WOW, price of wood

LandCruiser · April 14, 2010, 10:29

Is this the price of wood these days?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=163891460

It's beautiful, buuuuuttttttt........$500

Price of beauty I guess.

Slow · April 14, 2010, 10:37

" 1960's vintage, Belgian made wooden stock set "
"Came off of a Canadian military sniper."

whaaat? maybe a metric rifle imported into Canada....

EX1 · April 14, 2010, 14:19

Hello the hgs and stock look to be from a G series gun.New condition Belgian three slot hgs, name your price as they are no where to be found. Thanks EX1

**Abominog** · April 14, 2010, 16:07

To a serious collector, worth $500 all day long.

LandCruiser · April 14, 2010, 16:15

I guess I gotta get more $eriou$...

davesrb · April 14, 2010, 16:16

Oh Hell yes! If I was planning a build that needed a set of factory matching wood, I'd pay that in a heart beat!

Davesrb

**Lee Carpentieri** · April 14, 2010, 19:41

Ten years ago I paid 300.00 just for a set of Belgium 3 slot handguards. They came from J.Curtis Earl and were brand new take offs from 1959, At least that,s when he said he took them off the weapon.

Bigger_Is_Better · April 14, 2010, 20:28

Is that pistol grip FN production? It sure doesn't look like any I've seen....but that doesn't really mean that much.

Aaron

denny · April 14, 2010, 20:39

Worth that all day long.
+1 on the handguards and the butt ought to be worth $250.00 and then some.
The pistol grip is wrong - I've never seen any with a ridge along the bottom like those.
C1's and C1a1s are all inch bottoms - no way would that butt work.
I paid $400.00 for a set of Presintation take offs from a C1a1 and feel damn lucky to get them.
Denny

**KIT** · April 14, 2010, 21:29

Quote:

Originally posted by Abominog
To a serious collector, worth $500 all day long.

Yep...what 'Nog' said.

When was the last time you ever saw such a nice, minty set of Belgian wood furniture?

Cheers

-KIT-

Fal Dude · April 14, 2010, 23:22

I waiting for these to get up and running: http://www.oldsouthgunwood.com

I like the wood sets I see there.

Brian in MN · April 15, 2010, 09:34

"Items have been oiled and kept in storage."

Code for "we refinished the stuff because we didn't know better".

**DakTo** · April 15, 2010, 15:37

I can't wait to see the blanket job during the last 20 minutes of the auction including the grace period.

I can't get comfortable with this furniture for some reason, maybe the color? Light sometimes distorts the true color but it seems a bit too orange and lack of highly visable wood grain not seen through the color.
I would have to see the proof or acceptance marks before shelling out over 500 big ones on this baby.

mills41 · April 15, 2010, 15:49

I too am skeptical that they may of been refinished and for what they are bid up to I would almost wish to see them in person.The pistolgrip is an aftermarket item and somewhat mysteriously they match the color of the buttstock and forearm set.Another thing that has me concerned is the amount of finish wear on the stock ferrule as compared to the perfect finish on the handguards and buttstock.It is just my opinion but without seeing them in person I would have to say that they have been refinished,mills41.

**nebula8080** · April 15, 2010, 16:04

Here's the high res pictures (its not my set for sale). Kinda looks refinished. Take a look inside the slots...

And for comparison mine.... (yes someone wrote 'sex' in the handguard and no it wasnt me)

mills41 · April 15, 2010, 16:24

Nebula you have a much better set of pictures than what was sent to me for viewing.It is a tough call on this set and it could go either way,mills.

**def90** · April 15, 2010, 16:39

Does that say "SEX" in pencil inside the handguard? I swear I have seen someone else post some hand guards in here that had the same thing..

Even if they are refinished the wood and hardware looks like it is in excellent condition.

EDIT!! oops, I didn't read where you were attaching pics of your own set of handguards... Lol.. Just ignore that first sentence..

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...&highlight=sex

mojo_matic · April 15, 2010, 16:56

Someone wrote "235" in pencil on inside of hand guards, NOT "SEX".

