Your new custom stock, ebony forend tip or not?

[CZDiesel]

So just that? What is your liking or preference? I have multiple Winchester Super Grades and Custom Shop Super Grades that have both. And I love them all, I think they all look perfect! But I’m going to send in my 1950 M-70 375 H&H to be restocked in something beautiful...
I cannot decide if I should put a ebony forend tip on it or just let the wood stock speak for itself? I also cannot decide which way is better for this type of rifle?

What would you do?

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I would have a tip, but I wouldn't go ebony, the contrast with walnut is too great. Why not go for an exotic like rosewood, or zebra wood, you only need a small piece.

 

[Commish]

I also would go with a tip. In my opinion a tip makes a fine piece of wood pop and gives a nice shape to the fore end.

 

[machinistbutler]

I like the bit of contrast it adds.

 

[Strausser]

That’s a nice one @machinistbutler .

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I like the ebony tips a lot and would go in that direction.. However if I had already shot a buffalo I would definitely go with a buffalo horn forend tip (with a widow’s peak) from the one I shot if possible. I think that’s a really special feature

 

[WAB]

I would go with the tip on a M-70.

 

[curtism1234]

I would not. However, if I did, I would also go with a rosewood or other brown tip rather than black.

I would go straight walnut with a black metal pistol grip cap

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I personally like no tip. However I don’t think they look bad.

 

[Shootist43]

Either works. Why not wait until you select the "blank" and then decide? IMHO a tip might add to some, while detracting from others.

 

[YancyW]

This is a 100% personal opinion, but there is no chance I would have a stock built without an ebony tip.

 

[Nevada Mike]

A stock maker friend told me years ago that te FE tip helped to stablize the end grain on the forend. I have always asked for ebony tips on the rifles I have had stocked. It is, I think, a minor point, but it seems to 'finish off' the rifle.

 

[CBH Australia]

Decisions, decisions.
I like them, the ones I've seen.
A nice blank may not need one.
Other timbers could also look good.
I liked the Buffalo horn idea.
I also think the tulip tip on some foreends is a nice touch.
I don't know of the tulip tip is right for that style though.
Maybe decide after you select the blank.
Who cares as long as your new Safari rifle has a barrel band. They look the part.

I can't decide what I like most . I'm not much help hey,

Maybe, sit back look at those other Winchester's and see what is missing from the the line up or what you really like most from the line up.

Don't forget the barrel band and please post pictures when it's finished.

 

[WAB]

I don’t know if this helps. The top rifle is a custom M-70 in .375 H&H, the middle rifle a custom M-70 in 7x57, the bottom rifle a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3x62. Personally I think all three look great, but for me a classic M-70 has an ebony forend tip. It all comes down to personal preference.

 

[YancyW]

View attachment 423462

I don’t know if this helps. The top rifle is a custom M-70 in .375 H&H, the middle rifle a custom M-70 in 7x57, the bottom rifle a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3x62. Personally I think all three look great, but for me a classic M-70 has an ebony forend tip. It all comes down to personal preference.

Sweet baby Jesus. That 7x57 is fantastic, if you ever don't want it, I can be to your place in less than a day.

 

[nztimb]

As some have said, select the blank and see what it needs (or if it needs) in the way of adornment. It also depends on the style of your stock. This is my personal feeling and no refelction on those who think otherwise but any of the contrasting brown woods (IMO) can detract from the wow factor of a well marked blank so the black tip in the form of buffalo horn for preference or ebony is the most effective visually

 

[C.W. Richter]

Si. 757AI. The only issue with forend tips is that half my guns are set up for adverse weather thus they have HS Precision synthetic stocks. Although I did see a beautiful SS crosbolted et. al. (typ. wood stock features) synthetic stock in a custom mauser action by Granite Mtn. Arms!

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I would have a tip, but I wouldn't go ebony, the contrast with walnut is too great. Why not go for an exotic like rosewood, or zebra wood, you only need a small piece.

I think this is called Zebra wood, it is on a Diana 52 Luxus air rifle I used to own. Beautiful thing, I regret selling it.

 

[CZDiesel]

Thank you everyone, it’s great knowing your opinions! Gives me a feel how other fine rifle enthusiasts think on the subject...
I also think it is best to pick out my blank first, but I have a pretty good idea of what I’m look for, I think lol
Knowing this I’m leaning to have a ebony tip installed as I too think that it can accentuate certain graining.

 

[xausa]

I think this German traditional tip is a valid alternative, especially on a rifle with a short foreend.

My little 7X57 on a BRNO G33/40 action has taken all kinds of African plains game, up to and including wildebeest.