Classic Gunstocks:
A Lasting Statement
Warren Heydenberk spent his youth in rural Michigan, growing up in a culture of hunters and gun enthusiasts. His early readings were comprised of Jack O'Connor, the Gun Digest, and the Shooter's Bible. Warren made his first stock from a cherry blank in 1976, using a handsaw and three chisels, along with the direction of classic books by Al Linden, Roy Dunlap, and Monty Kennedy. For the next 30 years Warren stocked guns and did restoration work while teaching at Lehigh University. During the early years, Warren was fortunate to be mentored by the late Bob Emmons and John Reamoto, Dietrich Apel, and Steve Tucker. As well, the late Emil McConnel and Hubert Snyder patiently showed him examples of great rifles by the likes of Robert Owen from their collections.
Warren's stock work can be found in collections around the country, and his work has been featured in publications including Gun Digest and John Traister's gunsmithing books. Warren is familiar with American Classic, English, and Continental styles; however, he does not build California style stocks.
The majority of Warren's work is done from the blank to accommodate client's dimensions and visual preferences, but he will work with client's properly profiled semi inletted stock blanks. Warren also does stock restoration, refinishing, and checkering. Warren does minor metal work (e.g. guard shaping, tang and bolt release alterations, metal checkering, stippling) and slow rust bluing.
Warren Heydenberk has developed a cadre of repeat customers, having made multiple stocks for most clients. Warren prides himself with careful communication with clients to ensure a harmonious product, ethical dealing, candid pricing, and reliable delivery dates. Warren would be pleased to provide references upon request.