Opt for a model with a somewhat vertical grip, which makes for more comfortable, stable improvised field positions. Also, try to find a version with a lightweight adjustable cheek rest.Finally, be sure the fore-end is robust enough to accept your barrel profile.
Full Answer
How to choose the best rifle stock for your gun?
The best choice might be to get a partially finished blank that you only have to inlet the action for your specific gun. Talk to a gunstock associate to see which blank stocks are the best fit for your gun. It is high labor, time, and skill-intensive task to complete a rifle stock from scratch.
What is the best way to refine a stock?
Refine shapes progressively throughout the entire stock - don't let one part get close to finished while other parts are rough - keep moving around and keep the overall shape in mind. Remember that all curves can be broken down into a series of straight lines - rounded edges into a series of "flats".
How do you make a custom stock for a gun?
The first step to crafting your custom stock is to create a solid fit between the stock and the action of the gun. If you are designing your stock from scratch, create an outline stencil for the side-profile and transfer the design onto your wood blank.
How do you drill the stock of a rifle?
Mark the center of the thickness of the stock, then use a drill press to drill the same diameter holes into your stock as the action screws. These holes will be perpendicular to the top edge of the gunstock (where the action sits).
Should I oil my gun stock?
It is important to clean your shotgun after each use to remove any moisture, unburnt powder or dirt. Gun oil should be used sparingly as excess oil or cleaner can damage the stock.
Where should stock sit on shoulder?
The top of the stock should sit just below your collarbone and the side of the stock should sit just to the inside of your shoulder bones.
Does rifle stock affect accuracy?
For accuracy, everything must be the same every time a shooter aims at a target. Bedding a rifle stock can help the shooter be successful. When the action is rock steady into the stock while shooting, there is no movement, and accuracy is more consistent.
What is the best oil to use on a gun stock?
Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish has been the professional's choice for gun stock finishing for more than 30 years. Its unique blend of linseed and other natural oils dries fast, resists water damage and will not cloud, yellow or crack with age.
Where do you hold your gun on your shoulder?
1:422:55Don Currie, NSCA Chief Instructor: Mounting to the Cheek ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn other words the length of pull is the correct length we don't need to worry about getting the gunMoreIn other words the length of pull is the correct length we don't need to worry about getting the gun into the shoulder the shoulder will naturally roll forward to the butt of the gun.
Where does the cheek go on a rifle?
0:481:34Importance Of Getting The Proper Cheek Weld Height On Your RifleYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour head up or down or floating your head off the barrel. Or off the butt of a stock. Actually lookMoreYour head up or down or floating your head off the barrel. Or off the butt of a stock. Actually look through the scope. So actually gonna be leaning into it very consistent.
Does bedding a rifle help?
Bedding will create a flush surface for the action and prevent flexing. Bedding also reduces movement of the action in the stock. Without bedding, the action may be more likely to shift after a shot. If the action shifts and does not return to same spot in the stock the rifle will lose the ability to maintain zero.
Why is a floating barrel more accurate?
This minimizes the variance in possible mechanical pressure distortions of the barrel alignment, and allows vibration to occur at the natural frequency consistently and uniformly, shot-by-shot.
Is synthetic stock better than wood?
Synthetic stocks are stronger than any wood stock. They're made of a solid, thick and dense material, which will provide you with stability when you're shooting. They are also easier to mold to your shoulder, which will put the shooter in a more comfortable position and lead to a better shot.
Should you put gun oil in the barrel?
Improper care of your rifle, shotgun, pistol, or other firearms may result in it malfunctioning and/or rusting. While cleaning the outside of a gun is routine knowledge among gun owners, you're not alone in asking, “Should I oil the inside of my gun barrel?” The answer is, yes, but make sure you're doing it correctly.
Is linseed oil good for gun stocks?
Boiled linseed oil is more often used on bare wood and is popular for finishing gun stocks, as the process of heating it decreases its drying time. When hand rubbed into wood, it creates a durable weatherproof seal and the heat produced from the friction of rubbing produces a deep, polished finish.
Does REM oil damage wood stock?
No, you can't use Rem Oil on wood. Gun oil will ruin the wood. Not at once. But over the years it will soak in and make the wood soft and punky. It usually happens where the stock meets the receiver.
What is the best way to get the best out of a rifle?
Triggers. To get the best out of a super-accurate rifle, you’ve got to have a crisp, light trigger, ideally without discernable overtravel, which is rearward movement that occurs after the trigger releases the sear. Heavy, gritty, inconsistent triggers interfere with clean shot execution.
Can you practice deer hunting without equipment?
However, neither can you practice your way to great skill without certain critical equipment. Whether you jump into the precision shooting scene with both feet and buy one of today’s excellent purpose-designed rifles or just want to stretch out your favorite deer rifle, you’ll need the right accessories.
Can you can a rifle in 300 yards?
