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| Pistolgrip conversion with cheekrest |
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| Curt Hardcastle's pattern using his weld on tang conversion |
There's a few pictures of what can be done to a crusty century old military
rolling block. I realize most of you are not likely to put that kind of money and effort into building a gun, but here is
proof that it can be done. Most of the stocks that I carve for the Remington
R.B. are inlet for the standard #1 military surplus action, while there are a few exceptions, this is the most common
wood/metal fit encountered today. I also carve stocks for the #1 commercial
sporting action (easiest I.D. is the lower tang is considerably longer than the top tang, not nearly as common as the military
action.) Also available, with less selection of patterns, are stocks for
the #2 and #4 Rolling Block It is CRITICAL that you correctly identify the
action when you order wood, if you are not certain, please ask. Pictures help. Doing your homework ahead of time will save
me time, and assure that you get the right stock with the correct action inlet. The stock patterns I offer are designed for different purposes. They can be carved from many different types of wood
that I offer, in many grades. The purpose you intend to use the rifle for determine the best pattern to use. For example,
if you are building a long range or silhouette gun, you would be poorly served with a crescent buttstock. Yes, it
looks cool, but not the smartest choice for a competition rifle. Likewise,
choice of wood goes with purpose of the rifle. Extra Fancy and Exhibition grade wood is for EXHIBITING. Yes, it may impress
your friends, a bragger for sure, but it is NOT intended for a useful gun, and breakage is likely. It is also unforgiving
of improper fitting.I do not stand behind that type of wood if it goes south in a shooting match or hunting trip. ANYTHING
beyond select Fancy should best be hung on the wall and admired. Consider this a word to the wise.
| My 3 basic Shotgun butt patterns |
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| top- Standard center-Midrange bottom-Silhouette |
Crescent Rifle pattern I developed this stock after numerous requests from customers. Not a good choice if you want to enjoy your shooting. This is a good choice if you want to build a Gemmer style rifle. I do not make Gemmer style forearms. They are designed for my crescent buttplate, available for 26.00 with screws.
| Remington Rolling Block and Hepburn Forearms |
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| Standard Shotgun butt and schnabble forearm, |
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| A fine piece of English walnut, this rifle belongs to my friend Dave Bearden of Spokane, WA. |
| RB Shotgun with cheekrest, Select English walnut |
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| RB Silhouette pattern by Jerry Vanwey |
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This is the Silhouette pattern, with shadowline cheekrest. This is a good
all round pattern for many uses. Similar in height to the Midrange, it offers a cheekrest, which in this case does not raise
the hieght of the comb, but adds a nice decoration. This rifle is a Scandinavian Rolling Block belonging to Jim Reed of New
Zealand. Jim comes out to the States when opportunity presents and has been to more matches around the country than many of
us natives.
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| Crescent style buttstock on .50-70 RB Conversion |
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| Yes, this stock has a hole in it, and it was intentional. Cool eh? |
Pistolgrip Creedmore Pattern The coolest conversion for the military rolling block, also the toughest to build correctly. The lower tang on the action must be bent correctly to accomodate the stock (Hint: get the
stock BEFORE bending the tang so you have a reference to make the correct bend). To get the graceful geometry in the wrist that is so appealing, it is necessary to mill the upper and lower
tang to approx. .615 wide at the reciever. I make no guarantees that anyone can do a nice job of this, it is not an easy conversion. The straight grip patterns are much easier to complete and more economical in the
end. Taking shortcuts on this conversion is not recommended. The Creedmore pistolgrip pattern
is available with or without a cheekrest. As you can see, the
cheekrest (being a classic design,) is little more than a decoration. The cheekrest does not make the comb higher.
Ebony Pistolgrip
| Ebony Sharps grip on Rolling Block |
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The picture above shows my Ebony pistolgrip mounted on a Navy Arms Rolling Block. This allows you to have a pistolgrip without actually bending the lower tang of the stock. This pistolgrip was installed and finished by Jerry Vanwey of Raton, NM. To install, you will have to drill and
tap a hole in the tang to accept a screw. The screw passes through the grip (the head of the screw will be covered by the
grip cap, which is a piece of wood included. It is unshaped, but as shown in the photo, it can be shaped to add
a nice flair to the finished product) Ebony grip and cap piece 85.00
Sharps type ebony pistolgrip 85.00
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I am happy to show some work from my friend Curt Hardcastle here. The first three
photos at top of the page, show some more of Curt's work. I've only known Curt and his lovely wife Lark (who
also is one of the best BPCS spotters in the game) for a couple of years, but the better I get to know them both, the more
impressed I am with their skills and integrity. These pictures show what Curt was able to do with a couple of crusty old military
Rolling Block actions, built to order for his customers.
Bear in mind, this level of work does not come cheap, the owners of these rifles
have several thousand dollars invested in them. Curt is particular about the work he accepts, but I do not believe you
will find a dissatisfied customer from his shop. Curt can be reached by email-mailto:curthardcastle@hotmail.com
Curt Hardcastle's New Website-Click here
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