Fellas, I just bought a Chapuis PH 470 for an upcoming ele hunt in early October. Im only 5,6"-5,7" and my length of pull is super short at like 13 inches. I want the rifle to fit well but if I cut it down the wood will virtually end at the cheakpeice. What can I do? Should I only cut it halfway to that and compromise or just say F-it and slice her up? Obviously I have some time issues maybe when Im back I could have it fitted for a entirely new stock. What are my options? Thanks a Million.

314russell:

If you have a pretty stock I would rather find another simple, less expensive walnut blank and re-stock for the battles to be had.
Any time you wish to part with the rifle you will at least have it in its original form.

quote:

Originally posted by 314russell:
Fellas, I just bought a Chapuis PH 470 for an upcoming ele hunt in early October. Im only 5,6"-5,7" and my length of pull is super short at like 13 inches. I want the rifle to fit well but if I cut it down the wood will virtually end at the cheakpeice. What can I do? Should I only cut it halfway to that and compromise or just say F-it and slice her up? Obviously I have some time issues maybe when Im back I could have it fitted for a entirely new stock. What are my options? Thanks a Million.

Russell, a good stockmaker should be able to re-size and re-shape the cheekpiece at the same time that he shortens the stock.

You will need to pay for that, and for refinishing work that will also be required.

314, we are about the same height (I may be shorter) but my LOP is longer at least 13 1/2 or slightly longer. Have you had someone look at you when you handle the gun and shoot? Have you shot any shotgun sports like skeet or trap? I think you may want to reconsider this surgery on your gun stock, especially as it will significantly reduce the resale value down the road. I know you are not buying the gun to sell, but please consider your technique first.
Peter.

Fit is critical in a double so do what you must to make it fit YOU properly.

Sadly 5 weeks is way to late in the game to buy a new rifle for dangerous game, let alone one that does not even fit you.

If you have any heavy rifle that fits and you can shoot well, then I would take that in October. That would let you have time to modify the double and then learn how to shoot it properly.

Poor fitting heavy rifle that you have never practised with adds a whole new dimension to DANGEROUS game hunting. Good Luck!

I live in Texas, do ya'll know of anyone near or even if there was someone who could refit my stock between now and October 6th? I agree that it would be ideal for me to been able to spend more time with this weapon before going up against Elephant with it. There are certainly major differences in being proficient with a bolt action and a double rifle. I have not handled a double much but I have handled rifles and shotguns my whole life I have not been terribly concerned with only having a month to practice with this new rifle. If I dont feel confident with it I can get out the CZ .416 Rigby. Thanks a bunch for the advice guys. Keep it Comin.

I would call JJ at Champlins. He could either do it or tell you who could.

If you live near Houston pm MacD47 on this forum. He probably knows someone.

However my gut feeling is that it is too much of a rush. I would take the 416 (assuming you are familiar with it) and leave the double for another day.

A double needs some practice time. I dont know how much you have.

Take the 416 and carry the double at a later date. Even if you can find someone that can and will shorten the stock properly, there is a very good probability that shortening the stock that much will affect the harmonics of the rifle and thus the regulation. You will need additional time to shoot the rifle to ensure that the zero and regulation are not affected.

I have run into this more than once shooting single shot Sharps, and knowing that a double can be particular as to what it regulates with, thought I would mention it in passing.

Cut it. It ain't gonna make any difference after you're dead.

Russell, A person usually needs about 1/2" to 1" longer length of pull in a DR than he does in a bolt rifle, just because of the way he holds and aims it. The LOP for a DR is closer to what you'd have in a shotgun than in your bolt rifles. Try it first, then adjust accordingly.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Cut it. It ain't gonna make any difference after you're dead.

Vintage Will!

quote:

Originally posted by 314russell:
Fellas, I just bought a Chapuis PH 470 for an upcoming ele hunt in early October. Im only 5,6"-5,7" and my length of pull is super short at like 13 inches. I want the rifle to fit well but if I cut it down the wood will virtually end at the cheakpeice. What can I do?

I would not take any rifle that I was not thoroughly familiar with on an Elephant hunt. But that's just me.



If you are going to take it I would cut it, and cut it fast. Worry about the cheek-piece later(after you return from the hunt).

For now have a pad fitted at you SxS shotgun length by a gunsmith that can turn it over in 24 hours Offering to pay 2x or 3x the normal rate for expedited service should make this happen. This is not a time to worry about a couple of hundred dollars.

This will give you a full 5 weeks to get some practice in before you leave. If you head to the range three to five times a week for the next five weeks you will have about 3 times the practice of most guys who buy their first DR for an upcoming hunt.

People could give you (and many others who ask for help) better suggestions, sooner, if your address line or text of the question showed your approximate location: city in the case of Texas, a State would work in the NE. If you are close to Houston, suggest you go to Dustin Mount's and explain the problem and time requirements. He or Shane could give competent professional advise on the fitting, and probably find a way to work you in immediately. Phone number is 713-868-2209 and I did not have to look it up...

Good luck, because with the schedule you suggest, you need a quick fix and plenty of time to practice afterwards. If it was me, I would worry about the long term solution after you are back. Get someone who can give you good fitting advice looking at you and the double on the hoof. Call JJ in Enid if you are in North Texas and want to drive that direction if he can work you in.

It's just a Chapuis (don't get me wrong - nothing wrong with a Chapuis, but you don't have the collector considerations), and "IF" the fix is as simple as LOP, put it on the chop saw, grind a pad to fit, and go. Be glad to do it for you tomorrow morning if you are close. And my price is, as always, $ Zero... Includes a money back gurantee... Serious offer by the way. PM if that solves your problem...

Good hunting,
Emory

Emory, if you are serious about possibly being able to chop my rifle up for me id have to say that sounds like a nice option. Are you seriously capable of doing this?

Thanks everyone.

Im in San Antonio

Russell,

I'm "seriously capable" of doing the work, and would be glad to help.

Houston's also a serious drive from San Antonio. If you want to try finding someone closer, suggest you call Kirk Merrington, 830-367-2937. Don't think he does stock work, but explain your situation, and he could likely put you on to someone who could provide the rush service you need.

On the other hand, if you come over next Saturday, we'll fit a pad, and can then run down to the range to try out your double. I'll PM.

Regards,
Emory

Russell, can I ask a question? Have you fired this gun yet? I know I am sounding like broken record, but, if not, I would suggest that you take Emory up on his offer, except, shoot the gun at his range first. Then if necessary have him do the surgery and shoot it again. Just my sugestion!
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Cut it. It ain't gonna make any difference after you're dead.

Nothing like words of encouragement Will!

314 - Good luck man. Remember, its just hunting, its not war!! Killing an elephant is no different than killing a deer. Shoot em right, and they fall over dead. It shouldn't take months of practice to hit your spot at 30 yards, and if your new double is what you want to use, go for it. But heck I never practice at all, so don't listen to me.

I do however wish you luck, and some of us are roothing for ya, not against ya.

The LOP on a double will be longer than a bolt action. My LOP for my Bolt Rifles is 13.5 but 14 is perfect on the DRs.

quote:

Nothing like words of encouragement Will!

I do the same thing, buy a gun that is so precious to me that it never gets used. Not sure of the point in that maneuver.

If you don't want to use the double like it was intended & rather save it to sell in a couple months, possibly one should buy a push feed 375 and forget about trying to look cool shooting a double.