I really hope that nebula808 meant the statement as a joke.......

regardless, someone really needs to get laid!

The set has without a doubt been refinished. Not sure of the extent in which the handguards and buttstock were was stripped, but it they have definitely received numerous coats of sealing oil, such as BLO or Tung Oil.

Regardless, the wood is very nice. The handguards are BEAUTIFUL! Worth $500? That is up to the market to decide.

The pistol grip is firewood as far as I am concerned.

Fal Dude · April 15, 2010, 17:14

Check out this website...

**def90** · April 15, 2010, 17:17

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_matic
Someone wrote "235" in pencil on inside of hand guards, NOT "SEX".

I really hope that nebula808 meant the statement as a joke.......

regardless, someone really needs to get laid!

No they did, look at his pic above and in my link.. lol.

Fal Dude · April 15, 2010, 17:18

sorry,

http://www.oldsouthgunwood.com

jugrunner · April 15, 2010, 18:02

I don't see any evidence of sanding on the butt or HG set ... the edges are too sharp ... I see a few dents/scrapes and dings in the wood AND the existing finish ... the black tarp he has them on throws the color balance off ... it's hard to tell the true color ...

I see powder residue at the correct place inside the HG at the first slot ... been shot since the re-finish if indeed they have been ...

looks like a thin sprayed lacquer finish to me ... I don't think they've ever been touched ... I have a Type B with the same finish ... I know it's factory

BTW: I'm one of the "doughheads" bidding on it so there ...

**gobbler** · April 15, 2010, 18:30

Damn Doughheads.....someone buy them, too pretty to get away!!

**nebula8080** · April 15, 2010, 18:39

Which one of you doughheads outbid me on that lugged izzy light barrel last week? I'm still kicking myself for not going a tad higher.

wood is up to $580 now....

jugrunner · April 15, 2010, 18:50

Quote:

Originally posted by nebula8080
Which one of you doughheads outbid me on that lugged izzy light barrel last week? I'm still kicking myself for not going a tad higher.

wood is up to $580 now....

somebody got it for like $312.00 or something like that ...

... not me

cg3605 · April 15, 2010, 21:42

Is the stock made out of walnut or some other type of hardwood?
The grain looks different then Nebula8080's set.

**def90** · April 15, 2010, 21:43

They both look like Walnut 2 me..

**KIT** · April 15, 2010, 22:06

Quote:

Originally posted by jugrunner
[B]I don't see any evidence of sanding on the butt or HG set ... the edges are too sharp ... I see a few dents/scrapes and dings in the wood AND the existing finish ... the black tarp he has them on throws the color balance off ... it's hard to tell the true color ...

I see powder residue at the correct place inside the HG at the first slot ... been shot since the re-finish if indeed they have been ...

looks like a thin sprayed lacquer finish to me ... I don't think they've ever been touched ... I have a Type B with the same finish ... I know it's factory

BTW: I'm one of the "doughheads" bidding on it so there ...

[/

I agree with jug.....the buttstock and handguards look to be original & unfinished to me. The edges are just too sharp on the buttstock and the exterior contour is too crisp around the front flat on the handguards. Now about that pistol grip....that's another story...the thing is pretty nasty. The correct wood would be French Walnut.

Which one of you mo-fo's snagged it?

Cheers

-KIT-

LandCruiser · April 16, 2010, 10:47

So what's the consensus?

How many here would have paid $580 for a very nicely "refinished" (jury still out) BS & HG, and aftermarket PG?

I need to know how $erious this wood thing is.

jugrunner · April 16, 2010, 13:16

Quote:

Originally posted by LandCruiser
So what's the consensus?

How many here would have paid $580 for a very nicely "refinished" (jury still out) BS & HG, and aftermarket PG?

I need to know how $erious this wood thing is.

well ... how serious were you ? ... I bid $550.00 IIRC ... would have bid more but bought 2 kits this week ... what did you bid ?

my jury is not out on the re-finish ... you have my opinion and I put my money where my mouth is ... I've been in the antique business too long to make mistakes on re-finished wood my friend !! ...

