Why is Checkering on older guns?

Nighthawk

So much more visable and better looking? I got my .444 Marlin marlin out today which has a walnut stock and wiped it down. I also have a older Model 39 30-30 with a walnut stock, and I noticed compared to all of my other Marlin lever guns the older one had much better looking checkering. My Model 336 is Marlins top grade rifle and the checkering is barely noticable. I have noticed the same on my Remington Model 700 BDL's, I have an older on chambered for the .270 and the checkering looks better on it than on my newer Models. Whats done differently on todays Models? Can you do anything to improve or make the checkering more noticable?

duckhunter

Hand checkering vs pressed checkering

Locust Fork

Old Magic.....the checker king of Gun Broker!!!!

35 Whelen

quote:Originally posted by duckhunter
Hand checkering vs pressed checkering


You beat me to it duckhunter. Pressed checkering is easier to do, but it doesn't look as good as cut checkering by a long shot.

Highball

quote:Can you do anything to improve or make the checkering more noticable?
You can actually cut pressed checkering. Won't look quite as good as real checkering...but well presentable.

Practice on an old stock.

CapnMidnight

Old english shot guns have some of the finest checkering you will ever see, it's all about craftsmanship and the cost of manhours, it's an artform. The more lines per inch, the more skill and time involved.
For what it's worth.
W.D.

charliemeyer007

+1 Cpt. Midnight Quality never goes out of style. We can make it cheaper but not better. Yep in old days it was pride in workmanship. Now its use it once and throw it away.