Inlays

[Norseman]

Is it possible (since I am a not a gun builder) to put a silver inlay on the cheek rest of an already completed rifle? Or for that matter... any kind of inlay on a completed rifle? Can you recommend someone who can do it?

 

[Zonie]

Sure it can be done. It isn't easy though.

The biggest problem is getting the inlay to be exactly flush with the existing surface.

When working with a new gun, or one that your willing to refinish, the face of the inlay(s) are filed down, in place so they exactly match the adjacent wood. This always ends up filing the wood as well as the metal inlay but it is the only way that I know of to get an exact match.
Of course, after it's inletted, filed and polished, the stocks wood needs to be refinished.

To try to get a inlay to exactly match a finished surface without damaging it would take hours of careful labor. Not cheap if you can find anyone who is willing to take on the job.

zonie

 

[CrackStock]

It can be done by setting it a bit low and adjusting height with some form of shim or filler.

It is just sooo much easier to do this when first building the gun.

CS