A collaborative study was undertaken to find out suitable indigenous timber species alternative to Walnut for manufacture of rifle butt. Various properties like,; anatomical, physical, mechanical, machining, treating and finishing, of five potential species were studied and compared with those of Walnut. A time-dependant kiln schedule was developed for seasoning the alternative species in a single charge. The assembled rifle butts of all these species were subjected to the standard service and endurance tests. The results indicate that Gamar,
light coloured Champa and Teak may be used along with Chickrassy for manufacture of rifle butt.