GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Back Room => Topic started by: Nail Gun on September 01, 2013, 10:29:51 PM
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Allow me to preface this by saying I have been a lifelong tinkerer to the extreme. I began as a youngster with RC airplanes which evolved into designing and scratch-building my own planes, rebuilding glow engines etc. From there my talents evolved into bow-making, furniture making, power tool repair, restoring and using vintage hand tools, etc. In fact, my user-name comes from a previous career that involved selling and repairing pneumatic nailers.
Over the past few years my interests evolved into personal gunsmithing. I've been interested in becoming a part time gunsmith. Unfortunately I lack a lathe, milling machine and formal training. I'm also fairly turned off by the potential liabilities, BATF scrutiny, licenses, etc from working of PB's. Since re-kindling my interest in AG's I see a whole new world of possibilities. I've developed a passion for working on them and pick up more than I should with the sole intention of modding them.
Recently another member ran across some pics of a project I had done and reached out to me about doing some stock work for him. He really got me to thinking there may be the possibility I can fill a niche doing stock mods. Specifically I have in mind improving ergonomics, improving balance, lightening, strengthening (where necessary) etc, etc, etc. That would fall in line with my woodworking interests and combine it with my AG passion. What could be better?
Would y'all consider that to be a potentially feasible opportunity? Would there be any interest out there? Most important, what pitfalls and issues can I expect to encounter?
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The only pitfall that I can see is that your taking something you love to do and you are making work out of it.
The only thing that has ever accomplished for me is removing the fun from a previously enjoyable hobby.
Some people do it and really seem to enjoy it.......and I usually do for a short time. I've pursued this sort of endeavor many times. (Not AG, though) I have done it enough to finally learn from it.......lol. :D
I never made very good money doing something I loved. I rationalized that the money was less important, and the enjoyment was worth not making much money. Eventually..... the stress of finances overcame the fun.
For me its better to make good money doing something I don't mind (maybe even like)......and do as little of it as possible. That leaves lots of time for fun hobbies without the pressure.
I say go for it.
If it turns out like it has for me......it's a good experience, anyway.
If it doesn't......good for you.
You'll be happier if you don't let dreams pass you by......even if they don't turn out like they were planned.
Mike
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I'm sure you have done the research but it seems this largely depends on how part time you want to be, how much income you need to make, and ultimately your skill level. As a woodworker myself it is difficult to get out of projects what you put into them. It seems the market may be relatively small for what your are proposing but again it depends on what your needs are.
I would recommend you develop a business plan at least as an exercise if you plan to invest much cash.
That said if you really enjoy and can afford to take the risk go for it!
Love to see what you have produced stock wise.
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Mike and Evan gave you some good advice. Why don't you do a couple of mock-ups and post them. The forum members will let you know if there is any interest. It might even take you in a new direction that you haven't thought of. You won't know until you try. I'll be watching for your posts.
Best of luck,
Jon
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"The only thing that has ever accomplished for me is removing the fun from a previously enjoyable hobby."
My experience has been the same. The only thing that mitigated that for me (in other pursuits) was to keep the focus on R&D so there was always something new to do.
I am retired, and not interested in "working", but have been thinking about asking about "Micro Vendor" status. I was here to ask about this, and saw this thread.
Folks seem to like my work, and most of what I make could easily be done in limited runs at far better prices per piece. Being able to sell the extras would help defray some development costs.
I say go for it with gusto... keeping in mind the good advice here. Given your background, I'd bet you will have plenty of interesting and rewarding things to do, and if something becomes too "popular", and results in (yuk) "production"... sub it.
Best of luck! Economies recover from the roots, and this one needs guys like you to take on the risks.
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Thanks folks. That's good advice. One reason I never delved into making a side business involving my hobbies was my concern for ruining a hobby. I'm thinking AG's may still remain a hobby simply because of how much I do enjoy them. I also love helping folks out and it seems like the AG community may be an especially rewarding group to work with. Therefore I hope the enjoyment stays enjoyable. (if that makes any sense)
I'll begin my next project shortly. Hopefully it can lead to more down the road.
