Bark inclusion ideas

[Texcl2]

So I bought a kibler SMR today with a bark inclusion in the comb. I was wondering what you guys think I should do about it. I’m inclined to file it out and make a patch to fill it but what are my other options? Have yall seen any other authentic patches such as black pine pitch fillers? Should I just stabilize it and call it a feature, lol. I know the easy thing is to fill it with black epoxy and call it good but epoxy wasn’t around in the 1800’s. I’m going to use a couple coats of iron nitrate stain and make it pretty dark. Here’s a picture of it…..

 

[Phil Coffins]

I would cut it out and fill with a plug of the same wood. A shape of wood that would blend the grain.

 

[SDSmlf]

I’m inclined to file it out and make a patch to fill it but what are my other options?

No to the patch idea in my opinion. And is it a bark inclusion or a bug hole, not that it matters? Not being structural, I would just finish the stock however you planned and in your words, ‘call it a feature’ and enjoy it. Makes your gun unique.

Remember, back in the day, all stock wood was perfect and defect free…., wasn’t it?

 

[Texcl2]

It’s a bark inclusion. the issue I see with a patch is due to the staining it’ll stand out more but, it would be authentic. I sort of like well done patches on old guns, and they seem to have held up a couple hundred years in some cases. I wonder if they would have even bothered with a patch on a basic southern rifle? It’s a pretty small void. I need to email Kiblers tomorrow and ask for a piece of scrap to get thrown in if they have some, just in case, plus it’s nice to have for testing finish but for now I’m really on the fence.

 

[SDSmlf]

I sort of like well done patches on old guns, and they seem to have held up a couple hundred years in some cases.

Patches well done on old guns are unique and add to the character of the gun. As long as you plan to ‘age’ or ‘antique’ the gun, it would look ok to good to me. I just don’t care for patches on otherwise pristine new looking guns. Just one uneducated individual’s opinion stating what they prefer and like. Ultimately your gun, so have at it as you please. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Texcl2]

It will definitely be darker and aged.

 

[SDSmlf]

It will definitely be darker and aged.

I’ve seen photographs of guns ‘aged’ with what appeared to be a poor rattle can camouflage job, and the artist getting upset when folks didn’t love it. Aging a gun is an art form in my opinion. Check out some of Mike Brooks’ guns for examples. There are others, though their names escape me at the moment.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Was that stock a second? If not contact them. If so, you will need a good patching. Filler won’t look good with a hole that size.

 

[2 shots]

let it be. its a poor boy right? i dont think a
'period' owner would have given it a second thought.he would have more pressing stuff to worry about.

 

[Trev]

Interesting responses.
How would one patch such a piece? That dark line running forward and down from the hole must be ingrown bark too?

 

[rusticbob]

Leave it be, it’s the woods character.

 

[mikeinpa]

As a former wood turner I can tell you that my nicest pieces had bark inclusions or natural bark edges. But it is strictly a matter of personal preference, after all, when it's done it's your name on the piece.

 

[Tumbledown]

Did you know it had the inclusion when you bought it?

 

[Texcl2]

Yes, I knew it had a bark inclusion, it was a B grade and don’t worry no spray paint will be involved lol. I look at it as a challenge, it’ll look good when it’s done one way or another. It’ll be on the lines of this gun I just finished, used but not abused….

 

[Texcl2]

Also here is a gun I recently patched before and after, if I had shaded the lock plate with bone black it would been mostly unnoticeable but it’s my hunting gun so don’t mind it now, it was my first patch like this…..

 

[RedPoin]

looks purdy enjoy it id fill it with clear

 

[ChuckJonesWagon]

Find a silver coin. Beat it flat and polish it up. Heat it, bend it to fit and inlay it.

 

[FlaminCrow]

Stock has some strong curl?
Fill and work the stain to blend.

 

[FlaminCrow]

You do a great job working your stains, with that curl I would just recommend fill and blend.
I have a stock that Jim had filled the inclusion, don’t even see it.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

Mine had this inclusion. I was skeptical and talked with Jim. He said it would be fine and hardly noticeable after I finished the gun. He was right. In fact it blended right in. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of that side of the stock handy right now.