kelhawk
07-09-2011, 03:16 PM
I would recommend this only to those with considerable DIY skills, but I produced a durable and pleasing camo stock using camo T-shirt material stretched and "tacked" in place with super glue, then "wet-out" with clear fiberglass resin. Of course after wetting out you daub off the excess resin to dull the finish. I did this back in the 1980's and at that time had to use the old woodland camo pattern.
Those stocks have held up great for over 30 years, with no delaminating or fading, just some nicks and bumps. Keep in mind that the material will appear slightly darker when the resin is applied, i.e., it will look like a wet T-shirt. I tried pre-bleaching the material but it affected the colors and contrast more than the "wet look" did. I have in mind to try again using Mossy Oak Brush on my Titan GP. The relatively light colored pattern may not darken appreciably. One advantage is improved grip texture. One disadvantage is added weight.
Practicing on something is recommended, although the most difficulty is tacking the dry material on so there is full contact with the stock and it is not pulled off concave surfaces by stretching. The front of the grip area is a prime example. I placed the seams at the top of the stock, just inside the barrel channel and opposite of the cheekrest. Here the edges are overlapped and the overlapped edge is purposely cut jagged.
As a DIY camo stock finish I doubt if it can be beat. With all the different patterns now available...I should be making a living doing this...
If anyone needs further tips on how to do this, I'd be happy to oblige.
Those stocks have held up great for over 30 years, with no delaminating or fading, just some nicks and bumps. Keep in mind that the material will appear slightly darker when the resin is applied, i.e., it will look like a wet T-shirt. I tried pre-bleaching the material but it affected the colors and contrast more than the "wet look" did. I have in mind to try again using Mossy Oak Brush on my Titan GP. The relatively light colored pattern may not darken appreciably. One advantage is improved grip texture. One disadvantage is added weight.
Practicing on something is recommended, although the most difficulty is tacking the dry material on so there is full contact with the stock and it is not pulled off concave surfaces by stretching. The front of the grip area is a prime example. I placed the seams at the top of the stock, just inside the barrel channel and opposite of the cheekrest. Here the edges are overlapped and the overlapped edge is purposely cut jagged.
As a DIY camo stock finish I doubt if it can be beat. With all the different patterns now available...I should be making a living doing this...
If anyone needs further tips on how to do this, I'd be happy to oblige.