Hello All,

I am currently spec-ing out a CPA rifle and now choosing the stock.

I am leaning toward the Stevens 52 pattern.

Wood selection has been more challenging than I anticipated.

Somewhere in my mind there is a thought that the rifle requires a certain historical dignity and respect with regard to the selection of a wood blank for the stock.

There are woods, like Claro walnut, that offer a lot of visual punch, particularly for the price.

Were any old single shots stocked with Claro (or Bastongne) back in the day?

Does that matter?

Is it too garish (personal opinion, I understand)?

Some of the expensive “Turkish” walnut appeals, but is it appropriate here?

I realize this is largely all a matter of opinion, but there is no shortage of those around here, and I a guessing many have pondered these same questions.

Also, it seems that for a righty, the right side is the more important side to choose on, given that the cheekpiece, etc., will tend to obscure a particular pattern, in any case.

John

While "back in the day" there was much more to readily choose from that was American-grown, even east pf the Mississippi, my own research suggests that walnut from England and France was then considered the "best".  Still, whatever the source, in my own mind stability and grain direction are more important than "eye candy", though it's nice to have all three.  So, if it were my project, I'd explain my wants and needs to Cecil Fredi, let him pick 3-4 blanks, and choose from among those with complete confidence.

Bill Lawrence

Bill Lawrence wrote on Oct 19^th, 2018 at 2:56pm:

Hi Bill,

I, literally, just sent three pictures to Cecil, to show him three stocks I like.

If you have a half an hour to kill, here is a link to an interview with Cecil and a tour of his warehouse.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

John

Just remember that you will undoubtedly be adding more barrels for your CPA in the future and will need additional matching forends. I lucked out. Many years before I even knew about CPAs I purchased a stock blank long enough for a full length stock. The wood had just been cut near Ft Collins, Colorado, and the blank weighed over 25 pounds. I waxed the ends and stored it in the basement. Every year on the anniversary of the purchase I reweighed the blank. Between years 9 and 10 there was no additional loss. So when I ordered my CPA with 2 barrels I sent them the blank. They got the 52 butt stock and wood for 3 forends out of it. They kept the third piece for me and used it when I ordered the third barrel a couple of years later. So get some matching foreend wood while you can.

True, but then you decide you'd like one with a 4 weight or maybe even a 2 weight instead of a 3 and you're off on a wood hunt after the fact. And CPA's English walnut blanks are a bargain!

JLouis wrote on Oct 19^th, 2018 at 3:57pm:

1072A sure is a pretty piece of wood.

I have a CPA model # 52 and when I ordered it I got two barrels and both centerfire and rimfire breach blocks. The centerfire barrel is a Shilen 32-40 1:14 twist. The rimfire barrel is a Douglas XX 22lr. I live 5 1/2 hours away from CPA so I drove up there and selected my own wood. I paid some extra for the fancy walnut and if I had to do it again I would choose Fancy walnut. 
I now have four barrels----22 LR, 32-40, 25-35 win. and a 30-30 Wesson.   LOL.   never say never.

A. J. Palik

I have both a 52 and a 49. I have a 22rf barrel for each. I also have two more barrels for the 49 which is much easier to handle on the bench than the 52 due to less drop in the stock. It's not nearly so tippy. Both are comfortable offhand but I seem to hit my 6" 100 yd gong more often with the 49. (Maybe I should say that I miss less frequently with the 49.) Also, as has been discussed in another thread, get yourself a butt plate like the one on Oldman's rifle.

JS