Fancy Wood 219/220 Stock & Forearm needed

[Garnett]

I just purchased a very elaborately (non factory) engraved M220 in 16 gauge.  It has very plain wood.  I have contracted two companies that ads say they have them.  One replied "NO" and the other has not replied at all.  I suppose that means they don't have them, but at least they should have the courtesy to reply to my inquiry.  I guess I am just old fashioned, but my daddy always taught me to reply to all mail.  Anyway, if you have a fancy wood stock and forearm for sale, please contact me with prepaid shipping and insurance price, along with pictures.   I will post pictures when the new gun arrives.  Best wishes, Garnett

[Cleetus]

Cool Garnett,
So you bought that gun. The gentleman did a nice job on the engraving. You might find some good wood on an old Utica 220. The 28 gauge I found has some nice figure that showed up once I refinished it.

[Garnett]

Yes, it is mine!  Since I am in PA visiting my daughter, I asked the seller to hold and ship after I return home.  I am anxious to hold it in my hand!  While the engraving is beautiful, the wood seemed really plain.  I agree with you that some of these model guns do have nicer wood than others, but I believe this engraving needs a really fancy piece of wood.  I have had no luck so far in finding a source for semi-inletted stocks, so, I may have to buy a fancy piece of wood and get someone to stock it for me.  I will post pictures when I get the gun.

[Cleetus]

Sounds fun. I would go with the Utica style fluted comb and forearm even though it is a 220a. The old Stevens 107 hammer single shots have the same stock and might be a good fit.

[Cleetus]

Here is a hint. Check out a pioneer 16 on guns international. Look under 16 gauges. It has the really good old style forearm escutcheon and reasonable wood for less than 100 bucks.

[Garnett]

Thanks for the info!  I just looked at it.  The forearm is nicer than the stock, but both are good pieces of walnut.  I have emailed the owner to ask if the stock has been shortened with the addition of the recoil pad.  14 inches is standard for these guns with the factory butt plate. 

The seller replied that the LOP is 14.5, so I do not think it has been cut.  In the mean time I have found on Gin Broker a seller who will make a new stock of plain grain walnut for $195.  I am going to contact him to see if he can furnish both a stock and forearm in semi or fancy wood and also can he make them in the early M220 Trap style .  I will keep everyone posted when I hear from him.      The item number is: 771150421

[Cleetus]

one thing I thought about on the Pioneer 16 forestock is if it has the machined type utica 220 forearm hardware that it looks to have it might not fit on the 220A barrel properly.

[Garnett]

That is something to think about.  I am away from home and don't have my material handy, but as well as I can remember, when Savage went back to an outside screw in the fore arm, the inside metal was the same, just the screw was moved from inside to outside.  I think this gave more strength by having the screw all the way thru the fore arm instead of just being partially screwed into the wood from the inside.

[Garnett]

UPDATE: 11-5-19.   I had a plain Jane 20 gauge M220 with very fancy custom wood.  I removed it and put on the engraved action!.  All is well.