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Here's a new carving project. It's an after market gun stock for a WWI Russian Military Mosin Naggant rifle. I asked around to my gun buddies for an old stock to play with and a friend came up with this gem. For an unknown reason, the barrel, bolt, and trigger case were all engraved with an intricate pattern. I matched the carved design with the engraved pattern as best I could to keep the pattern and design consistent throughout the rifle. I came up with some designs and my buddy approved these.

There's just under 45 hours of work here. Because the mahogany stock was very old it had a nice reddish brown patina. Since oils are a common gun stock finish, I tried a red mahogany Watco oil and it wasn't even close. I ended up mixing 10 parts red mahogany stain with 4 parts english chestnut stain for a nice reddish brown to go over the carved mahogany and it came out great but it was still a flat matt finish. I thought oil would solve this again but that didn't work. Turned out a satin polyurethane painted on to get in all the knooks and crannies did the trick. My buddy says I can borrow it so I have a nice portfolio or show piece for gun shows to try and drum up some carving business.

It's amazing, though. Someone engraves the heck out of this old, inexpensive, military, rifle my friend picked up cheap. Now it has a very expensive carving job done to it. I asked my friend to give me first dibbs if he ever sells it but I'm not sure I can afford it now with the nice carving job done to it. Whooda thunk that would happen.

If anyone comments, sorry I can't respond. Something's wrong where I can't reply to or see comments on this page. If anyone knows how to fix that, I'd appreciate it.

Enjoy,
Justin Gordon
www.ElwinDesigns.com
Groveland, MA

Gallery

Comments

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18 Posts
That is one nice job!
 

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1,433 Posts
outstanding -
 

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4,211 Posts
Incredibly beautiful work. You've got some major talent there.
 

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29 Posts
Very very nice!!!! I can see many more custom gun carvings in your future.
 

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908 Posts
Absolutely beautiful work!
 

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18,702 Posts
sweet!!
 

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841 Posts
Beautiful work!
 

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3 Posts
wow!
 

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19,753 Posts
Amazing carving ,outstanding workmanship.
 

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479 Posts
Simply outstanding craftsmanship and carving skills! Wow-wow-wow !
 

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11,255 Posts
Stunning carving.
 

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264 Posts
Awesome job. You are a very talented carver.
 

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2,743 Posts
While usually a purist when it comes to historic firearms, I can't believe what a freaking fantastic job you did on that carving! Certainly makes me wonder what the story is behind the engravings on the rifle itself? Looks like someone put a lot of time into that! Great job!
 

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1,171 Posts
Justin,

What an outstanding gun stock! The carving is gorgeous.

L/W
 

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29 Posts
That is amazing, awesome carving….excellent job and thanks for sharing.
 

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38 Posts
Beautiful job!
 

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1,212 Posts
Well designed and executed! Wow! I like it.
 
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