Testimonials

Mike Strittmatter

August 4, 2023

I would say that the best part of getting a custom stock was selecting the wood to be used, and that was certainly a lot of fun, but it turns out that the “Real” best part of this was taking it out and finding how forgiving the mount is.

Neal, thank you so much for guiding me through this process . Any birds that I miss won’t be your fault!

Mike Strittmatter

Bailey Glenewinkel – San Antonio, TX

November 22, 2022

My custom stock making experience with Neal began when I engaged a coach and completely changed my shooting style. There aren't any factory-made stocks with the dimensions and features I wanted so I decided to commission a custom stock. Neal first sent a pattern stock with rough dimensions that I and my coach modified via bondo and sanding to get the stock to a perfect fit. I shot with that stock for several months in both practice and competition winning several events. I shot with the pattern stock until I was sure the fit was right and then ordered a stock blank from Cecil Fredi working with Neal to get the right grain flow in the blank for strength. Neal then transformed the blank into a beautiful stock. While Neal was building the final stock, I requisitioned an additional pattern stock with which I won several events. Neal is truly an artist, and the final stock is both functional and beautiful. Through the process I came to appreciate several of Neal's attributes. He is always honest and forthcoming and willingly answered my many questions and concerns. He established realistic time-frames along the way and did his best to deliver the stock as quickly as possible while dealing with the myriad variables that are inherent in a project of this nature. Neal offered several improvements to my initial specifications along the way and faithfully implemented the features I desired. Neal was always respectful of me and treated me kindly despite my lack of knowledge about the process in this sort of project. This experience gave me a high opinion of Neal’s artistic skills and work ethic.

- Bailey Glenewinkel - San Antonio, TX

Why a Custom Stock? Dr. Leif French, NSCA Master Class Shooter and Competitor, Huntsville, Texas

November 22, 2022

Having a custom stock made to reflect your personal gun fit and shooting style can be a complicated and frustrating experience. However, Neal Bauder’s principled and systematic approach to stock making removes the frustration and provides a positive learning experience, resulting in a customized stock that is not only esthetically beautiful, but also enhances the shooter’s skill.

What is so refreshing about Neal’s approach is that, unlike many custom stock makers, he thoroughly understands the importance of combining both objective (e.g., stock dimensions, balance, point of impact) and subjective (e.g., perceptions of gun feel) elements into your customized stock. In doing this, Neal is able create a custom stock that fits the shooter physically and psychologically, leading to greater shooter awareness about critical elements of overall gun fit and how these relate to their shooting success in the field and at tournaments.

Without a doubt - a Bauder customized stock can and will make it much easier to shoot better!  In fact, I have a Bauder stock on my competition Blaser F3, and, as a result, it played a significant role in my achieving NSCA Master Class in less than twelve months. I would strongly encourage all serious shotgun shooters to buy a Bauder stock. You will come away from this experience with greater shooter awareness and a customized stock that not only enhances your shooting skill but also instills confidence in your shooting.

Dr. Leif French, NSCA Master Class Shooter and Competitor, Huntsville, Texas

K-20 Stock

September 22, 2022

Neal, 

I was FINALLY able to get that K-20 with the 28ga barrels on the skeet range yesterday.  First round 22 which I attribute to being used to shooting that under 6lb Rizzini 410 with the P.O.W. stock.  Second round 24.  Now, you have to remember that I shoot low gun, and I'm used to shooting a gun under 6lb.  I missed the station 8 high bird.  Took my option and crushed it and low 8.  So, that stock is a PERFECT fit.  Can't wait to get it on a clay course somewhere!  The checkering on the buttstock is perfect!  The forend is a little sharp but I'm sure my left hand will get used to it!  The taper you put on the forend is perfect as I use that to position my left hand.  Lots of compliments from the guys about the stock wood and finish!  So, you have another happy customer with a stock that's a perfect fit!  I'm really going to enjoy shooting it!

Take care Neal, and again, thanks!

