How to Checker a Gunstock Presented by Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

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  • Опубліковано 9 жов 2013
  • Checkering takes time, patience and skill. Watch along as Larry Potterfield, Founder of MidwayUSA, shows how to incorporate all three as he checkers a custom Remington 700 stock.
    For this and other MidwayUSA videos visit the MidwayUSA Video Library:
    www.midwayusa.com/video-library
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 762

  • @midwayusa
    @midwayusa  10 років тому +78

    We had to re-upload this video several times as there were a few errors in the upload process that caused the video to skip during playback; this was likely due to the length of the video. Fortunately it's working properly now.
    Thanks for Your Business!

    • @jacobdiscipleofjesusforeve419
      @jacobdiscipleofjesusforeve419 3 роки тому

      how long would have taken you with filming just a normal job start to finish

    • @wilfdarr
      @wilfdarr 3 роки тому +2

      I hate to do this to you, but there's still something weird going on at 9:52. Can you let us know what the end of that sentence was?

    • @tokethedude1103
      @tokethedude1103 3 роки тому

      @@wilfdarr I would like to know as well

    • @ob2517
      @ob2517 2 роки тому +3

      Can you please upload the video again WITHOUT the annoying music? Thanks!

  • @wearytraveler3524
    @wearytraveler3524 8 років тому +101

    I found an old set of checkering tools at a swap meet. I have started practicing on some scrap lumber and am learning the art of patience. Thanks for all the knowledge Larry! You make even the most difficult of skills come to reality for a lot of people. I, for one, am a big fan! Keep up the great work!

    • @mexicant407
      @mexicant407 Рік тому

      I accidentally got Into gun on a budget making for self defense in 2016. Currently in 2022 making few stocks in art work to hang on wall. Now in 2023 I am getting into this trying to find out what tool names I need to lookup for these tools. With time I have wondering what I could do in the next year.

    • @hnfiiinc5993
      @hnfiiinc5993 Рік тому

      You guys have pretty cool passions!

  • @Regnisab
    @Regnisab 8 років тому +147

    Purgatory: endlessly checkering a stock listening to that music. Heaven: a well checkered stock.

  • @cornwasher
    @cornwasher 2 роки тому +34

    This is an example of mastering your craft and then having the confidence to pass your knowledge on to those with an interest and patience to also develop the skill..... Terrific!

  • @trefod
    @trefod 10 років тому +326

    This is in no way difficult from a technical standpoint, but the patience required and the desire to rush and finish would make it completely out of my scope.
    I admire people with the tenacity and calmness to do this kind of thing.

    • @Endogamy
      @Endogamy 10 років тому +3

      Compassion.

    • @johnjames77
      @johnjames77 3 роки тому +8

      good weed !

    • @wiltonsmith3397
      @wiltonsmith3397 3 роки тому +3

      This is one reason why expensive guns are expensive.

    • @LeskoBrandon2x
      @LeskoBrandon2x 3 роки тому +2

      @@johnjames77 more like Adderall

    • @atticuskoa416
      @atticuskoa416 2 роки тому

      You prolly dont care but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account??
      I was dumb lost the password. I appreciate any help you can give me

  • @2Phast4Rocket
    @2Phast4Rocket 10 років тому +20

    I love how Larry present these types of videos in longer length now rather than just 4 to 5 minutes segments so I can appreciate the workmanship required for these types of fine gunsmithing and maybe buy some some more tools and supplies for my next projects. Keep them coming. Thank you.

  • @turkishkman1
    @turkishkman1 10 років тому +6

    i cant believe 2 things 1.i watched the whole video even thought theres no way im ever gonna be able to do that and 2. the patience this guy has

  • @perolovsin47
    @perolovsin47 5 років тому +3

    Watching your videos Larry is an equivalent of a fishing weekend with sunny weather-pure relaxation and awe

  • @Gunsgame1966
    @Gunsgame1966 Рік тому +1

    I could listen to you all day your voice is almost hypnotic in a good way and every word full of experience knowledge and nicely spoken, as complicated but for the laymen easily understood 😊

  • @danbodley9082
    @danbodley9082 8 років тому +575

    Man I hope there are people in the younger generations that are perfecting crafts like this because God knows I'm not.