Cheers!
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I remember a Friend once telling me "When your Hobby becomes your Business, you need a new Hobby". It was a Radio Control Hobby Shop owner, a year or so after buying the shop. He had been working more and more, and showing up at the field to fly less and less. I would suggest making your builds/ items in your spare time, only offering them for sale upon completion. That way you can slow down or stop whenever you want.
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Dave, you didn't mention anything about family, finances, and other commitments (Church, Community, etc.); so without know any of this I am only shooting in the dark. What I will say is that you are going to work much harder for yourself than you ever did for someone else; and you must be willing to face failure as well as success. With this in mind, you are young enough to succeed or fail and be able to live through it.
And in summation, you must realize that if you are not careful, you could wind up a rich man. hehe I wish you GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide. Plus HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK!!!!
Mike (Lafayette, LA area)
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Dave, you didn't mention anything about family, finances, and other commitments (Church, Community, etc.); so without know any of this I am only shooting in the dark. What I will say is that you are going to work much harder for yourself than you ever did for someone else; and you must be willing to face failure as well as success. With this in mind, you are young enough to succeed or fail and be able to live through it.
And in summation, you must realize that if you are not careful, you could wind up a rich man. hehe I wish you GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide. Plus HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK!!!!
Mike (Lafayette, LA area)
LOL> Mike, I stayed in your neck of the woods the other night. In fact, I think I may be hooked on a little restaurant off exit 97 off I-10. It wasn't the food that hooked me either ;)
Anyway, yes, I have 3 kids and #4 due in January. They are involved in too many activities to count. That's one reason I'm considering something. I don't intend to get rich, however, I do need to find a way to supplement income. I'd rather works 90 hours a week than allow my kids to miss out on something they truly enjoy. They're worth it!
I have worked for fortune 500 companies and I'm also attracted to the idea of breaking my neck for my own personal gain too :).
Thanks for reminding me I'm one year closer to death next week ;) If this works, I'll extend you a LA Boy discount just for noticing! 8)
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Dave, you didn't mention anything about family, finances, and other commitments (Church, Community, etc.); so without know any of this I am only shooting in the dark. What I will say is that you are going to work much harder for yourself than you ever did for someone else; and you must be willing to face failure as well as success. With this in mind, you are young enough to succeed or fail and be able to live through it.
And in summation, you must realize that if you are not careful, you could wind up a rich man. hehe I wish you GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide. Plus HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK!!!!
Mike (Lafayette, LA area)
LOL> Mike, I stayed in your neck of the woods the other night. In fact, I think I may be hooked on a little restaurant off exit 97 off I-10. It wasn't the food that hooked me either ;)
Anyway, yes, I have 3 kids and #4 due in January. They are involved in too many activities to count. That's one reason I'm considering something. I don't intend to get rich, however, I do need to find a way to supplement income. I'd rather works 90 hours a week than allow my kids to miss out on something they truly enjoy. They're worth it!
I have worked for fortune 500 companies and I'm also attracted to the idea of breaking my neck for my own personal gain too :).
Thanks for reminding me I'm one year closer to death next week ;) If this works, I'll extend you a LA Boy discount just for noticing! 8)
Lafayette ,la.? I spent a full year down there when I was a single young man , like 25 . anyway I met the cutest lady there I think I ever seen. she and I went to a lot of movies and did a lot together . when my job ended there she was very sad and dumb as I was I left and now wonder about her . I was still runnin wild and didn't have any ideas of settleing down . but she was a fine looker . I drove a truck 5 days a week from orange ,tx to vinnese lousiana or as I called it the end of the world
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I've never attempted anything like that so no advice to give, but if/when you start up I wish you all the best. Hopefully I can but a custom stock from you someday.
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The only pitfall that I can see is that your taking something you love to do and you are making work out of it.