EX1 · April 16, 2010, 13:26

Hello I have to agree these do not look refinished to me. Like someone above said the edges are to sharp.I have seen plenty of NEW Belgian FAL wood to know that the color can vary from one set to another. I have seen them the nice reddish gloden color and also dark burgandy.I also know had I had the extra cash to stay in the bidding I would have gone higher than I did. When some one needs NEW wood for a restoration on a lets say G series or a transferable Belgian machine gun $580 is cheap.EX1

LandCruiser · April 16, 2010, 14:20

Well, someone was $30 more serious than I would've like to pay.

Timing was bad for me on this auction, I don't think I would have gone much higher since I bought five kits within the last 30 days.

**KIT** · April 16, 2010, 21:53

Quote:

Originally posted by EX1
Hello I have to agree these do not look refinished to me. Like someone above said the edges are to sharp.I have seen plenty of NEW Belgian FAL wood to know that the color can vary from one set to another. I have seen them the nice reddish gloden color and also dark burgandy.I also know had I had the extra cash to stay in the bidding I would have gone higher than I did. When some one needs NEW wood for a restoration on a lets say G series or a transferable Belgian machine gun $580 is cheap.EX1

I agree on all points with EX1 as he delivered an excellent summary. I am confident that the buttstock & handguards are original and not refinished...the HG's are especially clean. I sure would have loved to have had them but missed the bidding. The Pistol grip looks to be a one-off example - even hand made(?). Perhaps the owner did not like the factory Belgian black plastic grip and elected to replace it?....who knows. Sure is funky looking.

Like I said before....How often do you see minty new factory Belgian wood furniture for sale?

Cheers

-KIT-

Brian in MN · April 17, 2010, 09:38

I don't think that they have been sanded or stripped but they may have had some sort of clear finish added. The photos are simply not all that great. The last pic of nebula's own set looks original.

**LaConservationist** · April 17, 2010, 10:09

Just my opinion, but take away the fact that it was or was not authentic wood, because I do not have a clue, but as far as the price it wasn't bad over all, BUT if I am looking for wood to make a beautiful 1st class looking rifle I would put my money on BLUE MONSTER! Yeah I know this set also had the Hand Guards that BM doesn't make, maybe we need to get a hold of him and really twist his arm and get him into the hand guard carving business!!!!
Anyway someone got a beautiful set!
But my money is with BM!!

LC

jugrunner · April 17, 2010, 10:30

those pics need to be posted in the "wood" thread so we can continue to debate ...

...

mills41 · April 17, 2010, 10:35

Brian you are correct in that the pictures posted in the auction were poor quality at best and the pictures Nebula posted were far better in detail and quality than the set that the seller e-mailed to me.The areas of concern to me were in the first picture in post #15 of the buttstock.In the first picture you can see the leading edge of the metal buttplate at the top part of the buttstock commonly known as the humpback.From the angle the shot was taken there should be a pretty substantial overhang of wood so as to not be able to see the very front leading edge of the metal buttplate on a factory correct wood buttstock.This kind of made me think that the buttstock may of been refinished as I also thought it strange that the pistolgrip color very closely matched the buttstock and handguards although the pistolgrip had a somewhat higher gloss sheen.The seller posted in the ad that everything was "oiled up" and stored away which also made me think all was not as they appeared especially considering the handmade pistolgrip which shows that someone at least has some woodworking and refinishing skills.The handguards look very nice indeed and the only thing that I found odd about them was that the finish and sheen looked identical on the sides of the handguards as compared to the scalloped area on the front.Most if not all factory wood has a very very subtle somewhat different sheen and color in this scalloped/narrowed area. Another thing that I found strange was that the advertisement that the set came from a "Canadian Sniper" rifle.I find it somewhat odd that the owner wouldn't advertise the set as a set of stocks for a "G" series commercial rifle or an early FN military rifle.Given the collectability and vast knowlege of FN-FAL rifles I find it hard to believe that the seller didn't know what he had in his posession.The thing that really concerned me and kept me from bidding was that auction was advertised and worded "As is no refund or exchange".All in all a nice set of wood but just too many oddities for me to feel secure in buying.Considering the fact you couldn't get your money back if upon examination they turned out to be professionally refinished made me sit this one out,Mills41.