    • @theticketkiller
      @theticketkiller 8 років тому +4

      Look up 'Martini Gunmakers'.

    • @riverstyxarmory9782
      @riverstyxarmory9782 8 років тому +29

      if it makes you feel better, about 1/3 of my smithing class is under 25 years old. the rest are 25-35.

    • @drcpaintball
      @drcpaintball 7 років тому +9

      I'd slap it into a CNC mill and do this in half the time

    • @riverstyxarmory9782
      @riverstyxarmory9782 7 років тому +17

      $50,000 mill (minimum) or a $60 checkering kit. also you'd have to either hand operate the mill, or write up a CAD file (I think? honestly don't care about CNC at the moment) which could take about half the time of hand-cutting. and every stock and every customer is unique, so a new file per gun. you wouldn't just drop it into a CNC machine, trust the gunsmith. or don't, it's your speculation.

    • @AJwiththeAK
      @AJwiththeAK 7 років тому +1

      Gonna be going to school for it myself

  • @MrAlexthemachine
    @MrAlexthemachine 3 роки тому +2

    It doesn't just take patience, its a strong appreciation for what you have and a passion for guns.

  • @wombatburrito5896
    @wombatburrito5896 Рік тому +1

    The ingenuity of our previous generations never ceases to amaze me.

  • @gs42816
    @gs42816 7 років тому +8

    Absolutely fascinating. It shows what a truly skilled person can accomplish with patience and experience. Exceptional work. Thanks for the video

  • @steveminla
    @steveminla 9 років тому +25

    THIS is a very good video! Well produced, filmed and has great sound.
    I just happened to see the title and thumbnail in the suggestions and thought it looked interesting since I've never seen this technique done before ( I am only aware of how it looks on a rifle butt ).
    I found this absolutely amazing to actually see someone do this! Mr. Potterfield sure seems like a master at this...lots of great talent and years of experience!
    Thanks for the post Midway!

  • @Gottaculat
    @Gottaculat 3 роки тому +6

    Made the mistake of watching this well past bed time, and woke up later on my sofa.
    The music you have softly playing in the background plus the detail work put me out faster than a glass of warm vanilla milk.
    My brain was like, "Nah, this is cool, but we're gonna take a nap!"
    Better watch this again when I'm more awake. :)

  • @phillight2008
    @phillight2008 7 місяців тому +1

    You're such a good teacher, Larry.

  • @capt.eldoncsummers6689
    @capt.eldoncsummers6689 7 років тому +16

    Nice to watch a master at work. Thanks Larry. It is beautiful.

    • @hakapik683
      @hakapik683 3 роки тому

      lol master? No. Lines are terribly crooked, un-even and just badly done.

  • @wickedcoolname5756
    @wickedcoolname5756 7 років тому +11

    You do beautiful work, sir. And your instructions are clear and concise. The production values are also excellent. Thanks for the great video.

  • @SteveKN4POP
    @SteveKN4POP 10 років тому +3

    Larry, you have got more patience than I ever will! I'm not even doing the checkering and I am feeling my patience wear thin...lol Hats off to you and great tutorial! Love the work you do and God Bless!

  • @dangaines405
    @dangaines405 Рік тому +1

    Cool work! Craftsmanship and patience shown here by Larry! Congratulations!

  • @Krankie_V
    @Krankie_V 9 років тому +33

    That takes a patience I'll never have. Nice work.

    • @thebad300
      @thebad300 9 років тому +4

      and that why they probably get $100-200 per job for doing that by hand

    • @jonathanlangford4291
      @jonathanlangford4291 8 років тому +8

      +dfissell $200 is not nearly enough for this kind of work.

    • @870Slager
      @870Slager 7 років тому +3

      Yeah more like 800-1200. Doing it by hand takes more time so it costs more.

  • @CanisLupus1978
    @CanisLupus1978 10 років тому +2

    A true art form! Thanks Larry! I truly enjoyed our rainy day discussion about the "ideal" back up guide gun for Alaska.

  • @eriklouw821
    @eriklouw821 4 роки тому +2

    All the best down here from South Africa. The more I check all those interesting fire arms you show, the more I wish I can stay there. Good, fantastic work you done as well the explaining how you progress. I have learn a lot and look forward to have you on board.