The only thing that has ever accomplished for me is removing the fun from a previously enjoyable hobby.
+1, My experience exactly.
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Robert, you said: "I met the cutest lady there I think I ever seen. she and I went to a lot of movies and did a lot together . when my job ended there she was very sad and dumb as I was I left and now wonder about her "
Well, I married her. LOL
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well you lucky dog. she would be about 56 now but she had beautiful olive tan skin and brown eyes and a very pretty face . but she was a full blood Cajun
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Folks, it's late, I'm tired and I have had a LONG past couple of weeks. I won't add much narrative at the moment but will be happy to.
Tri-5-Ron has been very helpful by being my first guinea pig. He has been highly supportive, trusting and an absolute pleasure to work with.
I have a lot of shaping to do still. The finish should be awesome and unique. In the mean-time, I am too impatient to wait to post some pics. All comments and suggestions are welcome.
BTW, this is a factory M-Rod stock...
Before:
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff409/Dave_Edson/mrod1_zps7edc79aa.jpeg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Edson/media/mrod1_zps7edc79aa.jpeg.html)
Getting Dirty:
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff409/Dave_Edson/mrod2_zps5cdc51aa.jpeg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Edson/media/mrod2_zps5cdc51aa.jpeg.html)
As She Is 10/08/13:
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff409/Dave_Edson/mrod3_zps22659f9c.jpeg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Edson/media/mrod3_zps22659f9c.jpeg.html)
Enjoy ;)
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OK Guys,
This is the very first time Dave has shown me what his plans were, for improving the Marauder's "Fat Boy" Stock.
I have not seen it before now.
I gave Dave "Full Artistic License" to "Do As He See's Fit", and I must say,... Very VERY IMPRESSIVE Dave !
It looks GREAT so far ! You are doing an Outstanding Job ! Heck,... Are you SURE that is a Factory Marauder stock ? LOL!
You have certainly shown that maybe there IS something that can be done to "salvage" the big fat Marauder OEM stock !
Lots of guys have worked to improve the Marauder's original stock by Choping, Shortening, Skeletonizing, Reshaphing, etc.
Some of them look pretty good, some of them look even better... and for the guys who were mainly going after better appearance with a sanding and re-finishing,... some of them look really nice.
But MANY of them, have delved into it on the pretense of mainly reducing the weight.
(The Mrod rifle IS a Heavy sucker all by itself !) Then,... once you mount a scope,... and any other accessories like Bipods, flashlights, etc. the thing practically turns into a "Tank".
Most of the "Mrod guys" will want anything to lose a little of that weight. Especially the guys who are "Field carry / Hunting" with it . And just about everytime they look at reducing the weight, by cutting up that big fat OEM stock.
Improved Ergonomics has kind of come in, as the "secondary objective" (IMO).
Sure,... I've seen some that look pretty nice, but what I'm seeing as the BIG DIFFERENCE HERE,... is the primary focus on the Ergonomics. OUTSTNDING JOB ! BRAVO !...More specifically, on the Grip Angle !
THAT is is HUGE IMPROVEMENT ! ! !
Then adding to that,... the reduction of the "Palm bump's", (that the factory shape has). Those "Bumps" make the grip somewhat uncomfortable and REALLY "Fat" to hold onto.
(Sure, some guys will say it's fine the way it is),... But this has been my daughters MAIN complaint with her Marauder.
Both the Grip Angle (and the) "Daddy, it feels too fat ".
She is constantly "fiddle-ing" with trying to get her right hand comfortable, and she makes no bones about preferring to shoot my rifle over hers, due to the angle of the grip on my Boyd's stock.
Oh Yeah,... Lets not forget the adjustable Cheek/Comb !
Well THAT,... is just the Icing on the Cake !
OUTSTANDING JOB DAVE ! You have hit a Grand Slam, Home Run, Over the Fence,... and Out of the Park ! I LOVE IT !
