Often I’ve heard the argument from hunters that a no wood stock can hold up to the elements. I can only find myself agreeing with that statement to a point. You will find that argument to be somewhat true with factory stocked wood rifles. Why? Basically they finish only the exterior of the stock.
If you remove the barreled action from any factory shotgun or rifle you will find they don’t seal the inletting or the checkering. Thus leaving areas exposed to the elements, surely if they get wet they will swell over time. Fine, I can live with that. Here is the hot button. Folks will see a rifle that is custom stocked rifle and say that is too nice to hunt with!
I find myself taking aim at that statement. More often than not on a custom stock the craftsman never leaves a stone unturned. Sealing the checkering, inletting and exterior is essential. I’ve seen custom stocks finished with the most modern urethane finishes that have spent 2 weeks in the rainy climates of Alaska coming back looking as they just came out of the gun cabinet usually with the exception of a few dings. Dings only add close to a gun in my mind however. Below is an example of a Fine rifle built by Gary Goudy who’s fine rifles and shotguns have been hunted hard in all climates.
Why do I write this, well I will be the first to admit that I like to bring exposure to custom shotguns and rifles. Another reason I write this is if you’re competent enough to take apart your rifle or shotgun you can do your own part is making sure your factory gun holds up to the elements by sealing the checkering and inletting of the stock. More updates to follow for ways you can go about doing this.