A Squirrel Gun – Literally !

     This is the rifle stock I am carving for the “Friends of NRA” that I mentioned in a previous blog.    The actual carving of the custom gun stock is complete, but now the staining and finishing needs to be done.  After I designed and carved the gun stock on this Ruger model 10/22, I coated all the carved areas with a coat of Minwax pre-stain conditioner.  This allows for an even stain color on this hardwood.   Without this step, the stained area would come out blotchy.   

     I let the stock dry for 30 minutes then put a liberal amount of Minwax “special walnut” stain on all the carved areas.  I use the oil-based stains, not water-based.   Yes, It’s Messy – Rubber gloves and numerous rags are a must for this step!   I let the stain sit on the stock for a few minutes and wiped off the excess.   I wanted the base color a little darker so I did another coat, let it stand for two more minutes, and wiped it again.   It’s now ready for staining the contrasting colors of the leaves, bark , of course the squirrel.

      I used oil paints to stain the carved areas.   If you dilute the paints down they are an endless array of colored wood stains.    A little bit of mixing with the yellow and the red paints got me the variations of the fall color of the maple leaves.   Stains enhance the carving details (you can even see the wood grain through the stains) – thick paint would cover up intricate details like the vanes in the leaves and the squirrels hair.

 

     I contrasted the Maple leaf carvings with a basket weave pattern on the grip and the forearm of this rifle.   I made sure the stain brought out the texture of the individual strands of “rattan” in the weave.    The carving on the oppose side of the buttstock is the logo of the “Friends of NRA”.    I finished it off with a Tung Oil Finish.   I was happy to donate my designs and carvings to this great cause.   This Custom Carved Rifle will be part of a live auction at the Pinal County “Friends of NRA” Fundraising Banquet on April 30th in Casa Grande, AZ.     I will be carving the winning bidder’s initials or name in the stock at their request.

If you would like to bid on, and own this rifle, or…. if you are in the Casa Grande, Arizona area and would like to attend this fundraising event, here is a link with information:

http://www.friendsofnra.org/EventDetails.aspx?eid=7599&sid=3

 

Thanks for stoppin by’

Lance Larson