I am having a smokeless .50 cal muzzleloader built on a Ruger # action. Action and bbl have been decided on.

As for the stock, I'd prefer to go plastic. Looks like Bell & Carlson or MPI are my two options for the #1. The B&C gets mixed reviews. TheMPI sounds great, but is $$$.

In my feeble little mind, it would seem that one could get by with a "lesser quality/less stiff" composite on a 2 piece stock. The action itself would keep the forend from flexing the butt stock and visa versa. Unlike a bolt with a one piece stock. Flawed logic? Maybe I'm justtrying to talk myself into the less expensive B&C...

Second, I found a used MPI stock that is bedded to a #1 chambered in.300 WM. How feasible is it to dremmel out his bedding material, rebed it to my action and barrel, and have it work? Does the fact that his isa .30 cal bbl and I'm going to a .50 cal bbl make this a tough job?

Any thoughts appreciated.

i've done a number 1 on an mpi stock that i got as his unfinished stock. it was far from finished and it had some fit issues.

i think your idea of using a used one sound. the biggest problem i see for you is where do you put the ram rod as the forend hanger takes up several inches of length under the barrel.

never used the b&c #1 stock but have found the b&c's i have used to be very good value.

Thanks Max.

Actually, I'm not putting a ramrod on it. That thimble on the end of the bbl does nothign for accuracy.

I will load at the truck with a range rod and carry a collapsible for reloads.

I'm really leaning toward the B&C. This thing could be a bit of a hammer with some of the higher loads, and I think the extra weight will be appreciated.