I'm sure a lot of Mrod owners here are going to be waiting with baited breath to see the final shaping taking place !
I know I AM ! ! !
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Lookin goooooood!!! Is this one for Cameron's rifle Ron???
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Lookin goooooood!!! Is this one for Cameron's rifle Ron???
Yeah, That's kind of my hopes to get her to stop pressuring me for my Blaster stock !
She REALLY want's my Blaster Stock ! LOL !
but who knows,... it may end up being my "we're goin' field huntin' " stock.
I dunno,... I sure would like to have one of those Peterbuilt stocks like Scott has,... (I think that is just too sexy looking in the part wood / part black !) LOL!
OR,
Maybe get me one of the Blaster stocks with the raised comb from Golddredger.
Problem with that tho,... he seems to have gone away, and we dont see him on the forums anymore. Not sure I'd want to send off the cash to someone who is not a "regular" here.
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Lookin goooooood!!! Is this one for Cameron's rifle Ron???
Thanks! You should see it now. I did a LOT of shaping around the grip. I have a couple more things to do then I'm on to finishing and shipping. I sent Ron one final pic but that's the last he's going to see of it until it arrives back at his place.
Somehow I foresee a shooting match to determine who gets what ;)
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Ok Guys,
Nailgun (Dave), has sent me an update on the progress of the reworked / reshaped factory Mrod Stock.
Just thought I'd give you all an update here.
After the (previous) last pic, he was handling the stock some more to check for it's natural feel and ergonomics. He was unhappy with the feel of how the grip turned out in the final pic you saw. He felt it was not a natural feel, and not what he wanted to turn out.
He felt it was too up-and-down and too far back from the trigger. SOooo,... he decided to rework it some more, and is in the process of building it back up, re-shaping and re-attacking the ergonomics.
(remember,... this is the first time he has ever "touched a Marauder stock", and he does not even have the complete gun).
He ONLY has the stock, and has never handled or fired a Mrod. This is truely a "flying by the seat of the pants" project. Hahaha.
All is well on my end, as we entered into this project completely blind and unassuming.
This is a full-on R&D / Experiment, and a "figure it out as it goes along" kind of thing.
He has full "artistic license" and I'm completely fine with Whatever he does with it, Whatever/however it ends up as, AND Whenever he has the time. In other words, there is absolutely no expectations or time constraints with it at all.
Dave very much wants to get it right and have this be an impressive and quality job.
In his own words, " I refuse to turn out anything less". That shows to me that he holds quality workmanship in a high regard.
You gotta love a guy for that, Right ?
It doing the rework and additional material removal, he feels it was necessary to reinforce with fiberglass. This also allowed for more material removal behind the grip.
In doing so, he reports the grip feels MUCH better... and has allowed for more material removal in the palm area similar to what you see on a Challenger Stock. Looks pretty darned fine to me !
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/stock1_zps9b96f4bc.jpg)
reply here, and let him know what you think of it, and it's progress.
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That is a fine looking rework of what is almost universally agreed to be a "fat stock." I'm very interested in how this turns out. Please give us lots of pics and even a price quote if possible. Looking forward to a beautiful outcome.
joe
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Joe, Thank you. PM inbound
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I'm Thinkin' someones pretty HAaaaaaaPPPPPPP YYYYYYYY! ! !
I didn't have it together for 2 hours, and she drilled her first rat with it from 33 yds !
The girl's got some game ! She dropped a FATTY Rat !
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7857_zps89f61c83.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7854_zps59a74a5e.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7863_zps436d3ecf.jpg)
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Cam,
not sure if the tramp is the most stable shooting platform..
love the new stock.
zap some rats
enjoy
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i am like you i can do anything i dont have time any more i run 2 businesses, if you want to to run this hobby as a bushiness you should re work a couple of different stocks for the most popular AG. you will have to learn a lot tho for finishes and other options
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Ok,... I just gonna dump a whole bunch of pics for the finished stock.
that way, you'll get various angles.