LandCruiser · April 17, 2010, 10:37

Quote:

Originally posted by LaConservationist
Just my opinion, ......BUT if I am looking for wood to make a beautiful 1st class looking rifle I would put my money on BLUE MONSTER!

LC

Ditto

**Abominog** · April 17, 2010, 23:06

Quote:

Originally posted by LaConservationist
Just my opinion, but take away the fact that it was or was not authentic wood, because I do not have a clue, but as far as the price it wasn't bad over all, BUT if I am looking for wood to make a beautiful 1st class looking rifle I would put my money on BLUE MONSTER! Yeah I know this set also had the Hand Guards that BM doesn't make, maybe we need to get a hold of him and really twist his arm and get him into the hand guard carving business!!!!
Anyway someone got a beautiful set!
But my money is with BM!!

LC

That's great. And BM wood is available, all one has to do is send money. He'll make HG- all you have to do is entice him financially.

The important topic is if this wood is 1) original and 2) refinished. Either way, the HG and BS alone, refinished or not, are unobtainium and to collectors (not pretty wood collectors) they are worth the money.

At any price, G series wood doesn't come on the market that often. That makes this a significant item for discussion.

jugrunner · April 17, 2010, 23:31

Quote:

Originally posted by Abominog

That's great. And BM wood is available, all one has to do is send money. He'll make HG- all you have to do is entice him financially.

The important topic is if this wood is 1) original and 2) refinished. Either way, the HG and BS alone, refinished or not, are unobtainium and to collectors (not pretty wood collectors) they are worth the money.

At any price, G series wood doesn't come on the market that often. That makes this a significant item for discussion.

exactly ! and well put nog ...

adam762 · April 17, 2010, 23:33

Quote:

Originally posted by Abominog

That's great. And BM wood is available, all one has to do is send money. He'll make HG- all you have to do is entice him financially.

The important topic is if this wood is 1) original and 2) refinished. Either way, the HG and BS alone, refinished or not, are unobtainium and to collectors (not pretty wood collectors) they are worth the money.

At any price, G series wood doesn't come on the market that often. That makes this a significant item for discussion.

For what it's worth-

+1. Rich makes a fine product. He is an artist, no doubt. But whether he can or can't make handguards (something we've discussed at length) is important. These were made by FN! That is not in question. The question (and thus the debate around the price) is : Are they original unrefinished? Real FN wood will always bear a premium due to the fact that is was made in Belgium ages ago. Reproduction items (something that I know one or two things about) will never have the same value as an original.

Whadda I know, though...

Fal Dude · April 24, 2010, 01:00

Keep a set of originals for value and a set of re-popped set for everyday use that look beautiful.

**Mark IV** · April 24, 2010, 20:39

Holy crap!!!

April 14, 2010, 10:37	#2
Slow Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 17330 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,653	" 1960's vintage, Belgian made wooden stock set " "Came off of a Canadian military sniper." whaaat? maybe a metric rifle imported into Canada.... __________________ Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it What’s the point in ever trying to be happy when the very pursuit of happiness is what makes you miserable. I'm trying to see things from your point of view, but i can't stick my head that far up my ass *"The earth swarms with people who are not worth talking to"* -Voltaire "If you mix fat and lies, you get Bill, not soap. Throw in some stupid, and it turns to Vince." - ce

April 14, 2010, 16:07	#4
Abominog Old Fart Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 372 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Finger Lakes, NY Posts: 6,553	To a serious collector, worth $500 all day long. __________________ They will live a long time, these men of the South Pacific. They, like their victories, will be remembered as long as our generation lives. Longer and longer shadows will obscure them, until their Guadalcanal sounds distant on the ear like Shiloh and Valley Forge. --- Michener, Tales of the South Pacific Tempus Edax Rerum

April 14, 2010, 16:15	#5
LandCruiser Registered FALaholic #: 42528 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 136	I guess I gotta get more $eriou$... __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have - Thomas Jefferson

