Need SW 16 ga restocked

[Dblgunnut]

I'm looking for recommendations on someone to restock my 16 ga field gun. It is currently pg, but I would like to change it to a straight grip. Any suggestions?

[Silvers]

JMO and trying to be helpful. Not what you want to hear but I'll reply to you straight up. Good authentic Fox stockers and especially to include a conversion to straight grip, are pretty busy and with very long queue times. They don't need to advertise. Names/contact info are generally held close to the chest and shared between good Fox friends. Maybe. Why is that? Simply because the more people added in queue the longer it takes for regular customers to get their work done. Thus the chance of someone - who just registers here as a "user"- getting good dope on this or that stock man is pretty low. Witness that so far 33 people have viewed this thread and no stocker names have been forthcoming. Sorry but that's the way it is. Your best bet is to become a Fox member and regular poster who shares as well as asks, and befriend some of the regulars here thru PM's etc. frank

[Jeff S]

Frank’s response is accurate. For instance VFI in Grand Rapids, MI does great work, but at this moment they aren’t accepting new projects. Since I’ve never had a gun restocked, my response may lack credibility, but the blank, woodwork, and new tang would likely exceed $2,000 (conservatively). A shop in Traverse City has a restocked, straight grip 16 ga. listed for$3,900. That’s a lot of money, but you might have that much invested in your project when it’s done anyway. And, no lead time. Just something to ponder….

[vaturkey]

Its probably much easier to find a stocker then it is to find a stocker and metal smith. Most stockers I know don't do metal work, so you are likely into a two stage process. First a metal smith to make your long straight triggerguard (assuming you want a long one) and then that goes with the rest of the metal work to the stocker. Lots of good stockers out there. A source that can provide both is the American Custom Gunmakers Guild. Here is their website. Any stocker or metalsmith on there is going to be pretty darn good or they wouldn't be members. Also agree with Frank and Jeff that the best way to obtain info is to become a member of the Fox Collectors. Short money for what you get out of it long term.

https://www.acgg.org/

[Silvers]

Adding to replies by Jeff and Tom; the last Fox I had restocked and converted to straight grip by cutting and adding metal to the original tg tang, cost me something like $3.5 K not including the wood which wasn't cheap. Granted I was particular and wanted the work to look original and especially the proportions and contours of the buttstock. Also I’ve seen too many Fox sg conversions with long tangs that didn’t look right and some downright goofy. So I measured an original straight grip/long tang tg over every inch of its run and gave that to the man. That craftsman did a superb job at the wood and metal work but last we talked he wasn't taking on any new full stocking work. That's another thing that's happened over the past few years ..... less and less good stock men, more and more available work, and a number of stockers out there who aren't Fox Masters but they can talk a good pitch. Not a good situation for someone just getting into custom Foxes and willing to spend some bucks provided the gun will look/feel like a Fox. Choose carefully ......

Now 133 views of this thread with no names of good stock men. Some proportion of those may have a current or future interest in getting a Fox done up. And that’s why good names are almost never shared in public. frank

[bbman3]

Donnie Genes at Show Me Gunstocks. Bobby

[MC1952]

I agree that very few folks here are going to give you any advice that will just make their projects more difficult. I’ve only had one custom stock done and it was on the advice of a longtime member here who is a close friend and hunting partner.
And I won’t even give you his name, much less the stocker’s name.
Stick around. Contribute. Make a few friends.

[Dblgunnut]

Thanks BBMAN3!

BTW I am a member.

[fox-admin]

Brian Dudley BMD Gunstocks could handle your restock or maybe converting a pistol grip to straight. He could handle both the wood and metal work. I'm not sure if Brian is taking on new work last year he was not. Dan May Classic Gunstocks is also very good. It will be an expensive endevor.

[Cgdawkins69]

I’m looking as well I’ll keep my eyes open if I find someone I’ll get with all good luck.

[67galaxie]

I would keep an eye out for a straight gripped gun. It just seems easier all the way around. If that is not for you keep an eye on ebay for a straight stock and a trigger guard. One for a 12 that needs some love just popped up