Besides its structural role, a gun stock might serve two other important functions: ergonomic and aesthetic, which are intrinsically connected.
In the following article, we discuss the challenges as well as the possible problems the manufacturer must face to match technical and aesthetic aspects during production of custom gun stocks.
Custom gun stocks: how to match functionality and style
The design of the wooden stock doesn’t concern just its shape but also its appearance in terms of finishes and customization.
Today, there are many possibilities of personalization and finishing options in the market, but not all manufacturers have the right machines, tools, and expertise to manage wood properly or have access to the full range of finishing materials available.
Clients are fascinated by the mechanisms and development of gun stock technology, so they look for innovative designs, new styles, and unusual finishes.
If you can rely on an expert supplier that satisfies your requests and supports you during the entire process, you can create unique and amazing objects.
What does the “aesthetic” part of a gun stock mean?
The aesthetic part of the stock generally follows the style of the brand, but customers often look for innovation in this field too.
There are three main challenges when designing custom gun stocks:
- keeping in line with the stylistic tradition of the brand
- following current trends and clients’ preferences
- improving a product in terms of ergonomics, resistance, and quality
On one hand, creative enthusiasm is necessary to create a unique and innovative product, but on the other, great attention is required to maintain the highest quality, structural resistance, and ergonomics when manufacturing wooden gun stocks.
Indeed, each new product should be better than the previous one.
The work team is crucial
Constant cooperation between the producer/brand and the gun stock manufacturer is needed to create a product that corresponds to all consumer requirements.
In the last few years, it has become clear that gun stock makers are not just simple OEM suppliers but true consultants in design, finishes, and accessories. The most reliable manufacturers should collaborate with their clients and support them during each phase of the process, giving advice based on their experience.
Each type of wood, in fact, has specific characteristics, tolerances, and structural limits that can’t be ignored when designing a gun stock. Only an experienced manufacturer has a deep knowledge of wood and knows how to treat it properly to avoid discrepancies and problems.
From an aesthetic point of view, the stock represents the most important part of the firearm. If you want to widen your catalogue with new and innovative products, you should select a manufacturing company that has an internal research and development department with designers and specialists who can set the boundaries between creativity and technical aspects.
A team of experts in wood manufacturing can find the right balance between creating beautiful and ergonomic custom gun stocks that are also functional and durable.
When designing a new gun stock, four steps are generally involved.
- The proposal of the designer, who freely expresses creativity without limits or obligations except for some aesthetic details that characterize the customer’s company.
- The proposal of the manufacturer, which sends the client at least three variations of the final product to facilitate its decision.
- The prototyping phase in which a representative sample is created to verify the aesthetic and functional quality of the arm.
- The quality control process in which some essential tests are performed to ensure the robustness and durability of the stock in hard conditions (drop test) and during normal use (field test).
A reliable wood maker helps you during each phase of the process
Gun stock makers that use these procedures as a standard can be considered real partners, as they help their clients by offering new and innovative items in their catalogues, improving the design from the beginning and before production, giving advice based on their experience.
Successful products are necessary for business, and your partner’s support can be a turning point in your project.
A manufacturer with extensive experience in the timber sector knows market trends and can be a valuable consultant in creating a successful product.
It is important to be able to see a physical sample of the final gun stock to know if it corresponds to your client’s idea and to predict and adjust possible problems and technical issues.
The prototype must be realistic. If it resembles the final product but doesn’t correspond 100%, you might run into serious difficulties when you start actual production, e.g., delays or unexpected costs.
The possibility of producing goods in small lots provides greater efficiency too. Being able to deliver half-processed products and then complete production depending on market trends and consumers’ preferences gives you a better chance of success.
Leading wood manufacturers invest in the latest technologies
Wood is not easy to manage, and you need competencies and special machines to treat it properly. A gun stock, for example, has a particular shape that requires the highest attention and deep quality control to ensure precision for each production lot.
Strict tolerances must be respected meticulously to create accurate and solid stocks, avoiding discrepancies. If your supplier has the most advanced measurement technologies, he will be able to ensure maximum precision, making the entire process automated, faster, and more accurate.
Modern and innovative machinery also lets you reduce the lead time between development and delivery of your gun stocks and allows you to put them on the market as scheduled.
It is important to ensure that the company you select is equipped with the essential tools to create what they promise.
Many clients are not simply collectors but also use firearms for recreational activities, such as hunting or target shooting. For them, the ergonomics of custom gun stocks is critical, as the stock must fit properly for high-level performance.
Standard stock dimensions that fit the average shooter are not enough. As a supplier, you should offer a wide range of possibilities in your catalogue.
The Minelli Group is known around the world for its high standards, the quality and precision of its products, and the wide range of finishes it can offer.
If you have a project in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our experts are at your disposal.