April 14, 2010, 16:16	#6
davesrb Registered FALaholic #: 24499 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: north Florida Posts: 1,757	Oh Hell yes! If I was planning a build that needed a set of factory matching wood, I'd pay that in a heart beat! Davesrb __________________ Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.-James Dean In memory of my friend Roger Dunkelbarger. 05-09-2010

April 14, 2010, 19:41	#7
Lee Carpentieri Curio & Relic Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 4936 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: N/A Posts: 4,182	Belgium Wood Ten years ago I paid 300.00 just for a set of Belgium 3 slot handguards. They came from J.Curtis Earl and were brand new take offs from 1959, At least that,s when he said he took them off the weapon. __________________ Live life to the fullest, Because in the end there's only death and taxs.

April 14, 2010, 10:29	#1
LandCruiser Registered FALaholic #: 42528 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 136	WOW, price of wood Is this the price of wood these days? http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=163891460 It's beautiful, buuuuuttttttt........$500 Price of beauty I guess. __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have - Thomas Jefferson

April 14, 2010, 14:19	#3
EX1 Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 12330 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Tulsa Posts: 2,595	Hello the hgs and stock look to be from a G series gun.New condition Belgian three slot hgs, name your price as they are no where to be found. Thanks EX1

April 14, 2010, 20:28	#8
Bigger_Is_Better Registered FALaholic #: 4906 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Battlefield, MO Posts: 3,922	Is that pistol grip FN production? It sure doesn't look like any I've seen....but that doesn't really mean that much. Aaron __________________ "bipity, bopity, bacon!" Jim Gaffigan When seconds count, the police are only minutes away. Science has questions that can't be answered. Religion has answers that can't be questioned.

April 14, 2010, 20:39	#9
denny Registered FALaholic #: 24566 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,874	wood Worth that all day long. +1 on the handguards and the butt ought to be worth $250.00 and then some. The pistol grip is wrong - I've never seen any with a ridge along the bottom like those. C1's and C1a1s are all inch bottoms - no way would that butt work. I paid $400.00 for a set of Presintation take offs from a C1a1 and feel damn lucky to get them. Denny

April 14, 2010, 23:22	#11
Fal Dude Registered FALaholic #: 52322 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: California Posts: 151	I waiting for these to get up and running: http://www.oldsouthgunwood.com I like the wood sets I see there. __________________ Fal Dude L1A1 IZZY FALO

April 15, 2010, 09:34	#12
Brian in MN Registered FALaholic #: 289 Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 4,927	"Items have been oiled and kept in storage." Code for "we refinished the stuff because we didn't know better". __________________ Kalashnikov: The most successful point and click interface in the world.

April 15, 2010, 15:37	#13
DakTo MadMinuteDude Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 9689 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Constitution State Posts: 5,430	I can't wait to see the blanket job during the last 20 minutes of the auction including the grace period. I can't get comfortable with this furniture for some reason, maybe the color? Light sometimes distorts the true color but it seems a bit too orange and lack of highly visable wood grain not seen through the color. I would have to see the proof or acceptance marks before shelling out over 500 big ones on this baby. __________________ Never Take A Pistol To A Gun Fight!

April 15, 2010, 15:49	#14
mills41 Registered FALaholic #: 16208 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 384	I too am skeptical that they may of been refinished and for what they are bid up to I would almost wish to see them in person.The pistolgrip is an aftermarket item and somewhat mysteriously they match the color of the buttstock and forearm set.Another thing that has me concerned is the amount of finish wear on the stock ferrule as compared to the perfect finish on the handguards and buttstock.It is just my opinion but without seeing them in person I would have to say that they have been refinished,mills41.

April 15, 2010, 16:04	#15
nebula8080 Veteran Member Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 37665 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Frederick, MD Posts: 1,345	Here's the high res pictures (its not my set for sale). Kinda looks refinished. Take a look inside the slots... And for comparison mine.... (yes someone wrote 'sex' in the handguard and no it wasnt me)

April 15, 2010, 16:24	#16
mills41 Registered FALaholic #: 16208 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 384	Nebula you have a much better set of pictures than what was sent to me for viewing.It is a tough call on this set and it could go either way,mills.

