Thanks for the kind words Mr. T! There will be more on the subject of proper grain flow and structure in my new book "Double Guns and Custom Gunsmithing" due out later this year.
The number of cross-grain stocks I see on BRAND-NEW AND VERY EXPENSIVE Italian shotguns never ceases to amaze me. The volume of cross-grain Turkish stock blanks being imported - typically the more expensive the worse the grain flow - baffles me. A walk around either the SCI or SHOT Show could be a great lesson in poor wood choices. It doesn't require a Land Rover to break a cross-grained stock. A gunmaker's name ending with a vowel doesn't mean they know a good stock blank.
David, your abilities, and more surprisingly, your willingness to take on these repair projects making them whole once again, deserves the legendary status afforded you. My hat's off to you!