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7852_zpsf2a9473b.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7851_zps0b0f5d55.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7842_zpse612594a.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7841_zpsd0839ecd.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7838_zps72998bb4.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7834_zps5264b8c3.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7833_zps13542cc8.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7832_zps7216169c.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7824-Copy_zps1f9d5b08.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7823-Copy_zpsbab024aa.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7822-Copy_zpscd58f3d0.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7820-Copy_zps5434c04f.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7816-Copy_zps90256e52.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7810-Copy_zpse83b92cc.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7808-Copy_zps7122c6eb.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7806-Copy_zpsbf499688.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7801-Copy_zps324b5eb2.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7799-Copy_zps70a7cd13.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7797-Copy_zps7c1b5667.jpg)
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For Dave - very nice work. You are on target!
For Ron - it looks like you are very PROUD of that new rifle stock and that little shooter too. You have done well with the comparison pictures.
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Ok Guys,
Nailgun (Dave), has sent me an update on the progress of the reworked / reshaped factory Mrod Stock.
Just thought I'd give you all an update here.
After the (previous) last pic, he was handling the stock some more to check for it's natural feel and ergonomics. He was unhappy with the feel of how the grip turned out in the final pic you saw. He felt it was not a natural feel, and not what he wanted to turn out.
He felt it was too up-and-down and too far back from the trigger. SOooo,... he decided to rework it some more, and is in the process of building it back up, re-shaping and re-attacking the ergonomics.
(remember,... this is the first time he has ever "touched a Marauder stock", and he does not even have the complete gun).
He ONLY has the stock, and has never handled or fired a Mrod. This is truely a "flying by the seat of the pants" project. Hahaha.
All is well on my end, as we entered into this project completely blind and unassuming.
This is a full-on R&D / Experiment, and a "figure it out as it goes along" kind of thing.
He has full "artistic license" and I'm completely fine with Whatever he does with it, Whatever/however it ends up as, AND Whenever he has the time. In other words, there is absolutely no expectations or time constraints with it at all.
Dave very much wants to get it right and have this be an impressive and quality job.
In his own words, " I refuse to turn out anything less". That shows to me that he holds quality workmanship in a high regard.
You gotta love a guy for that, Right ?
It doing the rework and additional material removal, he feels it was necessary to reinforce with fiberglass. This also allowed for more material removal behind the grip.
In doing so, he reports the grip feels MUCH better... and has allowed for more material removal in the palm area similar to what you see on a Challenger Stock. Looks pretty darned fine to me !
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/stock1_zps9b96f4bc.jpg)
reply here, and let him know what you think of it, and it's progress.
When can he do mine? How much? I likey! 8)
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Hey Ron!!! Stock looks awesome bro!!! Cam can flash a smile!!!! Love the pics!!!
That is some great work Dave!!!
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Hey guys this has been a great thread and I have read every post here. Great looking projects and ideas. Thanks to all of you who have posted here.
Just Great Stuff in my opinion.
Thanks
Gene
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Wow! I just got back from a camping trip with the kids in an area with ZERO cell reception and found this! Thank you everyone for the kind words and support. Thank you Ron for the great pics and for letting me do this. I really enjoyed working with you. I'm glad Cameron likes it and has such early success!
For anyone that is curious, i reinforced the grip and the scallop behind it with fiberglass. The finish is Bedliner spray. I also removed a bunch of wood from inside the forearm to reduce weight.
I will be thrilled to do this for anyone that is interested. Regardless of what stock it is, well, I prefer not to hack walnut... Price depends on what you want me to do. I'll be happy to discuss via pm. Also, please bear in mind, this is a hobby that supplies beer money. I will make every effort to get a reasonable turnaround but it will not be immediate. If you're ok with that, please reach out to me via pm.
Again, thank you everyone. This has been a blast!
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Oops,...
