What's the right price for a wooden stock extension?

[Idiot101]

I recently had a 1.5inch walnut extension added to my shotgun, but stupidly didn't discuss the price with the gunsmith before starting work. I've just got it back and while I'm happy with the quality of work (not thrilled but I can live with it) I was shocked by the price.

Whats the going rate?

 

[sh1kar]

Depending on the quality of original walnut. Extension. Matching of grain etc etc. I am thinking £1-3k

 

[enfieldspares]

£175 is what I paid in the trade on and off in the past two or so years and don't begrudge it. For plain wood to match a plain stick each time. The cost isn't just the labour and skill of the It is the cost of the wood. And unless as I do you have the butt "scored" (all my guns are scored 1) they are easier to clean and 2) grip wire fences better) the cost of the labour to chequer it. And the more the figure the higher it's price as a "lengthening piece".

 

[Skinny Pete]

How much did you pay?

 

[Idiot101]

Depending on the quality of original walnut. Extension. Matching of grain etc etc. I am thinking £1-3k

For a london best with an solid ivory stock I hope!

I paid £460 from an independant gunsmith. Fairly well matched wood, partially chequered butt, refinished where sanded back (not full length)

 

[Heym SR20]

For a london best with an solid ivory stock I hope!

I paid £460 from an independant gunsmith. Fairly well matched wood, partially chequered butt, refinished where sanded back (not full length)

Consider the time spent in fitting, shaping and checking the butt, let alone the finishing work. How many hours work has gone into that. You are also paying for the years of experience for the independent craftsman to have perfected the skills. Can you checker a buttplate - probably not. Probably best part of days work just laying out and running the checking?

How much do you earn in an hour or a day??

 

[Bo Diddley]

Painter & decorators around here are on £35 per hour.
Plumbers £60 per hour
Good bricklayers are getting £350 a day....

So your stock extension seems ok. You could have found a retired cabinet maker who would have probably liked a job like that, and done it for peanuts... but then you might get monkeys...