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I have a 1886 Winchester with a plain pistol grip stock. I would like to get the stock and forearm checkered in the Winchester “H” pattern. Does anyone have experience in have a stock checkered?
I know Turnbull can do it. But they are very expensive. I have a guy who does excellent checkering at a reasonable cost. However he does not have the Winchester “H” pattern to copy.
I am asking if someone else knows someone who dies good work at reasonable prices.
Thanks, Richard
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Richard Pike said
I am asking if someone else knows someone who dies good work at reasonable prices.
“Good work at reasonable prices”–that “someone” is going to be snowed under with work! I waited a yr to have similar work done. The man you already know is the best one to do it for you, & you’re lucky you have him as a resource. Can you borrow a “H” pattern stock for him to copy? Or if you can’t borrow it, make a pencil rubbing of the pattern on thin paper.
Richard,
H-pattern checkering was not used on plain stocks. Instead, Winchester used I-pattern checkering on plain wood.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Richard,
H-pattern checkering was not used on plain stocks. Instead, Winchester used I-pattern checkering on plain wood.
Bert
Hi Bert, I have spent some time on the internet trying to find a Winchester “I” checkering pattern for a plain pistol grip stock. Actually I can’t find an “I” checkering pattern on any plain stock, pistol or straight grip. Do you know of a resource?
Thanks, Richard
Type Winchester semi deluxe pistol grip into the internet and pictures can be seen.
There is a semi deluxe 1895 flat side up for auction at Rock Island Auction. It unfortunately is described as “deluxe” but it has plain wood (pistol gripped, tho) with the I pattern checkering. It is lot number 23. Their estimate is based on being “deluxe” and the actual aspect of its being semi-deluxe (Yes, Bert, just common terms not used by Winchester) should have a lower estimate but that won’t change the bidding no doubt. Note the simple diamond of checkering on the forearm and the less extensive coverage and pattern on the grip. The rifles in my collection with the I pattern all are pistol gripped so the pattern would have to be modified for a straight grip. For a pictorial, look at the Madis book in the back. Good, black and white images of the checkering patterns including the I pattern. A good checkerer should be able to work with that alone, I would think. What he would be missing is the lines per inch. I no longer recall but it should be either 22 or 24 lines per inch checkering. Tim
tim tomlinson said What he would be missing is the lines per inch. I no longer recall but it should be either 22 or 24 lines per inch checkering. Tim
I think it’s more like 20 for the simple patterns, but I may be wrong. Before spending $300+, I’d want the stocker to have a full size pattern or tracing to go by; if you can get it done for less than $300, please send me the man’s name!
Richard Pike said
Hi Bert, I have spent some time on the internet trying to find a Winchester “I” checkering pattern for a plain pistol grip stock. Actually I can’t find an “I” checkering pattern on any plain stock, pistol or straight grip. Do you know of a resource?
Thanks, Richard
See the attached picture… it is a “semi-deluxe” Model 1886 rifle, plain wood, I-pattern checkering.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
See the attached picture… it is a “semi-deluxe” Model 1886 rifle, plain wood, I-pattern checkering.
“I” looks so scanty & cheap, I wouldn’t use it on a new checkering job even if it was allegedly “correct.” Esp. on the forearm–if checkering is worth having for improved handling (which it does), it should be on the sides, not the bottom.
What about LPI?
Clarence and others, I got curious so got my 1898 vintage model 1894, semi-deluxe in .32-40 and measured the LPI of its style I checkering. I had problems as I can’t hold the ruler still (some of you know why). I measured at least twice on the forend, which is tough due to the small size of the diamond, and several on the grip. I only counted the grooves for a half inch and ended up with the half inch mark on top of a diamond. While I am used to even numbers of lines per inch from my long gone days of checkering, I rather consistently came up with just about 21 lines per inch. However, someone else may well measure the same rifle and get a slightly different result. Rather frustrating dealing with all the tremors and such. My conclusion would be that since in those days the craftsmen (and that is what they were, or artists maybe) made their own tools often times, there were differences based on who was doing the work. today the checkering tools are machine made and are quite uniform and consistent on the spacing. I have not dug through to find others with the I style to see what they measure, nor have any intent to aggravate myself any further. Take this input for what it may be worth. Tim
Tim, I understand having the shakes. I have them too but not for the same reason. Makes all delicate work tougher. If you look down the side of the checkering almost, if not all, lines are a little wavy. Machine checkering is straight as can be and no chattering.
I’d be surprised if it was actually a set LPI, as my E-grade Remington is around, but not quite 24 LPI. I think they probably laid out the checkering and used a single line checkering tool and went with it, accounting for very small variations in straight lines they made them look good. Without straight edges and measuring, no one would ever know and they would look good when done.
I also can understand the problems holding things, for me I have about zero dexterity anymore, just holding onto things is a challenge for me.
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