Who makes the lightest stocks? I am working on a cz 550 action kreiger barrel in 6.5x55 with a 1 in 8.5 twist. The goal is to remove the bottom metal and floor plate and end up with a blind mag well. I will also lighten the follower and the well itself. The end goal is an ultralight mauser mountain rifle.

I would look into High Tech Specialties.

quote:

Originally posted by Pegleg:
I would look into High Tech Specialties.

McMillan also makes a light weight stock but it wouldn't bother me to build such a stock from Claro walnut if the wood is hand picked for weight. One can also do a lot of relieving of the barrel channel and behind the butt plate and pistol grip cap.

quote:

Originally posted by Pegleg:
I would look into High Tech Specialties.

I tried them a few times and then started to wonder why go through all the trouble with them when I could get a decent stock for less money and less work. Won't ever use them again.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by Pegleg:
I would look into High Tech Specialties.

I tried them a few times and then started to wonder why go through all the trouble with them when I could get a decent stock for less money and less work. Won't ever use them again.

How long ago did you use them?

I seems to me that several things( for the better) happened when Mark Bansner bough the company several years ago.

Several folks have used them since then and were very pleased.

The only readily available 'glass sporter stocks that compare in quality and lightweight is a McMillan Edge IMHO, and they cost over twice as much for a raw blank- $220 for the Hi Tech vs over $500 for the McMillan Edge.

Other than sanding out the mold lines and some very minor exterior fill work to do on the High Tech stocks, I see no extra work that is needed over a McMillan, since both brands will have to be bedded and painted anyway.

Also, please define "a decent stock for less money and work".. Where? Who makes a hand laid up hard shell fiberglass stock that costs less?

High Tech would be choice #1 or if you really know your way around working with fiberglass stocks, MPI would be the lightest by 2-4 ounces.
I think as mentioned some straight grained walnut, drill out the butt, grip and forend. It will be within 3-4 ounces of the synthetic.

I'd send it to Doc at MPI. It won't be the cheapest but he can make 'em light and does good work.

I have read the West African Obeche wood laminate stocks are quite light as well.

I have both High Tech and MPI. The MPI is by far the lightest I also think it is a little stiffer than the High Tech.

I would use either again. If I was wanting as light as I could get it would be MPI

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by Pegleg:
I would look into High Tech Specialties.

I tried them a few times and then started to wonder why go through all the trouble with them when I could get a decent stock for less money and less work. Won't ever use them again.

Curt Crum thinks they're OK. But in fairness isn't a member of the Guild.

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Nelson:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by Pegleg:
I would look into High Tech Specialties.

I tried them a few times and then started to wonder why go through all the trouble with them when I could get a decent stock for less money and less work. Won't ever use them again.

Curt Crum thinks they're OK. But in fairness isn't a member of the Guild.

I don't care who ya are...that's funny right there!

Lone Wolf is the lightest that I could find. Mcm Edge is close.

Wish you all the best - sound like a great project in a fantastic caliber for deer and mountain game.

IMHO, I would be very careful taking wood out from under the but pad etc. I have seen rifles end up with terrible balance and horrible to point and shoot quickly though they looked great. I got rid of a Winchester Mod 70 Sporter in 6.5X55 because the previous owner had removed wood and made it light but it would not point properly. I started missing out on deer because I could not get the rifle up quick enough like even my 8.5 lbs rifles!

Just a thought - you might get some ideas from the classic Mannlicher Schoenauer rifles - plenty of phots on the web & the rifles are really sweet. You could try and get a similar profile / dimensions to ensure good balance & pointability with a light stock.

quote:

Originally posted by RickF:

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Nelson:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by Pegleg:
I would look into High Tech Specialties.

I tried them a few times and then started to wonder why go through all the trouble with them when I could get a decent stock for less money and less work. Won't ever use them again.

Curt Crum thinks they're OK. But in fairness isn't a member of the Guild.

I don't care who ya are...that's funny right there!

Well, not to belabor the point, I admit it has been a while since I worked on one and remember it being a big bunch of work. I stand corrected based on the latest postings but I still would prefer making a wood stock over the synthetic. I recuse myself from this diccussion. (Is that a legal term?)

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe: I recuse myself from this diccussion. (Is that a legal term?)

I'm sure your lawyer friend will correct you if it isn't!
Don

I like Hightech stocks. Kevin Weaver built me a .270 Win, 340 Wby and 7STW using them. Very accurate and well balanced rifles using Pre 64/Transition and Classic M 70 actions respectively.

I believe Charlie Sisk uses McMillans, he built a .300 Win for me on one.

I really don't like checkering on synthetics though, none of those rifles have any.