Seriously though,to answer your question mine appears to be Birch. I would not want NEF to do any differant and raise the price. The lack of checkering does not effect my shooting nor handleing. There are sand marks around the grip area. The grip is meaty but so are my hands. The forend color does not match the butt well. The grain is parallel and well done for strength. The inside forend needs to be sealed with tung oil (what I used) or other to prevent swelling as it is not sealed. Mine looked much better after the shell holder was on
. It is perfectly functional,strong and smart for what they are doing but certainly not refined as they pump them out to keep cost down. From a function viewpoint Birch is fine and if cared for when finishing can look good. My NEF partner Turkey shotgun has a well done camo job over the wood and looks nice.
I am pleased that such a value can be made in the USA. I am pleased they shoot well and are very easy to tinker with. Obviously the stock is raw and pumped out. I believe the words at the local gun shop from on lookers when mine came in and was removed from the box (ordered) were "wow, look at the wood on that baby" etc. It was said sarcastically but with good humor and taste. They have respect for the Handi's value and shooting ability the "pallet" wood stock is the subject of jokes yet in a respectful manor as all know one does not buy a Handi for the fine wood and craftsmanship of the stock. They also smile just as large when you walk back in with moa 5 shot groups at 100 yards
as they truely like to see it do so.