April 15, 2010, 16:39	#17
def90 Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 50609 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Peoples' Republic of Boulder, Colorado Posts: 8,846	Does that say "SEX" in pencil inside the handguard? I swear I have seen someone else post some hand guards in here that had the same thing.. Even if they are refinished the wood and hardware looks like it is in excellent condition. EDIT!! oops, I didn't read where you were attaching pics of your own set of handguards... Lol.. Just ignore that first sentence.. http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...&highlight=sex Last edited by def90; April 15, 2010 at 16:46.

April 15, 2010, 16:56	#18
mojo_matic banned - trolling marketplace FALaholic #: 12363 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Carlisle, IN Posts: 3,257	Someone wrote "235" in pencil on inside of hand guards, NOT "SEX". I really hope that nebula808 meant the statement as a joke....... regardless, someone really needs to get laid! The set has without a doubt been refinished. Not sure of the extent in which the handguards and buttstock were was stripped, but it they have definitely received numerous coats of sealing oil, such as BLO or Tung Oil. Regardless, the wood is very nice. The handguards are BEAUTIFUL! Worth $500? That is up to the market to decide. The pistol grip is firewood as far as I am concerned. Last edited by mojo_matic; April 15, 2010 at 17:01.

April 15, 2010, 17:14	#19
Fal Dude Registered FALaholic #: 52322 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: California Posts: 151	Check out this website... __________________ Fal Dude L1A1 IZZY FALO

April 15, 2010, 17:18	#21
Fal Dude Registered FALaholic #: 52322 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: California Posts: 151	sorry, http://www.oldsouthgunwood.com __________________ Fal Dude L1A1 IZZY FALO

April 15, 2010, 18:02	#22
jugrunner Registered FALaholic #: 19911 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 4,375	I don't see any evidence of sanding on the butt or HG set ... the edges are too sharp ... I see a few dents/scrapes and dings in the wood AND the existing finish ... the black tarp he has them on throws the color balance off ... it's hard to tell the true color ... I see powder residue at the correct place inside the HG at the first slot ... been shot since the re-finish if indeed they have been ... looks like a thin sprayed lacquer finish to me ... I don't think they've ever been touched ... I have a Type B with the same finish ... I know it's factory BTW: I'm one of the "doughheads" bidding on it so there ... __________________ ... ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ ... _____________________________________________ "Remember man as you pass by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you shall be. Prepare for death and follow me." _____________________________________________ one of the proud "unwashed" ... Last edited by jugrunner; April 15, 2010 at 18:17.

April 15, 2010, 18:30	#23
gobbler Curio & Relic Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 44154 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 2,754	Damn Doughheads.....someone buy them, too pretty to get away!!

April 15, 2010, 18:39	#24
nebula8080 Veteran Member Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 37665 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Frederick, MD Posts: 1,345	Which one of you doughheads outbid me on that lugged izzy light barrel last week? I'm still kicking myself for not going a tad higher. wood is up to $580 now....

April 15, 2010, 21:42	#26
cg3605 Registered FALaholic #: 40479 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 65	Is the stock made out of walnut or some other type of hardwood? The grain looks different then Nebula8080's set.

April 15, 2010, 21:43	#27
def90 Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 50609 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Peoples' Republic of Boulder, Colorado Posts: 8,846	They both look like Walnut 2 me..

April 16, 2010, 10:47	#29
LandCruiser Registered FALaholic #: 42528 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 136	So what's the consensus? How many here would have paid $580 for a very nicely "refinished" (jury still out) BS & HG, and aftermarket PG? I need to know how $erious this wood thing is. __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have - Thomas Jefferson

April 16, 2010, 13:26	#31
EX1 Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 12330 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Tulsa Posts: 2,595	Hello I have to agree these do not look refinished to me. Like someone above said the edges are to sharp.I have seen plenty of NEW Belgian FAL wood to know that the color can vary from one set to another. I have seen them the nice reddish gloden color and also dark burgandy.I also know had I had the extra cash to stay in the bidding I would have gone higher than I did. When some one needs NEW wood for a restoration on a lets say G series or a transferable Belgian machine gun $580 is cheap.EX1

