Well I do have to confess I do have a .30-06. No I haven't bought it recently but about 23 years ago. It has travelled to the Northern Territory, to NZ, to Victoria after sambar and hog deer, to the Kymberleys in WA, even to Zimbabwe. Not to mention the many times used on deer, goats and other game here in SA.

It is a very accurate rifle, capable of shooting a third of an inch groups at a 100 yards, and I have been successful at times to using it for even 300 to 400 metre shots.

My confession is ........

............ it has a Monte Carlo stock.

A photo displaying my embarrassment and plan of future salvation

At one time groovy and hip, now it is a bit embarrassing.

Being a Model 1200 Delux Parker Hale with a Mauser 98 Santa Barbara action it was in the 70's quite fashionable. Probably still is with some Weatherby shooters.

Even worse it actually shines like a mirror in sunlight.

So I had a mission during this years SHOT Show. To acquire a nice piece of walnut, and to visit a good stockmaker to have a classic styled stock made from it to bring new life to the rifle with some minor metal work such as the bolt handle and perhaps safety to be done as well.

Roger Vardy had a stand at the SHOT Show with many drooling visitors looking at his lovely pieces of walnut. I visited his stand twice on the first day and purchased this piece of wood. Another blank also caught my eye. Much too good for me, but I advised him I would return the next day.

The next day I did return and acquired a second blank of walnut. More of this story to be told soon.

A lovely walnut blank purchased from Roger Vardy for the .30-06 project.

Ross Waghorn, the stockmaker was nearby and took delivery of my blank straight away and an appointment was made for the Monday to put together a plan for the .30-06 project.

Some enjoyable discussions and details of the future stock were itemised. Below is the future plan for the stock.

The plan for the future stock.