Canting a rifle isn’t a big deal inside 200 or even 300 yards. Past that, it can be a real headache, so get a scope level bubble. A couple of years ago an old hunting mentor of mine lay behind a superbly accurate rifle and aimed at one of the biggest Wyoming mule deer he’d seen in a half-century of hunting big bucks.
Is wood malleable when it's cold?
Wood is too susceptible to moisture, and common injection-molded plastic just isn’t rigid enough, and it becomes malleable when it’s hot and brittle when it’s cold. If you need a different stock, research the type you prefer and shell out the money. It’s worth it.
Can a scope be mounted low?
Few modern scopes can be mounted low enough to allow a good cheek weld. This is especially so with precision scopes because of their large lens diameters and large main tubes, as well as the robust, cross-bolt type bases and rings precision shooters favor for their strength.
Step 1: Design
Design: I spent a lot of time looking at other stocks, and although I really like the look and feel of thumb-hole stocks, the action of this particular rifle (a "toggle-bolt") is better suited to an "open saddle" type design - so after a lot of sketching and thinking, I decided to model the stock on the beautiful Sako TRG 22 (which was also convenient since a friend of mine owns one and was kind enough to lend it to me for a while to use as reference.
Step 2: Prepare the Original Stock
Prepare the Original Stock: Note: Anyone doing their own inletting can skip this step..... ;) As I mentioned before, "inletting" a rifle stock is the process of cutting out the appropriate spaces, holes, and grooves into which the rifle barrel, receiver, and trigger group will drop into and be securely supported.
Step 3: Prepare the Laminated Blank
Prepare the Laminated Blank: I ordered a standard brown-laminate stock from Boyd's Gun Stocks ( http://www.boydsgunstocks.com ) and with a little maneuvering got my template to fit perfectly. I planned to to split the laminate stock open and "sandwich" the old stock in between laminate outer "skins" about 3/8" thick.
Step 4: Glue Up
Make Me a Sammich! (OK - You're a sammich....): Once the "core" part was cured, any voids were filled with a putty made by mixing 5-minute epoxy-and sawdust. The sides were cleaned up on a belt sander once the epoxy had cured.
Step 5: Cutting the Profile
Profiling: Next step was to trace the profile onto the blank in preparation for cutting out the profile.
Step 6: Scuplting and Shaping
Tip: I break up projects into "mini-tasks" and make task lists - this helps me be efficient and focused and keeps me from feeling overwhelmed or getting burned out. This also allows me to put in just 15 or 20 minutes (enough to complete a task) and still feel like I'm making progress.
Step 7: More Sculpting and Shaping
If a picture is worth 1000 words, this Instructable has about 175K words - so I'll let them do the talking.... ;)
How the construction and conformation of your rifle stock changes everything downrange
The comb on most modern stocks' combs are too low to constantly align the eye with a scope.
Comb Height And Riflescopes
Looking at the way stocks have evolved over the past century, we’ve seen a change in sighting systems, with the telescopic sight playing a much larger role. However, the combs of modern stocks—both walnut and synthetic—don’t seem to have followed suit.
Combs And Hard Irons
While having your comb at the proper height for an optic is great if you use nothing but optics, what about those rifles that routinely use both scopes and iron sights? I’m speaking mainly of the big-bore rifles used for dangerous game hunting, which might be required to make a 150- or 200-yard shot, then have the optic removed for close-quarter follow-up work.
Locking In The Length
Length of pull (LOP) is also an attribute that many American rifles don’t get right—I’m usually hunched over when shooting the standard 13¾-inch length of pull. At just a shade under 6 feet tall, with long arms for my frame, I prefer a longer stock. If I’m wearing a heavier hunting jacket, I like a 14-inch LOP.
Agreeing On Grip
While all three of these men take great pride in their own stock designs, I asked them which of the popular rifle stock designs appealed to them most. All agreed the Winchester Model 70 is a classic design, and probably that which is the most appealing. Bansner also appreciated the older Ruger M77.
Wood Vs. Not Wood
Lastly, I brought up the classic wood versus synthetic argument, with some surprising results. Sells embraces the use of both materials, each having their specific purpose, but embracing walnut for the classic-style bolt-actions and double rifles. Buck is a straight-up wood traditionalist: “Wood. Full stop.”
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How to finish a rifle stock?
This involves sanding, whiskering, and applying an oil finish. Start by sanding the unfinished stock with 80-grit sandpaper, by wrapping the sandpaper around a solid wood block and rubbing back-and-forth in the same direction as the wood grain.
Why do you need a custom rifle stock?
Gunsmithing a custom rifle stock is a great way to personalize and upgrade the quality of a firearm. And it is a great way to start learning about how to design and build guns. And, for any firearms with suitable action, but a plastic stock, smithing your rifle stock from scratch is a great way to enhance the quality of your shooting experience.
What is a gunsmith?
Gunsmithing your custom rifle stock from a blank is a do-it-yourself (DI Y) project that is extremely rewarding and enhances the experience of shooting. To craft a rifle stock, a gunsmith uses knowledge of engineering, design, and artistry. The process involves inletting the action, cutting off the excess wood, sculpting the rest ...