In my haste last night to get 2 or 3 threads updated, I apparently dropped the ball on the hollowed out forestock.
Hahahaha,.... Yesterday, the stock had come in, and I did an "unboxing video that I will share with you guys. I snapped a bunch of still pics, and was trying to get it on her Mrod and the phone kept ringing and interupting me, then I was trying to do a "thank you video, for Dave" with Cameron,... and my wife kept calling her in for dinner was ready,.... then while I was trying to download the videos,... the Dang Ding Donger kept going off like there was a Radical Rodent Rat Parade and Party going on at the Smorgasbord Bait Buffet,... I wanted Cameron to get her first Perforated Pest,... and she was getting excited to do so with her newly customized Mrod that she has dubbed " The BLACK WIDOW " ! LOL ! (She has a solid gloss black Fender acoustic guitar she has named " Black Beauty ", so I guess it's a trend thing), hahaha.
Hey,... wait a minute,...
Isn't a Black Widow's characteristic trait,... to be the Dominate Female Assassin,... who literally DESTROYS and DEVOURS her insignificant male counterpart ? ? ? (I think I may be in for some trouble here guys) !
Then trying to download the video's,.. my 'puter locked up on me twice,... and each time the donger started singing, Cameron was like a big game hunter,... target in the crosshairs,... with a frozen trigger finger. by the time she was calmed and ready, it was gone.
You've heard of a "Cat and Mouse" game ? well,... this was a "Cameron and Rat" game... and she wasn't going go give up.
"Patience Honey,... Patience.... You'll Get Him,..."
DANG IT ! ! ! 'puter just crashed again ! GRRR ! ! ! start working on that, and the Donger starts up again ! hahaha !
What a night !
SOOoooooo,...... in all the chaos, I failed you guys... and I failed Dave.
I forgot to get some pics of the hollowed area he did in the forestock, and he certainly deserves to have that shown here.
I will take some pics later today, and get them posted up.
(that is,... if Cameron will allow me to touch The BLACK WIDOW) HAHAHA !
BTW- She DID end up winning the game, ... and very effectively converted, a "Furry Bait Sucker'..., into a "Limp Lead Stopper" !
Check it out, it's a Fatty Ratty, and measures 16" nose to tail !
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7875_zpscce76ea4.jpg)
If you want to see more on that, check it in the Hunting Gate a little later on tonight.
I'll get some more pics/vids up.
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That's cool!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI9rH1xYmO4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUYyEBMKC_ZaF4LwMWP9cnZw# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI9rH1xYmO4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUYyEBMKC_ZaF4LwMWP9cnZw#)
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That's pretty neat. I think your Blaster stock is safe Ron;)
I'm absolutely thrilled she likes it!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI9rH1xYmO4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUYyEBMKC_ZaF4LwMWP9cnZw# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI9rH1xYmO4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUYyEBMKC_ZaF4LwMWP9cnZw#)
That is so awesome. Nice work Dave. GTA is such a great place to be
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For the benefit of many new members and Mrod owners, I am adding another post here.
(OK,.... well maybe it's also a little for the benefit of Dave too,... who did such an AWESOME job on this project) ;)
I have received a few different emails and PM's from various members asking for some more details on this stock project.
So for those guys who may have not seen this thread, or may not be comfortable hacking away at their own stocks, here ya go...
This is a copy/paste of a response I sent to one of the inquiries about this project. I hope it is not too redundant.
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Hello XXXXXXXX,
Thanks for the compliment.
My Daughters rifle is actually an original Benjamin Factory WOODEN Stocked Mrod, that has been re-shaped by another member here (Nail gun), aka Dave Edson. He did a fantastic job on it, and will offer up his services for a very reasonable fee.
The WOODEN stocks on the original Marauder's are generally viewed as being quite "fat" in the grip area, and rather big and bulky/heavy overall. Most Mrod owners will agree that it is a bit uncomfortable, with a very "Un-natural feel", and MANY have done their own sanding, cutting, and re-shaping to try to get it to feel better, and lose a little weight in the process.
