Professional Stockmaking: Through the Eyes of a Stockmaker

Anyone who is interested in gunstocking will want to have a copy of this book and my advice is to get it now while it's available at a reasonable price. Books on this topic have a limited audience and do not stay in print perpetually. As a result, the value of this book will only increase (Just look at Al Linden's Restocking a Rifle, it was $60 new in 2006, now it's $250 used).David Wesbrook's text communicates the concepts and techniques of stock shaping with absolute clarity in an in depth, step by step fashion. These excellent written instructions are accompanied by superb photography. As a gunsmith who has specialized in traditional muzzle loading rifles for many years, I am very familiar with the architecture of 18th and 19th Century arms and the design features that make an aesthetically pleasing firearm as apposed to one that lacks style. I was not as familiar with the individual design elements of the modern sporting rifle other than to be able to look at a modern rifle and say "that is a well designed rifle" or "something about that rifle is not quite right." The author explains what these design elements are and why they work to create a visually appealing and functionally sound firearm. This is a book that every Gunsmith should have. If you know a student Gunsmith, I can't think of a better book to give them (and I have read and own many books on the subject).

Planning on building my own and thus has been informative and helpful.

I disagree with reviewers who complained that the book applies only (or mostly) to pre-shaped, semi-inletted stocks. Very little of the material applies solely to pre-shaped stocks, and there is in fact a lengthy and detailed section on stock layout including the determination of pitch, drop at heel and comb, cast-off, and toe-out. It IS true that there is no information about inletting starting from a profiled stock blank, so in that respect the book is incomplete (for that task I would suggest Alvin Linden's book).But what Wesbrook provides, instead, is exhaustive coverage of the use of rasps, files, scrapers, chisels, gouges, and sandpaper -- all amply illustrated with excellent photographs. And all of this is described with meticulous attention to the details that distinguish fine craftsmanship from work that will be complimented by no one other than a loving and generous wife. Indeed, this toolwork coverage is almost tedious -- the same or similar techniques repetitiously described for each small area of the stock. But I learned new tricks even after a lifetime of using all these tools rather extensively in my hobbies. How much would you pay for information that can visibly enhance a project into which you have already sunk >$1000?All of this said, the book has puzzling and occasionally frustrating quirks, beginning with an Introduction that describes a 500-page collection of 7 "books" that is simply not recognizable within the remaining 308 pages. The organization of the material is strange, and one wonders why an author would give so much attention to detail in his writing and photography then fail to proofread carefully. But it would be petty and unfair to dwell on things that don’t really diminish what can be learned from the book if you try. I have no regrets and recommend the book to others who can benefit from the author’s careful descriptions and excellent photographs.

I was hoping the book would go into more detail about creating a stock from scratch rather than a blank, but the information in here is excellent. Definitely improved my woodworking in general as well as an in depth look of a dying art.

Has some good info but I was more interested in the complete design from wood blank this is more how to finish up a rough insetted and rough shaped stock.

Great "instructional manual." Wonderful photos, descriptions of each step, complete listing of needed supplies and materials. The step-by-step format will lead an advanced beginner into a top quality product, provided one takes one's time, reads ahead, and understands why each step is necessary--again, provided one does not try to do too much at any one time. Stay in step!

Some very good information for anyone looking to try to carve out their own rifle stock. Has very good detailed descriptions and a lot of photos.Looking forward to being able to study it more. Good for beginner and a skilled wood worker alike I believe.

While I have been building stocks for years I had not given thought to the whole process. Anyone be they novice or pro will benefit from this volume! I learned! Great Work!