AFAIK they need to be custom inlet to the gun because of slight manufacturing differences in these guns. One stock maker down here won’t do SO4/5s because of the time needed.

 

Absolutely correct. I suggested he inlet to the smallest possible dimensions and I would do the rest but no go.

 

I've seen Wenig SO stocks from time to time. However, the ones I've seen had the entire lock plate area 'routed out' rather than inletted, resulting in less wood (read strength) in the stock head. Rich Cole may be an option but whomever you find will try your patience and wallet. YMMV.

 

Thanks very much for the suggestion. My wallet in fact has been quivering in fear!

 

Hello,
I am in need of a Beretta SO-4 custom stock. My current stock is at least 1" too short with a 1" pad. Need about a 15" LOP. I have been working with Manuel Riccardo who has been outstanding but would unfortunately need the gun to be shipped to Portugal to do any work. My absolute preference would be a semi inletted stock that I would finish inlet and sand to final dimensions before finishing. Just wanted to canvass this august group for thoughts before proceeding. Not looking for an amazing exhibition stock, just something to make the gun shootable. Thought about an Isis system but really not interested. Any stockmakers out there worthy of consideration? I am in Pittsburgh PA. International shipping has me a bit concerned. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Since you already have a stock, have you thought about of just having a wooden extension made for the back of the stock you have?
A good stockmaker could do it for you and make it a very close match to the original stock for a lot less time and money.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Thought about that but even perfectly done extensions leave me a bit cold.

 

 

Thanks. I will contact him.

 

I had Graco install adjustable hardware and Kickez pad on a stock that was about an inch too short.
The hardware adjusts out quite a lot--15" plus depending on the pad used. I got the 575-S, also toe in/out

 

Great idea but does not seem right on a nice sidelock. I have used them on other guns but not this one. Thanks.

 

I’ve never been canvassed before. And it’s October! 😂

I second the idea to have an extension put on. I letting a sidelock is a completely different animal, not least because the inletting needs to be properly tight in order to prevent cracking. Manuel Ricardo’s business model works largely because modern O/Us require comparatively little fitting when making a new stock. To be clear to this entire august group, I’m not even saying that those are easy! We all see cracked O/U stocks all the time because of people doing the old slap-it-on-and-shoot routine. Sidelocks are exponentially more so!

In fairness, @bluesasquatch , you may well be capable of putting your SO4 metal into a good semi-inlet. Thing is, you’re going to want a semi-inlet made from a pattern stock. The best pattern stock is made when the existing stock is glass bedded to the action and locks, with every single possible gap filled and every imperfection eliminated with epoxy or Bondo as needed. That includes adding wood to the back and effectively making a perfect 3D model of exactly what you want in the new stock. The new stock is then cut from that by a really good operator on something like a Don Allen or Honig machine. Those are the only two stock duplication machines I’m aware of that are good enough for the job.

Maybe a good extension and a refinish is the way to go? 🙂

 

I’ve never been canvassed before. And it’s October! 😂

I second the idea to have an extension put on. I letting a sidelock is a completely different animal, not least because the inletting needs to be properly tight in order to prevent cracking. Manuel Ricardo’s business model works largely because modern O/Us require comparatively little fitting when making a new stock. To be clear to this entire august group, I’m not even saying that those are easy! We all see cracked O/U stocks all the time because of people doing the old slap-it-on-and-shoot routine. Sidelocks are exponentially more so!

In fairness, @bluesasquatch , you may well be capable of putting your SO4 metal into a good semi-inlet. Thing is, you’re going to want a semi-inlet made from a pattern stock. The best pattern stock is made when the existing stock is glass bedded to the action and locks, with every single possible gap filled and every imperfection eliminated with epoxy or Bondo as needed. That includes adding wood to the back and effectively making a perfect 3D model of exactly what you want in the new stock. The new stock is then cut from that by a really good operator on something like a Don Allen or Honig machine. Those are the only two stock duplication machines I’m aware of that are good enough for the job.

Maybe a good extension and a refinish is the way to go? 🙂

That's the main reason I'm doing it on an LC Smith.

 

When extending a stock length many years ago we would use a clear poly spacer. It actually looks pretty good. Someone on the forum probably has and old stock like that and could drop a picture of it for reference. I have one sitting in the vault back home but won't be there until Christmas to get a pic for you. Could be an interim solution that looks decent until you get what you want.

 

Totally agree with vatrap. I've had stock extensions done on a couple M-21's, and Beretta ASE90, and they were absolutley top notch. Wood/grain/color matches on all were superb.

 

This is a sidelock gun and there’s no way around having it properly inlet by someone. Proper inletting will cost you a pretty penny (I believe Wenig has $1,000+ surcharge on top of all of the other regular costs for a new stock to inlet for a sidelock). Improper inlet will result in the stock cracking and/or the gun not functioning properly

 

If you try to cut corners, you’re asking for cracks and misfires. Sometimes you gotta pay up for quality.

 

Consider a buttstock transplant. If the wood is closely matched they are almost impossible to see. You already have a headed up stock so the hardest part is already done.

 

Brilliant idea. Thanks very much. I will look into it.

 

Hello,
I am in need of a Beretta SO-4 custom stock. My current stock is at least 1" too short with a 1" pad. Need about a 15" LOP. I have been working with Manuel Riccardo who has been outstanding but would unfortunately need the gun to be shipped to Portugal to do any work. My absolute preference would be a semi inletted stock that I would finish inlet and sand to final dimensions before finishing. Just wanted to canvass this august group for thoughts before proceeding. Not looking for an amazing exhibition stock, just something to make the gun shootable. Thought about an Isis system but really not interested. Any stockmakers out there worthy of consideration? I am in Pittsburgh PA. International shipping has me a bit concerned. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Cole Gun should be able to help. They have 4 locations