although some seem to be improving.

[@oldgoat1890]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I just noticed the "Died" spelling. Ha HA

[@redsky8509]

oil, once an hour for a day, once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year and once a year for life. how I was taught.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Unforgettable. Excellent.

[@dondavis2546]

19 0 3 action Is what I used I have a bull barrel Chambered in 243 Set down and a custom stock

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Awesome Don!