Author Topic: Market for Hardwood handi-stocks? (Read 1274 times)

giddens1972 · « **on:** May 05, 2011, 05:46:33 PM »

Just curious to know how many people would buy home-made Handi-stocks and fore-ends. Thinking of a business venture, but don't want to jump in headfirst without a market. These would be quality wood and nicely finished. May take special requests as well.

semperfi1970 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:19:44 PM »

If the quality is there and they dress up a handi then I would say there would be a market. Im kinda tired of ill fitting handi stocks (reciever to butt stock). You could even make a some what floated for grip as well. Post some prototype pics if you can, see what kind of responces you get.

giddens1972 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:25:12 PM »

Thanks for the input. What kind of money are people normally getting for the factory palletwood stocks?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2011, 07:29:27 PM »

All you have to do is browse the H&R Classifieds to see what they sell for. Be aware we don't allow business ventures unless you pay advertising fees, GB is real strict on that, without paying advertising fees, selling is for personally used items only and only in the classifieds, never in discussion forums, please read the GBO terms of use policy and the classified rules.

Tim

giddens1972 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2011, 07:32:15 AM »

Thanks for the reminder, but I wasn't selling or advertising I was asking a question!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2011, 07:34:03 AM »

Been here, done this too many times before, that's where it goes next, that's why the heads up now.

Tim

S.E.Ak · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2011, 09:01:06 AM »

I believe a set of good wood for a Handi would have to sell for less than $150. for any sales at all. Compare your product to the look and price of replacement BC wood to get a idea.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2011, 03:20:38 PM »

Unless it was Curley Maple or something of that sort I don't see any hardwood replacement stocks going for much more than standard used pallet wood stocks, UNLESS they were well proportioned and had good lines to them. Now if they were a nice walnut that would be different, and they would sell for more....<><....

gcrank1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2011, 03:24:16 PM »

If the lines and form more closely approached that of the venerable Win. '85 I could see a market. They were available in several configurations.
But FWIW, there are stock suppliers who already have product available for these rifles, I dont know how much market share another might garner.

Higene · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2011, 04:42:46 PM »

I believe that this is a place that a picture is worth a 1,000 words (or more).

I have seen some Walnut stocks on H&R Buffalo Hunter that are too die for but then the whole gun in 45-70 with special sights and a 32" barrel was only $400.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2011, 04:38:13 AM »

For the same $400 I saw (at a major retailer) a Buff Classic with the worse set of mismatched stocks Ive ever seen, a std plain straightgrain butt medium dark, and a blondish heartwood forestock. That was an UGLY gun and they had no intention of dropping the price or (as they said) sending it back. The arrogance was asstounding.
Thats one reason I dont want to order stuff and am reluctant to not see before I buy.
My first big complaint on the H&R stocks is, of course, the poor fit at the wrist to frame. There is no reason that CNC shaped stocks cant be made to just a little proud instead of this. Second is the poor shaping of the nose of the comb and the wrist transition into the sides. On the BC style this is a shame because they often do have decent wood, and it is walnut, so WHY NOT really shape a traditionally styled stock like a traditional rifle stock.

Darreld Walton · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2011, 03:22:35 AM »

Gcrank1, I wholeheartedly agree. For the cost of a few well shaped and proportioned patterns, those CNC stock making machines could turn out head-turners as easily as the current offerings, AND hit the same price point! The factory CAN put out some nice wood, but they, for some reason, choose to continue with the lumps they have, and they don't say "inexpensive" when sitting on the rack, they scream "cheap", and that's just not the case, as anyone who's actually used the rifles knows. I've yet to see one on the rack that I haven't immediately looked at figuring what I'd do to modify it so I'd actually be seen in public with it. I don't go gun shopping expressly looking for grossly oversized grips, poorly shaped and executed "Monte Carlo" combs, and oddly shaped forearms. Isn't it about time for an update for the factory offered stock designs and materials?

Fred M · « **Reply #12 on:** May 10, 2011, 08:07:22 AM »

Really good looking and practicle after market Hamdi stocks are rare. There are a few out there but mostly factory made in the lamminated thumb hole version.

The reason I believe is that a good looking custom job would simply exeed the price of a new Handi. Besides Handi owners want things cheap so right off the start you are beating a dead horse. One other reason IMHO is the Handi platform is too grude for expensive alterations except for the handy owner.

Here below is an excample of a custom home made Handi alteration by its owner.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 10, 2011, 08:34:40 AM »

Nice wood is sooo expensive, then add in the hand work at a 'livable' price per hour and its out of my price range. I know, Im 'frugal', but I do understand that 'a workman is worthy of his wage'. I gave up doing a lot of things because making $3/hr. wasnt worth it (so now I do a lot of things 'free' but give a money back guarrantee...go figure?).
If you can make nice stuff for a fair price you will get a few to buy. Point of fact for me is 'Private's Custom Grips', he makes nice, fairly priced Ruger grips and Im verrry pleased to have found him.
You could be the counterpart in H&Rs!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:03:11 AM »

Quote from: Fred M on May 10, 2011, 08:07:22 AM

Here below is an excample of a custom home made Handi alteration by its owner.

And a very fine job he did, indeed....on both of them!!

Any possibility for you to put me in your will Fred!!

Tim

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 10, 2011, 02:39:28 PM »

Wouldn't it be great if Handi's came with that basic shape stock even if it were still in pallet wood?

Seems it's about time to retool their old wood stock production anyway.

JeffDavis · « **Reply #16 on:** May 10, 2011, 04:04:09 PM »

If you could produce Mannlicher forearms at a reasonable price, that would definately generate some excitement for me at least. That and a nicely contoured schnable forearm as well.

giddens1972 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 11, 2011, 03:54:07 AM »

Thanks for all of the input...Ya'll talked me out of it, except for maybe messing with my own stuff! I can't see being able to make anything different or more competitive than whats out there already.

John

gcrank1 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 11, 2011, 04:31:21 AM »

I know there are more than a few 'woodwork challenged' members here that have had others redo their stocks, so maybe you will get a few PMs. I sure wouldnt consider that a 'business' by any means and it kind of 'keeps it in the family'.
Thats one of the great things about this forum, in one way or another we get by with a little help from our friends.

rsl · « **Reply #19 on:** May 11, 2011, 05:02:05 AM »

If you get into it... Don't forget us lefties..

That's one reason I like Handy's