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Thread: Is there any practical reasons for walnut other than looks

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    Barryg's Avatar
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    Is there any practical reasons for walnut other than looks

    I have no walnut guns and still like them but was wondering why so many rave about walnut, do I need one are there any advantages.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barryg View Post
    I have no walnut guns and still like them but was wondering why so many rave about walnut, do I need one are there any advantages.
    It's lighter in weight than beech and generally has better aesthetic qualities. However, from what I've seen not all walnut is equal by any means. Some are not much prettier than decent beech stocks but, certainly from new, at least, there's a premium to be paid.

    For my part, most walnut doesn't sway me into wanting to pay extra for it. However, every so often one will crop up and I'll find it so attractive I'll want to buy it even though I neither need the gun or can even afford to buy it. So far, I've always managed to resist the temptation.

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    The Walnut stock is usually 1/2 pound ish lighter in weight then the beech stock equivalent.
    They also generally look a lot nicer regarding the grain pattern.
    If oiled nicely they can be maintained easier.
    Les..

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    So apart from looks it's weight thanks, are there any disadvantages to to beech?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barryg View Post
    So apart from looks it's weight thanks, are there any disadvantages to to beech?
    If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
    If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
    Les..
    The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
    But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.

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    Quote Originally Posted by les allam View Post
    If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
    If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
    Les..
    The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
    But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.
    I know what you mean once that lacquer stuff gets scratched not much can be done.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barryg View Post
    I have no walnut guns and still like them but was wondering why so many rave about walnut, do I need one are there any advantages.
    Light
    Stable
    Pretty
    Looking for TO-6 Trigger unit unmessed with or T0-6 kit for 34

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    Is beech not physically stronger ? I'd say it probably is in my experience....

    Open grained walnet cheekpieces are a pain when they catch your stubble
    Always looking for any cheap, interesting, knackered "project" guns. Thanks, JB.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Shed tuner View Post
    Is beech not physically stronger ? I'd say it probably is in my experience....

    Open grained walnet cheekpieces are a pain when they catch your stubble
    Have a shave then before you use the rifle

    Pete
    Far too many rifles to list now, all mainly British but the odd pesky foreigner has snuck in

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    look no hands's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by les allam View Post
    If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
    If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
    Les..
    The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
    But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.
    Exactly as above and as said before, sometimes beech stocks have some amazing grain patterns compared to some walnut stocks.

    Pete
    Far too many rifles to list now, all mainly British but the odd pesky foreigner has snuck in

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    My mk1 meteor has a maple stock I recently read.
    That has some nice grain but subtle.

    Beech when oiled is easier to look after, like walnut.

    I think mostly it's traditional, because of the weight and figuring.

    I did see a lovely tiger striped HW100 on the wall in the shop. That didn't stay there long.
    Repariere nicht, was nicht kaputtist.

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    Chippendale is offline Well stuff me, you live and learn.
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    Think it may depend on the Beech some Beech is a lot lighter than Walnut, some Beech is a lot heavier than Walnut.


    Chippendale (with clothes on)

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    Quote Originally Posted by Chippendale View Post
    Think it may depend on the Beech some Beech is a lot lighter than Walnut, some Beech is a lot heavier than Walnut.


    Chippendale (with clothes on)
    Not really mate, unless there is something wrong with the Beech. Spalting for example.

    Beech weighs 700 to 900kg per cubic metre compared to 570kg for European walnut.

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    Quote Originally Posted by hillbill View Post
    Not really mate, unless there is something wrong with the Beech. Spalting for example.

    Beech weighs 700 to 900kg per cubic metre compared to 570kg for European walnut.
    You are correct, mate, but it depends on which Beech and which Walnut


    Chippendale (with clothes on)

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    Quote Originally Posted by Chippendale View Post
    You are correct, mate, but it depends on which Beech and which Walnut


    Chippendale (with clothes on)
    Is there more than one Beech? I only know of the one.

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