Brownells - Jack Rowe, Master Gunsmith Series, Stock Bending. Part 1

Published on November 10, 2010
Duration: 10:06

This guide details a master gunsmithing technique for bending a firearm stock, as demonstrated by Jack Rowe. It emphasizes meticulous preparation, including disassembly and proper material selection for wrapping, followed by controlled heating using raw linseed oil as a heat conductor. The process requires patience and precision to achieve a permanent bend without damaging the wood.

Quick Summary

Master Gunsmith Jack Rowe demonstrates a precise firearm stock bending technique using raw linseed oil as a heat conductor and 100% cotton cloth for wrapping. Key steps include disassembly, careful material selection to avoid melting or staining, and controlled, intermittent heating with resting periods for deep wood fiber plasticization.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Preparation
  2. 01:26Material Selection for Wrapping
  3. 02:21Removing the Grip Cap
  4. 03:19Wrapping and Securing the Stock
  5. 04:43Selecting and Applying Raw Linseed Oil
  6. 05:39Heating the Stock
  7. 08:27Heat Penetration and Resting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material to use for wrapping a firearm stock during the bending process?

For firearm stock bending, 100% cotton cloth, such as an old t-shirt, is recommended. Avoid polyester blends as they can melt under heat. Also, ensure the cloth has minimal printing or dyes that could leach and stain the wood.

Why is raw linseed oil preferred over boiled linseed oil for firearm stock bending?

Raw linseed oil is preferred because it is non-reactive with traditional firearm bluing. Boiled linseed oil contains additives that can strip the bluing off metal components if they come into contact during the heating process.

How does the heating process work for bending a firearm stock?

The oil-saturated cotton wrap is heated with a gas torch, constantly rotating the stock for even heat. The process is intermittent, involving heating, re-oiling, and resting periods to allow deep heat penetration into the wood fibers for a permanent bend.

What preparation steps are crucial before bending a firearm stock?

Before bending, remove the trigger guard and pistol grip cap. It's essential to replace the guard and grip cap screws into their holes to maintain the screw hole dimensions during the bending process, preventing reassembly issues.

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