Cokes with Cracks - How to stabilize/repair?

[Shotguncoach]

Looking for advice from our more experienced wood experts.

I have a set of cokes that are developing cracks in 3 places. The right panel has cracks forming between the washer and the hole for the screw, and both panels have cracks forming in the area next to the washer where the thickness changes. None of the cracks appear to go all the way through the wood yet.

Edit: Looking at the enlarged photos I see another crack forming headed south from the screw hole in the right panel

What would be the best way to stabilize these stocks and stop the cracking? Can it even be done? Or is it best to retire these to a safe queen that doesn't get shot?

The left panel appears to have been modified in a rather sloppy way either to allow speedloader use or make a pseudo thumbrest, so the value of the stocks is already reduced.

If it helps, I do have access to a commercial vacuum chamber and wood stabilization fluid through a friend who makes custom knives. I also would absolutely be willing to send these off to someone with more talent/experience to be repaired.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[clang444]

Try Zap-a-Gap. It's worked for me a cracks.

 

[s&wchad]

If those were mine, I'd contact member 44magget. If anyone can do those justice, it's Curt.

I'm sure he can properly repair the cracks and he may be able to restore the extractor cut. His workmanship is top notch, his prices are reasonable and his repairs are virtually seamless!

 

[moosedog]

That wood looks very dry. I second contacting 44magget

 

[MSD2343]

That wood looks very dry. I second contacting 44magget

Noticed that you're (OP) in Arizona, which likely validates dryness as a contributing factor.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Agreed...those stocks look dry and need to be moisturized (mineral oil?). Also be aware that the Coke Bottle stocks can be fragile and chip/crack if you shoot your .44 Magnum with those stocks installed. I would send them to Curt (44magget) and let him work his magic. Good luck!

 

[Shotguncoach]

Thank you gentlemen, and good morning! I just sent a PM as suggested.

These stocks were on a gun that came to Arizona from an auction house in Illinois. The big crack was already present when they arrived and has opened up a bit more as the wood dried. I hadn't noticed the other cracks until I took the pictures of the big one.

The position of the large cracks makes me think that someone in the past has over tightened the grip screw to start the crack and the humidity change caused it to expand and become more noticeable. What do you think?

My usual procedure with a gun arriving in AZ from a place that actually has humidity is to remove them from the gun, oil them, and let them sit in the safe for a month to stabilize. When I saw the crack in these I simply set them aside, and to be honest, forgot about them. They've been in the back of my safe for 2 years so yes, they're about as dry as they're going to get.

 

[Truckman]

Thank you gentlemen, and good morning! I just sent a PM as suggested.

I'll only add that you have done the right thing...After having dealt with Curt, and experienced his professionalism, there is no one else I would trust more for any wood repair or advice......Ben

 

[s&wchad]

Don't oil them or try to make any "improvements' yourself, it might just complicate the repairs. Send Curt a link to this thread. It's lots of good photos that should be helpful.

 

[Shotguncoach]

Don't oil them or try to make any "improvements' yourself, it might just complicate the repairs. Send Curt a link to this thread. It's lots of good photos that should be helpful.

Agreed…all I've done is take pictures. I included the thread link in my PM.

 

[glowe]

Those stocks were over-tightened on the frame! The screw needs to only be snug and no more. Constant stress on the screw hole as well as the top of the frame as it contacts the face of the frame will show exactly that style of cracking. I would venture a guess that those stocks did not come with the gun. If the high horns lay hard against the frame, while there is a very slight gap below the top round plus a too tight screw will crack the wood in the exact places your pictures show.

As mentioned above, Curt is the guy to go to, as he can properly fill the cracks and refinish the stocks to make them look factory new! Do not over-tighten the screw when you get them back.

 

[lamarw]

Just a picture of what you can expect from Curt. My Cokes did not have cracks but they were in rough shape when I shipped them to him. Here is the final product I received back.

 

[Marksman]

Curt Harlow does incredible work, I recently sent him a set of smooth target grips for his conversion into "Cokes". I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of Curt's workmanship, his prices are reasonable as well as his turnaround time. He's a true craftsman and a fine gentleman to deal with.

 

[Shotguncoach]

I've been talking with Curt via PM this morning. Thanks for the hookup.

 

[Shotguncoach]

.... I recently sent him a set of smooth target grips for his conversion into "Cokes"....

I'd love to hear more about this. Do you have pictures to share?

 

[65Whelen]

Watching. I also have a set of cokes that need some loving.

 

[s&wchad]

Here's a few examples of Curt's work.

He restored these beat up N Combat stocks for me.

... and he repaired these chipped Sanderson stocks for moderator Tom S.