Building yet another NW gun

Pete453 · Feb 11, 2023

I knew that about oil, it works, but not the best, and I like how it's repairable. I'm curious how shellac holds up in wet weather.
When I oil a stock, I use minwax antique oil. The first 2 coats are flooded EVERYWHERE, including pouring some down the ramrod hole, and especially under the buttplate. Then, topcoat with a couple coats of Truoil. My trade gun is done like that, it's been working ok for 20 years so far.
But you're right, shellac is a better sealant against water vapor. Jay Massey used to push shellac and oil mixed for sealing wooden bows. I have yet to try it, maybe I'll try it on an Uberti revolving carbine I have coming. That modern finish looks out of place.
If you want to tint finish, or dye wood, look at TRANS TINT aniline dyes. I use them at work, they're excellent. The brown mahogany is the perfect color in my eyes, brown with red in it. This is it on an elm airgun stock

springfield art · Feb 11, 2023

Rob M. said:
Just some nailed on buttplate pics . I think they are neat looking

Like the butt plate photo! I like how my Curly Gostomsky butt plate is so well fitted and firmly nailed! The Trade Gun thing really gets to you once you get bitten by it!

Rob M. · Feb 11, 2023

Pete453 said:
I knew that about oil, it works, but not the best, and I like how it's repairable. I'm curious how shellac holds up in wet weather.
When I oil a stock, I use minwax antique oil. The first 2 coats are flooded EVERYWHERE, including pouring some down the ramrod hole, and especially under the buttplate. Then, topcoat with a couple coats of Truoil. My trade gun is done like that, it's been working ok for 20 years so far.
But you're right, shellac is a better sealant against water vapor. Jay Massey used to push shellac and oil mixed for sealing wooden bows. I have yet to try it, maybe I'll try it on an Uberti revolving carbine I have coming. That modern finish looks out of place.
If you want to tint finish, or dye wood, look at TRANS TINT aniline dyes. I use them at work, they're excellent. The brown mahogany is the perfect color in my eyes, brown with red in it. This is it on an elm airgun stockView attachment 197317 View attachment 197317

I'm just splitting hairs . Your work looks beautiful and I know a few builders that use oil and their work is gorgeous too . I couldn't tell you how it holds up in rain . The trade gun and I are in the cabin if it is raining !

Rob M. · Feb 11, 2023

springfield art said:
Like the butt plate photo! I like how my Curly Gostomsky butt plate is so well fitted and firmly nailed! The Trade Gun thing really gets to you once you get bitten by it!

Butt pics !! LOL !!

. The NW Fuke is something . Its an ugly little gun but there's something about it that keeps me coming back . It is my favorite trade gun and I like them all .

Jim K · Feb 11, 2023

How does that sharp edge on the stock feel against your face? I’ve never handled one but from the pictures it doesn’t look like it would feel to good. I am enjoying your build pics. Thank you.

Rob M. · Feb 11, 2023

The buttplate against your shoulder ? You dont feel anything unpleasant in the least ....Oh ! The comb ! No , it doesn't hurt on recoil or anything like that . The comb on a Fusil de chasse can really pop you in the cheek but thats because of the drop , no the NW gun is pretty straight pull ,the recoil doesn't pop you .... Funny , just had a customer here last weekend and he asked , worried , about the same thing so I'm makes his with a Willets type comb , more taper at the comb , more rounded .

Jim K said:
How does that sharp edge on the stock feel against your face? I’ve never handled one but from the pictures it doesn’t look like it would feel to good. I am enjoying your build pics. Thank yo

Pete453 · Feb 12, 2023

Rob M. said:
I'm just splitting hairs . Your work looks beautiful and I know a few builders that use oil and their work is gorgeous too . I couldn't tell you how it holds up in rain . The trade gun and I are in the cabin if it is raining !

Thanks for the compliment, that means something coming from a guy that builds nice guns like you do!
I live at the base of Michigan's thumb, we get some weather here. The muzzleloaders in the Lower shoot, rain or shine! Thus my questions. So far, mine is holding up fine, it's ageing like a good woman, it's showing some age and mileage but it shines in my eyes

Pete453 · Feb 12, 2023

Rob, that's some great photography of your gun, I love those natural, outdoor photos. Keep em coming, I'll try to add a few here and there!

Rob M. · Feb 12, 2023

Pete453 said:
Rob, that's some great photography of your gun, I love those natural, outdoor photos. Keep em coming, I'll try to add a few here and there!

Thank you Sir. I struggle with the background and lighting a lot but sometimes I get lucky

mikesto44 · Feb 12, 2023

Rob one thing I learned doing wedding outdoor photography. When in doubt use flash. But that was the days of old 35mm. But I still use flash outdoors with my digital wonder camera....lol

Rob M. · Feb 12, 2023

Pete453 said:
Thanks for the compliment, that means something coming from a guy that builds nice guns like you do!
I live at the base of Michigan's thumb, we get some weather here. The muzzleloaders in the Lower shoot, rain or shine! Thus my questions. So far, mine is holding up fine, it's ageing like a good woman, it's showing some age and mileage but it shines in my eyes

Its a beauty ! I love when they start acquiring some character to them .

springfield art · Feb 12, 2023

Rob M. said:
Butt pics !! LOL !! . The NW Fuke is something . Its an ugly little gun but there's something about it that keeps me coming back . It is my favorite trade gun and I like them all .

I'm tempted to get a MH Tradey; made in India, but has the short 36" bbl. My Gostomsky has the 42" length. Would love to hear from those that ordered and have a Military Heritage Co. Trade Gun. They've been mentioned on this site before.

Rob M. · Feb 23, 2023

springfield art said:
I'm tempted to get a MH Tradey; made in India, but has the short 36" bbl. My Gostomsky has the 42" length. Would love to hear from those that ordered and have a Military Heritage Co. Trade Gun. They've been mentioned on this site before.

Hey ...if you are interested in a like new , from what I can tell , North Star West NW trade gun , 36" barrel , let me know . I can set you up . Its for sale for 1k

springfield art · Feb 24, 2023

Rob M. said:
Hey ...if you are interested in a like new , from what I can tell , North Star West NW trade gun , 36" barrel , let me know . I can set you up . Its for sale for 1k

Hey, thanks, but I'm not in the market at this time. This is a great site for tips and helpful info, I appreciate your post. There's so many fish to fry, Rob M.! Best regards, Springfield Art.

Rob M. · Feb 24, 2023

springfield art said:
Hey, thanks, but I'm not in the market at this time. This is a great site for tips and helpful info, I appreciate your post. There's so many fish to fry, Rob M.! Best regards, Springfield Art.

Your welcome bud , just spreading the word . Wish I had the $ ! Take care.

Rob M. · Mar 8, 2023

Long tall Texan is all done and on its way to the Long Horn State ... 6.40 pounds

TDM · Mar 8, 2023

Beautiful @Rob M. !

Rob M. · Mar 8, 2023

Rob M. · Mar 8, 2023

TDM said:
Beautiful @Rob M. !

Thanks bud . I try ....

Rob M. · Mar 29, 2023

Neat.

Building yet another NW gun

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