Tom

Perazzi Hi tec 12 guage – Owens

March 9, 2020

• 32 inch standard barrels
• configured to balance specifically on the hinge pin
• 8 lbs   13 oz total weight
• english walnut, cut in the late 70s
• checkering 24 lines per inch, modified pattern with ribbons
• beavertail style forend modified to be slimmer in shape
• buttstock reconfigured in shape to achieve balance point specifications
• waterlox finish   approx.  15 coats
• Length of pull  15 inches with .7 pad,   .5 and .9 included as secondary pads

Completion time four months,  start to finish. Two months to try out the pattern stock, and two months to finish the final stock

Thoughts on my new stock:

It rocks...I am a surgeon and by nature very OCD.  I met Mr Bauder at our state shoot and it didn't take long to strike up a conversation about shooting, stocks and what I liked/didn't like about my new shotgun.  My shotgun is a Perazzi HIgh Tech and I had it fitted and custom ordered.  My midlife crisis, way better than a corvette, was this ordering process and the gun.  When it got here it shot well, mechanically perfect but I just didn't settle with it well.  At every shoot, I would have to premount and line up the gun to be confident in my mount.  Well, Neal paid attention to our conversation and watched me shoot the next day.  He then looked at my stock and made some notes on a piece of paper.  He handed it to me and said to send that paper, along with my gun, to him if I wanted to change my stock.

A bit of time went by and I decided to give it a shot.  The worst that would happen is, he would make me a try stock that I didn't like and I'd revert to the old stock.  I got the gun back from Neal with several recoil pads and options to tweak.  The only change I made was to go one shorter pad.  Next I practiced about 200 rounds before the next tournament. Not only did I get HOA but after the main, 5 stand and supersport I had only missed 6 birds combined.  That night I called Neal and said "Make it!"

He of course was flattered but said no.  Me made me try it out more and see what else needed to change.  Doing what I was told, I practiced and shot a bit more but didn't find anything not to like.  I opened the thumb just a bit over the top of the comb but otherwise left the try stock alone.  The very next tournament was the World English and it was my first world championship either viewing or participating.  Not only did I love the course, the gun was perfect.  I finished 4th in my class and was amazed at how easy the gun was to shoot.  Remember back when I said that I had to mount and check the gun before every station?  It was at the World English that I noticed I was ignoring the gun.  A reliable mount, easy cheek pressure and a more upright stance came naturally showing off Neal's vision and careful craftsmanship.

Now that I had two tournaments in hand, Neal let me make the final stock.  As you can see the wood is amazing and the attention to layout and fit are second to none.  Thanks Neal for making my midlife crisis even better!  See you on the Parcours.

-Thomas Owen

Stan Katz

January 29, 2019

I shot HOA [high over all] at our registered shoot here in Texas last week also.  Boo ya! Thank you Neal

Blaser F3

January 25, 2019

The final destination of custom fitting my Blaser is done..your expertise on making stocks is very evident every time I pick up my Blaser..totally satisfied with your quality workmanship. The final product matched the pattern stock Gil and I sent you perfect..

The one downside is constantly having to tell folks who built this work of art stock..

Thank you again!!!

Krieghoff, K 80

January 15, 2017

Brown truck just rolled away. Tore box open like 10 year old at Christmas. Words can not express how beautiful. Wood to metal fit is unbelievable! It is a genuine pleasure to work with a Pro & an ARTIST!

- Max McKart

Krieghoff Parcours in English Walnut

October 30, 2016

Caught a couple of buddies on station 2 and shot the course with them late this afternoon. The Parcours is absolutely amazing. I haven’t shot enough skeet with it—and shouldn’t given the chokes—but think it even beats the K-20 your restocked which is the best all around gun I’ve ever shot. I don’t think there could be a better sporting gun. The gun is perfectly balanced between the hands. The grip and fore-end and perfect—no problem keeping your attention on the target instead of the gun. The gun gives you confidence. Love the Parcours—made a great gun better with your stock! - Larry Gandy

Bob Heinch

October 30, 2016

Dear Neal: "First, let me tell you how surprised I was when I walked into your shop and saw my rifle. Being a custom gunmaker myself (retired), I know that I am extra picky about all items. Your stock work is nothing less than fantastic. The lines on the stock are clear, straight, and impressive. The skeleton grip looks excellent. I had been saving that piece of Australian for 17 years, and am very glad that we put it on that rifle. Thanks again for going such a fantastic job on my .308." - Bob Heinch