Because I like to use hand tools (or I'm stubborn and a glutton for punishment) I am thinning the forestock down with hand planes and rasps. Slow, but sure it gets done. About an hour for one side.

This the Deringer trade rifle?

Yep. Only one rifle at a time for me.

What do you have for wood there?

I have a BIG block of Mertlewood that should be at your house to get used. It has been in this area for 40 years that I know of and no one has dared to start carving on it.

It is the plainest maple I could get. There is some figure, but I wanted as plain as possible. I am going to do a faux striped (painted on stripes) finish that was common on trade rifles.

Here is a Leman trade rifle with a faux striped finish.

I've never seen or worked mertlewood. What shape is the block? Is it a gun stock blank?

Thanks. That will be cool!

It isn't a blank, it is a massive block! 4 feet long, 10-12 inches wide and 4 inches thick. It is a beast. There are easily 2, possibly 3 centerfire rifle blanks that could be cut out of it with a lot left for smaller projects. It has changed hands several times that I know of since the early 80's and never left the town.