Public opinion request...

[Tominco]

To gloss or not to gloss... that is the question! 
This is regarding the stock in the FRONT in all the pictures.
I've got 2 of these gorgeous stocks. The one in the front has been finished to a satin finish. The one in back was finished to a high gloss. 
I'm at a point where I need to decide whether to finish the one in front to a high gloss or leave it as is before putting it up in the classifieds. (This is not a for sale ad and it is not for sale right now). 

Personally, I like the look of a nice satin finish. It hides any fingerprints much better and still brings out the beauty in the wood. But, the downside is that it doesn't have the WOW factor of the high gloss. 
So... what do you guys think? What would peak your interest more? As is, or high gloss? 
Thanks for the help! Tom

 

[Guest]

I feel the same and say leave it the way it is. The new owner can decide if they want it glossy. Also anyone who appreciates a nice piece of walnut will see that it's of good to great quality regardless of finish.

 

[crittahitta]

i kinda like it the way it is

 

[Dirte]

As is. A side note....... What are you using as your bipod mount?

 

[douger]

as is looks like a top grade stock great work Tom

 

[Tominco]

"Dirte"As is. A side note....... What are you using as your bipod mount?

An Atlas rail is on both of them. I did not use T-nuts. I drilled and tapped the holes 1/2 the depth. It holds fine, and if it ever does show signs of weakness, I can re-drill and install T-nuts. I also put a piece of electrical tape over the top of the holes to prevent any dirt from getting in. 

Thanks for the opinions! Keep 'em coming!  

 

[JoeWayneRhea]

Me personally I'd leave it as is Tom . Like you said high gloss is like handling a tablet or phone ...Fingerprints ...Also when it gets small handling marks gloss shows off EVERY flaw . 
Gorgeous stocks buddy ...Both of them !!!

 

[Hynzie]

well u know ur stuff tom i think the hi gloss is something to hang on a wall looks great,,while the other satin finish is beautiful looking stock ,,that would be my shooter ,if its going on the block,,the new owner most definately will want a shooter ,,and thats a nice looking one ,,u no whats best ur like the rest of us once in a while ur looking for some others opinion ,im glad u asked cause there fine pieces of wood pat

 

[Imold]

Myself I think the high gloss is sexy and the satin is well dull, more of a work look then anything else, if I was only bench shooting it would be the high gloss all day long but for hunting and in the woods plinking the satin wins hands down...

 

[Wadcutter]

Wow, excellent job on both.

Even though a gloss finish on a gun stock is beautiful, for me if it doesn't look like the factory finish then the red flag goes up. Especially an extreme high gloss.
I instantly wonder if the re-finisher knew what they were doing, has the wood possibly been over sanded, or has the finish clogged the checkering.

So from this buyers standpoint, the factory satin look is usually always more appealing.
Steven

 

[chasdicapua]

Stay with the satin. The high gloss is good for looks, but as folks have said, not so functional. And, especially with those beautiful stocks, any finish looks great. Nice job Tom. 

 

[Tominco]

"Wadcutter"Wow, excellent job on both.

Even though a gloss finish on a gun stock is beautiful, for me if it doesn't look like the factory finish then the red flag goes up. Especially an extreme high gloss.
I instantly wonder if the re-finisher knew what they were doing, has the wood possibly been over sanded, or has the finish clogged the checkering.

So from this buyers standpoint, the factory satin look is usually always more appealing.
Steven

It may not show in the pictures but, I can assure you that I paid special attention towards not clogging the checkering. I did some extra research for ways to avoid that very thing. 
I really appreciate how you said "the factory satin"! If it looks like it might be a factory finish then I know I did a good job. These stocks come as bare walnut from the factory. I applied the same finish to both of them. I just tried my hand at two different shines. Here's a pic from when I started, the high gloss one is the one in front. 

 

[Dirte]

"Tominco"

"Dirte"As is. A side note....... What are you using as your bipod mount?

An Atlas rail is on both of them. I did not use T-nuts. I drilled and tapped the holes 1/2 the depth. It holds fine, and if it ever does show signs of weakness, I can re-drill and install T-nuts. I also put a piece of electrical tape over the top of the holes to prevent any dirt from getting in. 

Thanks for the opinions! Keep 'em coming!

 

[danyac]

well being of a person who loves wood, I like the high gloss.not to often I get a chance at something that nice.jmho

 

[Gunnertrones]

As is in my opinion to. It will still get that high gloss factor when you polish it now and then. 

 

[Alan]

Well, you ask.

Everyone likes to see a beautiful piece of mahogany, oak, whatever, sitting in one's gun cabinet. But when Jim Chapman (et. al., me included) go out to the field to hunt, they sure as heck don't take that fancy, shinning chunk of wood! Rather, they show up with a hunting rifle! And usually one with a few mars and scratches. Puts new meaning in the adage.... "Nice to look at, nice to hold, mess it up and it will be sold!"

 

[intenseaty22]

+1 on the Satin, unless it's going to be sitting in a gun display for the foreseeable future. 

 

[NMshooter]

If it's just for bench shooting, I like the high gloss look. However, if you are going to use it as a hunting rifle, I would prefer the Satin look. The reflection could spook the animal and as Alan stated, you would hate (and eventually will) to mess the finish up.

 

[Oregun]

Man, I really like the high gloss finish.... but as NM and others pointed out if it's going to be a hunter, go with the satin.
Beautiful stocks!!!

 

[marcor]

For me the satin does it - and thanks for your advice yesterday