  • @highwayprisoner3539
    @highwayprisoner3539 9 років тому +2

    I never knew this was done by hand i always thought a machine ran the lines. Thats truly remarkable craftsmanship

    • @carlbruschnigjr1757
      @carlbruschnigjr1757 9 років тому +1

      On many of the cheaper, mass produced ones are pressed into the wood. A close examination will show the fibers of the wood are bent into the pattern, and not all the diamond points are sharp, whereas checkering that is cut in will show the fibers cut. I did a little refinishing work on a stock for a friend and had used my checkering tools to deepen and sharpen the pattern on his stock. It took about 2 days to do this, but the first time he held the gun, he was amazed at how good the grip felt.
      Great checkering is an art form.

  • @weejim48
    @weejim48 4 роки тому +1

    Wow , how skilful is that. Amazing Craftsmanship 👍

  • @5minuteoutdoors
    @5minuteoutdoors Рік тому +1

    That Wesley- Richards is a beautiful and unique rifle

  • @TheTboneOscar
    @TheTboneOscar 10 років тому +4

    Wow. Beautiful work. Takes some some serious dedication, concentration, and years of practice.

    • @captainquint25
      @captainquint25 3 роки тому

      And about 100 sedatives take intravenously

  • @Arariel3
    @Arariel3 9 років тому +1

    excellent eyes and patience.

  • @hakimmic
    @hakimmic 10 років тому +2

    Nice video and well demonstrated. Nice to see how others work!!
    I wish these videos were around 30 years ago. Thank you.

  • @jergensenC6
    @jergensenC6 10 років тому +2

    Great video. Larry should have his own weekly tv show. The man has serious skill and even more patience. I could never even attempt to do the checkering on a pricey stock.

    • @AB-kg6rk
      @AB-kg6rk Рік тому

      He's like a sage or monk of some sort.

  • @WhiteSoxxx
    @WhiteSoxxx 9 років тому +97

    after watching the entire video, I think that background music will haunt my nightmares.

  • @SgtBFGunner
    @SgtBFGunner 3 роки тому +1

    New respect for Larry Potterfield.

  • @johnjames77
    @johnjames77 3 роки тому

    You are the "real deal" ! This like watching Henry Ford personally using each machine to build a model T. I am a customer and will always be one .You deserve every sale !

  • @user-qb9sh2mr6f
    @user-qb9sh2mr6f 5 місяців тому +1

    Really admire your vast knowledge of firearms.Wish you were my neighbor.

  • @Fireworxs2012
    @Fireworxs2012 9 років тому

    Pay attention children. This is a Master Craftsman in his element. Thank You Mr. Pottersfield...Great video on a craft that seldom sees the light of day.

  • @norrisdustlessblasting4507
    @norrisdustlessblasting4507 5 місяців тому

    There’s no way! After watching this im just going to leave it. This guys a master craftsman, he’s on another level. Possibly from another planet haha

  • @DIRTYBIRDY24
    @DIRTYBIRDY24 8 років тому +267

    this music makes me feel like I'm on a hunt in the safari

    • @heckler3119
      @heckler3119 8 років тому +15

      Yeah, I can just feel the elephant charging behind me.

    • @Chad_Thundernuts
      @Chad_Thundernuts 6 років тому +6

      Totally what I was thinking. Or sitting around the camp in the local village as the catch roasts on a spit haha

    • @RockandrollNegro
      @RockandrollNegro 6 років тому +19

      This music makes me feel like I'm sitting in a big cauldron, while naked villagers march around me chanting to their heathen gods as the fire beneath the pot begins to boil the water around me, and I scream for mercy, but the giant black medicine man blows some sort of powder in my face, causing all of my vocal muscles to cease functioning. The rest of my body shuts down, and I can't move or speak. The last thing I see as I pass out from the excruciating pain is the gleaming white rhinoceros bone, centered in the middle of the medicine man's nose.
      It also kind of reminds me of Lion King.

    • @borderland_upland
      @borderland_upland 4 роки тому +4

      Richard Marks well he is working on “the nearly perfect safari rifle” project.

