Stock Color

[caneman]

I was just looking at a custom - semicustom rifle site and every one of their stocks say "very dark color".

Is this tradition in they didn't use light colors 200 years ago? Is it to make stock flaws less noticable? Is the grain questionable and it disguises it?

As you might guess, I generally prefer light to mid-range colors. Generally.

 

[Zonie]

As some of the rifles I've assembled show, they don't have to be dark.

Although I have made some dark stained rifles, I, like you like the lighter colors.

Were the originals light colored? I tend to think they varied with the maker and the buyers desires.

As those working with Aqua Fortis know, the darkness is a function of how how much heat is applied to the treated wood.

I know some of the original guns were stained to light colors, and the only reason they look dark and black now is the oil finish has oxidized to the black color.

Those wishing to see some color photos of light colored Kentuckys should take a look at the book The Longrifles of Western Pennsylvania by Richard Rosenberger and Charles Kaufmann.
This picture is one of many from that book:

 

[musketman]

Is this tradition in they didn't use light colors 200 years ago?

I think 200 years ago, a light colored stock would stand out more and give your position away to any hostiles looking for you...


Then again, what effects will brightly colored wood do that several pounds of polished brass can't?

 

[caneman]

Thanks Musketman and Zonie. Zonie, those are beautiful examples of curly with wonderful grain patterns. I was curious because I've built and refinishhed some furniture over the years, and have found that all things being equal in the woods themselves, the lighter finishes generally show grain and pattern best. Excellent lighting (daylight) is often needed to view darker woods to their best. I built some tables in walnut with a med/dark finish and while pretty up close in daylight, they fade into a dark mass under lower light conditions.
I (not knowing) would have thought the grain and striping would add to the camo effect for the woodsman of old. The beading and color variety on period clothing would seem to indicate the woodsmen and Indians alike didn't have a problem with brighter color variations for concealability. Of course that could have been an ego thing back then too.

Thanks again. Tinderbox