ID the wood in this stock?

[Tom Dunn]

This rifle is pre 1968, when most of the gunstocks were made of walnut. I suppose this one might be as well, but I'd be interested in ya'll opinions!

 

[FredP]

looks like english walnut. purdy rifle.

 

[CrealBilly]

I have come to the conclusion it's very difficult to identify a piece of wood via a picture. You gotta hold it, smell it, taste it, all these things you can not do unless you see it in person. It's almost impossible to identify wood after it's been stained and finished - so I'm not even guessing.

 

[fergy]

Note to self: Do not allow Jeff near my furniture projects lest he start licking them...

 

[Tom Dunn]

taste it,

I tried that.....tasted like chicken.......

 

[scsmith42]

Rofl!

 

[truckjohn]

Most likely walnut...
If you pull the butt cap off or pull the receiver out of the action - you may be able to tell if it's dyed/stained lighter wood or if it's walnut....

Thanks

 

[Jeff]

A long, long shot on my part. The barrel says "Made in Yugoslavia". If the stock is an original issue then it could be Carpathian Elm (aka. English Elm) or Beech. It's claimed that the quartersawn elm resembles teak, but the latter is not native to Yugoslavia.

http://www.yooperj.com/SKS-18.htm

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/english-elm/#pics

Of course the rifle could have been retrofitted with a new stock by an American gunsmith or collector so that's a coin toss on the species.

 

[Tom Dunn]

If the stock is an original issue

I am fairly sure it is. The rifle is a Herter's brand, but was made by Zestava, a top-shelf gunmaker. I'll take a few more pics when I can.