    • @robertlombardo8437
      @robertlombardo8437 4 роки тому +1

      @@Chad_Thundernuts
      I like your description best. Also I like your name, roflmao!

  • @iamrichrocker
    @iamrichrocker 3 роки тому +4

    i see why guns hold such an attraction to the owner..not only what it does..but how it looks..feels..involves all of the senses basically..

  • @AhHereWeGo
    @AhHereWeGo 4 роки тому

    I don't know how many times I have dreaded doing something myself, but am reassured that everything is possible with the right tools after watching a Larry video.

  • @Gyppor
    @Gyppor 10 років тому +4

    Wow, that looks incredible. You sir sure know what you are doing!

  • @tgilldesign
    @tgilldesign 3 роки тому

    If I ever need micro-surgery, I am calling you! Patience, and attention to detail is obviously key.... pretty much in everything worth doing. Nice work !!! And very nice tutorial.

  • @kenstrain4366
    @kenstrain4366 3 роки тому +1

    You are not a gunsmith....you are an artist.

  • @sidneyl7059
    @sidneyl7059 10 років тому +1

    Great job as always Larry. Thanks for your step by step instructions.

  • @KorieG
    @KorieG 10 років тому +1

    Mr. Larry Potterfield, all I can say is," WOW! That was simply AMAZING!" You have so much skill, I have the utmost respect for you sir! Great Job! And Great Video! Thank you for this! Later... -Korie G.

  • @davemonday5381
    @davemonday5381 4 роки тому +1

    I always wondered how it was done before laser s I have to say it’s one of the most amazing skills one wrong scribe and it’s a very bad day. Thanks for the education I’ll look at old guns with checking on. In a different way in the future.

  • @sking0369
    @sking0369 8 років тому +4

    One thing I like about Larry is when he says what he likes. Too many people are apologetic about what they like. My tastes might be different than Larry's but/and when he says what he likes doesn't offend me.

  • @ExiledWrath
    @ExiledWrath 2 місяці тому +1

    Absolutely beautiful work

  • @vicadams4816
    @vicadams4816 10 років тому +1

    Larry,you are truly an American hero to the firearms world!

  • @wayneejohnson3146
    @wayneejohnson3146 3 роки тому

    I am an old retired carpenter and find this Checkering very rewarding. My shop fire burned the stocks off my old guns, including a Stevens single 25 cal. patented in Apr. 17th , 94. Great work Mr. Potterfield, !!!

  • @trentnichols5075
    @trentnichols5075 3 роки тому

    It just ain’t fair for one man to get all that knowledge and ability! It doesn’t leave enough know how for anyone else!! The mans a genius!!

  • @PaulPhillipsFix
    @PaulPhillipsFix 2 роки тому

    What beautiful and meticulous work. I always thought that the checkering on our model 70's was done by machine. I appreciate it much more now.

  • @porkycrook
    @porkycrook 10 років тому

    Mr Potterfield sir you have a real deep knowledge pool. You are not only the top man in the company but you seem to have no limits to your talent. I love watching all of your videos, often spending an evening watching your videos.
    Thankyou
    Roger

  • @Aint1S
    @Aint1S 10 років тому +2

    UA-cam GOLD! I bet the one thumbs down guy must do this work for a hefty price & probably hates to see Mr. Potterfield teach this intricate work!
    Lol, thank you MidwayUSA!
    Best video... ever!

  • @bigbumpo
    @bigbumpo 9 років тому

    Woe,that is way harder than I thought.You need the hands of a surgeon.Ol man got skills.Good thing there's machines that can do this for the rest of us.

  • @zthermo
    @zthermo 6 років тому +2

    Whoa! This is some serious fine detail craftsmanship....excellent work!

  • @wrongfullyaccused7139
    @wrongfullyaccused7139 3 роки тому +1

    I started checkering about 45 years ago. In the beginning, I improvised clamps that would not damage the stock. Once I built my checkering cradle it made things so much more pleasant. I put off building one for years until finally set aside time to build it. Works great. Glad you told everyone about a checkering cradle. Now, my only problem is eyesight. Can't beat the clock. Hard to find good eye pieces/magnifiers. Nice video.