What is a wood stock blank?
Finding and Choosing a Hardwood Stock Blank. A gunstock begins as a hardwood blank. A blank is just a block of hardwood that is ready to be customized for a firearm. But, the usable wood must first be milled from timbers. The most popular types of hardwood for rifle stocks are black or claro walnut and maple heartwood.
How to sand a stock?
Start by sanding the unfinished stock with 80-grit sandpaper, by wrapping the sandpaper around a solid wood block and rubbing back-and-forth in the same direction as the wood grain. Wet a clean rag with distilled water and use it to remove the excess dust from sanding.
What is shaping a rifle stock?
The process of shaping your rifle stock is, by far, the most meticulous and technically demanding. It is also the stage that shows the most dramatic change in your stock. With the right skills, tools, and dedication, you can see your rifle transform from a piece of wood into a purpose-built piece of craftsmanship.
What wood is used for rifle stock?
The most popular types of hardwood for rifle stocks are black or claro walnut and maple heartwood. Walnut and maple are among the densest hardwood species, which provide the durability required to support the action of the firearm. With access to walnut or maple timbers, you can square the log by cutting off the sapwood with a chainsaw, ...
Why is it important to maintain a gunstock?
Maintenance is critical if you want your gun or rifle to work correctly at all times. As the owner of a firearm, it is essential that you buy the Best Gunstock Finish as one of the ways to care for your rifle. Much as there are so many finishes for this purpose in the market, there are just a few that would give you the best result ...
How long does it take for gunstock to dry?
You will like this finish because it takes a relatively short duration to dry, usually between 2 to 6 hours, and it will give you one of the toughest surfaces out there. You will find this formula one of the easiest to use and most straightforward to apply.
What is the finish on a knife?
The finish is USDA approved for its lack of toxins, which makes it perfect for knife handles. This finish includes a degreasing agent that removes fingerprints, oil, gun powder residue, and a lot more. Feel free to use this formula over all your wooden surfaces from your gun and knife.
Can you use any color finish on a gunstock?
You cannot use a finish of any color on your gunstock, as it might spoil the whole project. If you are going to buy a finish to polish your gunstock, ensure that you go for a finish that resonates with your rifle and will add nothing but extra beauty and shine to your item. The Size/Amount of the Finish.
Do you have to go for a finish that is excess?
On the other side of the coin, you don ’t have to go for a finish that is excess for your project as it amounts to a potential waste of resources, especially if you have no large project to use the entire formula. In short, only buy what is enough for you. Budget.
Can you use a tactical matte finish on a nickel gun?
You can use it on the interior and exterior of the bore without having to worry about cases of toxins .
Fitting the Rifle to the Stock
The stock isn’t difficult to mount. Remove or unscrew the action screws and then re-fit the metal bottom plate. The magazine isn’t difficult to keep in place as you mount the floor plate.
Accuracy Testing
It is good to have an affordable but clean-burning and accurate loading on hand for sighting in and target practice. I used the SIG Sauer Elite .30-06 175-grain OTM loading.
Conclusion
That is how I fitted my favorite centerfire rifle. There are other solutions. As an example, when I first obtained my Savage 110 Apex Storm rifle, I was glad I spent a few extra bucks to obtain the Apex Storm.
Step 1: Choose an Attractive Design
This can mean a couple things, you are looking for something that looks “cool” so it will turn heads at the range. Or, alternatively, you have particular functions that you want this rifle to perform that you must incorporate in the design; like a bubble level, folding stock, raised cheek rest, thumbhole, pistol grip, or even a bag hook.
Step 2: Measure for your Action
This might be the most daunting part of building a stock because it may seem that if you screw up, your gunstock will be a failure. But this isn’t really true… I have found that there is a bit of wiggle room in your measurements.
Step 3: Cut out the Side Profile with a Band Saw
To recap, you have already found the design you want and have sketched this onto your gunstock blank with the top of the stock (where the action goes) parallel with the long edge of the blank. You have already also drawn the position of the action screws and utilized the proper angle for the bottom metal.
Step 4: Sand Down to Your Lines
Use a belt sander to bring the side profile down to your straight lines that you sketched. Then, run over to the disk sander and use this to bring the convex parts down the lines followed by the oscillating drum sander for the convex portions.
Step 5: Inlet for the Action and Bottom Metal
Now, you will need the action screw holes drilled into your stock. Mark the center of the thickness of the stock, then use a drill press to drill the same diameter holes into your stock as the action screws. These holes will be perpendicular to the top edge of the gunstock (where the action sits).
Read Part 2 of Gunstock Building For the Average Joe
About the author: Riley Baxter is an avid and experienced hunter, shooter, outdoorsman, and he’s worked in the backcountry guiding for an outfitter. He also get’s a lot of enjoyment out of building or customizing his firearms and equipment. Check out Riley’s Instagram @Shooter300