April 16, 2010, 14:20	#32
LandCruiser Registered FALaholic #: 42528 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 136	Well, someone was $30 more serious than I would've like to pay. Timing was bad for me on this auction, I don't think I would have gone much higher since I bought five kits within the last 30 days. __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have - Thomas Jefferson

April 17, 2010, 09:38	#34
Brian in MN Registered FALaholic #: 289 Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 4,927	I don't think that they have been sanded or stripped but they may have had some sort of clear finish added. The photos are simply not all that great. The last pic of nebula's own set looks original. __________________ Kalashnikov: The most successful point and click interface in the world.

April 17, 2010, 10:09	#35
LaConservationist IN DENIAL NOT ADDICTED!! Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 42319 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South Louisiana Bayous! Posts: 6,390	Just my opinion, but take away the fact that it was or was not authentic wood, because I do not have a clue, but as far as the price it wasn't bad over all, BUT if I am looking for wood to make a beautiful 1st class looking rifle I would put my money on BLUE MONSTER! Yeah I know this set also had the Hand Guards that BM doesn't make, maybe we need to get a hold of him and really twist his arm and get him into the hand guard carving business!!!! Anyway someone got a beautiful set! But my money is with BM!! LC __________________ In MEMORY of Roger "DUNKRD" Dunkelbarger September 13, 1943 - May 09, 2010 "Any one who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him, better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford

April 17, 2010, 10:30	#36
jugrunner Registered FALaholic #: 19911 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 4,375	those pics need to be posted in the "wood" thread so we can continue to debate ... ... __________________ ... ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ ... _____________________________________________ "Remember man as you pass by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you shall be. Prepare for death and follow me." _____________________________________________ one of the proud "unwashed" ...

April 17, 2010, 10:35	#37
mills41 Registered FALaholic #: 16208 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 384	Brian you are correct in that the pictures posted in the auction were poor quality at best and the pictures Nebula posted were far better in detail and quality than the set that the seller e-mailed to me.The areas of concern to me were in the first picture in post #15 of the buttstock.In the first picture you can see the leading edge of the metal buttplate at the top part of the buttstock commonly known as the humpback.From the angle the shot was taken there should be a pretty substantial overhang of wood so as to not be able to see the very front leading edge of the metal buttplate on a factory correct wood buttstock.This kind of made me think that the buttstock may of been refinished as I also thought it strange that the pistolgrip color very closely matched the buttstock and handguards although the pistolgrip had a somewhat higher gloss sheen.The seller posted in the ad that everything was "oiled up" and stored away which also made me think all was not as they appeared especially considering the handmade pistolgrip which shows that someone at least has some woodworking and refinishing skills.The handguards look very nice indeed and the only thing that I found odd about them was that the finish and sheen looked identical on the sides of the handguards as compared to the scalloped area on the front.Most if not all factory wood has a very very subtle somewhat different sheen and color in this scalloped/narrowed area. Another thing that I found strange was that the advertisement that the set came from a "Canadian Sniper" rifle.I find it somewhat odd that the owner wouldn't advertise the set as a set of stocks for a "G" series commercial rifle or an early FN military rifle.Given the collectability and vast knowlege of FN-FAL rifles I find it hard to believe that the seller didn't know what he had in his posession.The thing that really concerned me and kept me from bidding was that auction was advertised and worded "As is no refund or exchange".All in all a nice set of wood but just too many oddities for me to feel secure in buying.Considering the fact you couldn't get your money back if upon examination they turned out to be professionally refinished made me sit this one out,Mills41. Last edited by mills41; April 17, 2010 at 10:45.

April 24, 2010, 01:00	#42
Fal Dude Registered FALaholic #: 52322 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: California Posts: 151	Keep a set of originals for value and a set of re-popped set for everyday use that look beautiful. __________________ Fal Dude L1A1 IZZY FALO

April 24, 2010, 20:39	#43
Mark IV Curio & Relic Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 50937 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,967	Holy crap!!!

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