  • @melody3741
    @melody3741 Рік тому

    Your voice is like the “how its made” guy but with what i think is a southern accent? You are very clear, concise, and explanatory, which i really love. Even though this subject doesn’t really interest me, i can always appreciate a tutorial that is made this well.

  • @anthonycesario4056
    @anthonycesario4056 3 роки тому

    Enjoyed watching your craftsmanship, and your pride in your work. Thank you.

  • @scottwarner9166
    @scottwarner9166 Рік тому

    I have some beautifully checked rifles and shotguns.
    I always knew it was a true artcraft .
    After seeing this I will never attempt.
    Great video

  • @thenigletcyborg
    @thenigletcyborg 7 років тому +1

    Always wondered where the "straight line curve" from high school geometry would be useful... Patience is a virtue. God bless the USA. #dtnation

  • @KE0ZCO
    @KE0ZCO 7 років тому +1

    Larry Potterfield is awesome !!

  • @FearlessP4P1
    @FearlessP4P1 Рік тому

    God bless these craftsmen. They add spice to life. Thank you for uploading this info

  • @dick-parker
    @dick-parker Рік тому +1

    I love these videos, the knowledge this man has is amazing

  • @TheMetalHeaD256
    @TheMetalHeaD256 8 років тому +18

    Good God, those are beautiful rifles. Especially that takedown. Oh, this is a video about checkering? I just spent the last 15 minutes looking up Westley Richards.

  • @ZebRoll
    @ZebRoll 8 років тому +1

    Mr. Potterfield THIS is awesome and titanic work! Great respect!

  • @thni1703
    @thni1703 6 років тому

    so nice to watch you work Larry !

  • @GunfaceOrg
    @GunfaceOrg 10 років тому

    Wow! Beautiful!
    As said before, a lost art. Soon as I have time, I'll checker my own stocks!

  • @mogimbo
    @mogimbo 8 років тому

    Very nice work. Top notch video. I really enjoy the slow tempo and thorough explanations of the process. Many thanks!

  • @ghillierifle2292
    @ghillierifle2292 8 років тому +1

    33 minutes well spent. Man is great at what he does

  • @lutnit
    @lutnit 10 років тому +3

    Already converted my 870's pressed "checkering" into cut checkering and am expanding from there. These videos from Midway have been a great help. My only issue is I keep trying to blow the sawdust off the checkering during the videos ;-)

  • @jcaliff556
    @jcaliff556 10 років тому

    Dang Larry, that's on point. Beautiful work. That's the boss showing how it's done.

  • @bruno17860
    @bruno17860 9 років тому

    LARRY you are the man!! as always great work and another great video! 5 stars...God Bless!

  • @alexmason2253
    @alexmason2253 Рік тому +1

    This has definitely changed my life

  • @taylorsmith515
    @taylorsmith515 3 роки тому

    It's high science, man. It's an art form. You an artist.

  • @paulburt4167
    @paulburt4167 6 років тому

    The suspense is palpable. Amazing video

  • @rickcarson9423
    @rickcarson9423 10 місяців тому

    Cool video! Thanks! Man, I don't have the tools OR the patience for that! Kudos on your skills.

  • @TheTorkerman
    @TheTorkerman 6 років тому

    Obviously the manufacturers use machines for this. Love your patience Larry

  • @tykellerman6384
    @tykellerman6384 4 роки тому

    You sir have the patience of a saint ... great video🤠👍

  • @arkantos006
    @arkantos006 6 років тому

    You are one skilled craftsman ! Beautiful work

  • @prekrasnie
    @prekrasnie 10 років тому +7

    The easiest way I found is to make a pattern on a piece of paper to exact size, reversing it to other side of grip, now it is exactly same.
    To reduce overruns I found it much easier after lightly marking the design, to use 2 layers of standard yellow paper tape to define the outside border lines, carefully cutting the points and piecing them in exactly, I use this as a guide to follow for the outline cut as well, if I run-over when checkering, I'll run over unto the tape.
    I use tape for the 2 first master guide lines as well, much easier with the tape to contour smoothly and simply cut using the tape as a guide. I'll use a double line cutter, following the first cut line and cut the new one, making sure depth is same, otherwise lines will not be evenly spaced. Short backward cutter is only way to go when you finish up the ends to depth, you don't want to run over now. Stop often, don't push yourself, you'll screw up. Keep work clean for easier visual. If a line takes off on you, stop, get a piece of tape, correct the line with the tape, follow the tape starting from the opposite end.
    Try an 18 line cutter first on an old 22LR, move up to the 20 line later. Don't try to do it all in one sitting.

