I have a Borchardt LR buttstock that has three small knots that have checked a small amount. The knots go thru to the other side but have only checked on the one side. I have had the stock for about 10 years and the checking has not spread. I was thinking about just filliing the cracks with Acruglass, but was wondering if I should relieve the cracks first. Any suggestions?

If the knots are solid in the stock, you may be able to use a colored wax to fill the checking on the one side, allowing the wood to move with humidity.  You'll have to repeat the process as the wood shrinks and grows.

David
Montezuma, IA

I just took some measurements and the two larger knots are .360 in dia. And the cracks are .45” in length thru the center of the knots. These two are centerline and 2” down from the comb and 2” up from the bottom. The forward knot is 1” behind the pistol grip and the rear one is 2.5” from the buttplate. The small knot is .5” above and .80” behind the rear large knot and has started to crack at the bottom of the knot which is .20 in dia. The small knot and the large rear knot have only surface cracks. The knot behind the pistol grip is the worst. This crack actually penetrates into the wood .5”. This one I think I have no choice but to glass to close. The other two I am going to use the wax method and see just how both methods hold up. All three knots are soild in the wood.

I am really not out anything except the time it took to finish. When I bought the action, it came with two buttstocks. One finished and this one in the rough. This stock is ½” longer w/the higher comb. Much better pull length for my long, lanky self. 

Thanks for taking the time and the advice.

Craig