The assigned article for this week of the gunstock checkering lab is titled "Stippling: Checkering's ugly cousin". The article is authored by Russell Corbitt, and originally appeared in the September 2006 issue of American Gunsmith magazine.
Mr. Corbitt begins his article stating that checkering can be expensive. It may not also be practical on a firearm that will see it's share of field time (or be used and abused). One alternative is gripping tape, although it can be an eyesore. The other alternative would be what is known as stippling. This process involves using shaped punches in order to provide a gripping surface. As the punch is struck, it offsets material along the sides of the punch. One good aspect about this is that it can be done to stocks that are composed of wood, metal, and synthetics. For the sake of this article, he will be discussing metal as the material (although it can also be applied to some non metallic surfaces as well). …show more content…
Metal punches may be fabricated from prick punches, and the edges of the surface filed to desired shape. He advises not to use a grinder during this part, as the heat may weaken the metal, making it ill suited for use. Out of all the designs, the author preferred the triangular the most. There are punches that are commercially available, such a the ones offered from Brownell's. While you can use metal punches on wood, be extremely careful to avoid splintering the
Mr. Corbitt begins his article stating that checkering can be expensive. It may not also be practical on a firearm that will see it's share of field time (or be used and abused). One alternative is gripping tape, although it can be an eyesore. The other alternative would be what is known as stippling. This process involves using shaped punches in order to provide a gripping surface. As the punch is struck, it offsets material along the sides of the punch. One good aspect about this is that it can be done to stocks that are composed of wood, metal, and synthetics. For the sake of this article, he will be discussing metal as the material (although it can also be applied to some non metallic surfaces as well). …show more content…
Metal punches may be fabricated from prick punches, and the edges of the surface filed to desired shape. He advises not to use a grinder during this part, as the heat may weaken the metal, making it ill suited for use. Out of all the designs, the author preferred the triangular the most. There are punches that are commercially available, such a the ones offered from Brownell's. While you can use metal punches on wood, be extremely careful to avoid splintering the