  • @53sindako
    @53sindako 8 років тому +1

    That's a Lovely Craftsman Video .
    Who would dislike it ??!?!??!
    People who chose dislike , don't know what Real Craftsman Mean , and How precise and Perfect that thing was .
    Lovely work mate . i hope i was in the US , just to Learn from you , Or fabricate Pistol grips for my Pistols .
    Lovely , Just Lovely .

  • @JohnLoganMcKee03
    @JohnLoganMcKee03 10 років тому

    The best tutorial on hand checkering I've ever seen. Thanks

  • @martyn6792
    @martyn6792 Рік тому

    While this is an older video, fascinating to watch a craftsman at work

  • @BigAlWillis
    @BigAlWillis 5 років тому

    definitely skilled craft & left to the professionals. no way I could do this without a mistake. very cool, really sets off the gun

  • @danielhowiesr.2593
    @danielhowiesr.2593 3 роки тому

    What a talent! Very nice! Thanks for posting.

  • @kwhitney6238
    @kwhitney6238 4 роки тому

    Gosh I just wish I could do this all the time. Beautiful work.

  • @5899jason
    @5899jason 10 років тому +1

    I really like the longer videos. Thanknyou for yourntime to make these videos

  • @tom7601
    @tom7601 10 років тому

    Fascinating. I had no idea what was involved. Thank you...

  • @justinl7678
    @justinl7678 4 роки тому +1

    amazing craftsmanship

  • @JoeDebono
    @JoeDebono 8 років тому

    Beautiful work Mr P.

  • @jordanflash714
    @jordanflash714 9 років тому +66

    well this blows my painters tape and pocket knife theory out of the water. lol

    • @TheMetalHeaD256
      @TheMetalHeaD256 8 років тому +7

      +Jordan Rodano I'm apparently a lot more OCD than he is.... I'd be using all of his tools, PLUS painter's tape, micrometers, straight-edges, etc wherever I could

    • @danietkissenle
      @danietkissenle 3 роки тому +5

      Hack saw and duct tape my friend

    • @D-Vinko
      @D-Vinko 3 роки тому +3

      @@TheMetalHeaD256 That would make you an inefficient checker-er

    • @TrapperAaron
      @TrapperAaron 3 роки тому +4

      No joke about tape and a hacksaw blade. My grandfather's set of checkering tools are all hand made and just small peices of bimetal hacksaw blades brazed to garage sale screwdrivers or other suitable stock

  • @HeatherSpoonheim
    @HeatherSpoonheim 10 років тому

    Love your work, love your presentation, and I find the music rather pleasing.

  • @happydaz32
    @happydaz32 10 років тому

    Mr. Potterfield; You sir, must have the Patience of Job !

  • @InfamousDoktorJackal
    @InfamousDoktorJackal 10 років тому +1

    Very nice Mr. Potterfield

  • @scott27288
    @scott27288 6 років тому

    Nice video and I admire Larry's talent to do this very time consuming procedure. The background music had me thinking that any second a Japanese samurai was going to jump out and start swinging a sword.

  • @biagiocozza8875
    @biagiocozza8875 Рік тому

    Fantastic video. It is a lot of work, and even more patience.

  • @Dr.Gunsmith
    @Dr.Gunsmith 9 років тому +2

    Beautiful work and very skilled work indeed, not all that simple like you make it look I've done a few but never turned out as good and precise as yours,mine looked like crap lol.

  • @SaltyDawg-wu5kr
    @SaltyDawg-wu5kr 6 років тому

    WONDERFULL WORK! I THOUGHT I HAD ALOT OF PATIENTS. NOTHING LIKE YOU.

  • @mandh14
    @mandh14 7 років тому +2

    Steady hands - what a skill!

  • @jlflores26
    @jlflores26 8 років тому

    I didn't even have the patience to watch this short (in comparison to how long this actually takes)video. I fast forwards about 15 times. Nice job!