The Big Difference with what Dave does to the factory wooden Mrod stock, is he re-designs, cuts, fills, and shapes the grip area and ANGLE to be much more comfortable and "ergonomic" to the position of the shooters hand, similar to the grip angle on a Crosman Challenger Target Rifle.
This gives the shooters wrist and trigger finger a much more natural position, and is MUCH more comfortable.
(I actually like the "feel" of her stock BETTER than my Boyds Blaster Thumbhole stock !)
It takes a bit more work to do and requires a bit more effort that just whipping out your belt sander and going to town on it. The area just BEHIND the grip area is quite heavily carved out to give a "Quasi-Pistol grip", allowing for the heel of your hand to wrap around much better. this also created a concern on the remaining strength of the buttstock, so it requires the opposing side to be fiber glassed, to restore the strength of the buttstock, and prevent it from cracking or snapping completely off.
That is the reason you can not just re-stain and re-finish the stock to show a natural wood grain finish, thus requiring the Sprayed Black Truck Bedliner finish.
(certainly another option would be a Camo, or Hydro-wrap graphics finish).
The red accents were just a little touch I added after we got it back from Dave / "Nail gun".
On the white buttpad spacer, I simply used a Red Sharpie Permanent Marker pen... and on the Cheek Plate Risers, I used some Red Transparent Tape. It is actually some Tail Light Lens Repair Tape available from any Pepboys or Auto Parts store.
Here is a link to the original thread, from when the project was in process.
http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=52232.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=52232.0)
This was all done before Benjamin ever even released the newer "Syn-rod", but apparently the guru's at Benjamin felt the same,... ... evident by the fact that the new Syn-rod's grip angle is now re-designed with a shape almost identical to what Dave has done with my Daughters stock.
The irony now, is that some of the new Syn-rod owners are reporting that their Syn-rod's are not shooting as well as their wooden stocked Mrod's !
This is apparently due to the harmonics of the Synthetic stocks as compared to the natural dampening effects of a wooden stock.
SOoooooo,.... I guess I got the best of BOTH worlds, in having Dave re-work the original Benjamin Factory Wooden stock ! YAY ! ;D
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7910_zps305f20a1.jpg)
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Benjamin%20Marauder/IMG_7915_zps6b4a911e.jpg)
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Ron, Thanks for posting. The red looks absolutely amazing! I may have to go that route going forward. It's funny you posted this because this bad boy is days away from being posted for sale (yes, the pic stinks and does not do justice):
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff409/Dave_Edson/photo_zps176e157d.jpg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Edson/media/photo_zps176e157d.jpg.html)
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WOW ! That looks FANTASTIC !
I must say there Dave,... Err,.... Nail Gun, You absolutely NAILED that one on the HEAD !
That is Gorgeous. I REALLY like the Branch Hook Butt, and the Two-Tone Black and Wood is Beautiful !
I'm Jealous.
No doubt in my mind that you will have buyers competing to get it. Wow, again !
I'm guessing one of the first questions they are going to ask is "How much does it weigh compared to the original ?"
I'm also guessing that as soon as the design guys at Benjamin see it, they will be copying your idea.
Once again, you gave gone Over the Top, and Hit it out of the Park !
You have taken a rather Plain Jane and Mundane stick, and turned it into a beautiful piece of furniture !
Get ready for those phone calls,... they be a comin' fer shuure.
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Thanks Ron! Actually, it is lighter than the one you got from me. It is SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the factory stock.
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Looks REALLY good Dave! I likey!
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Ya just like a true air gunner, can spend all that money on guns but can't get Cameron a good pair of jeans lol. Just joking now. Beautiful work.
Bob
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Wow... now I kinda' want an Mrod, just so I can get that stock...
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yep, It sure is a purdy one, that's for shooore.
He has some better pics of it in the classifieds here. check it out : http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=59935.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=59935.0)