Here's the stock and action I'll be using. The stock will accept up to a #5 contour; the factory barrel that is in it is about a #2, minus the sight donut. The caliber on the new barrel will be 30-06, barrel length 21-24 inches depending on contour. From a balance standpoint, what contour would work best? I'm ecumenical as to barrel makers, but lean toward Shilen as their delivery time is quick. Action is a transition era Model 70.

With "balance" do you mean in looks or weight? I think a number 3 Shilen would look and feel just fine.

About .570 @ the muzzle and 24" long makes for a nice balance.

Terry

Handling is more important that aesthetics, but filling up the barrel channel would be nice. I got a killer deal on this stock (a McMillan hunting pattern); if buying new I would have specified a thinner channel.

I like to use #1 contour to keep it light as possible and then cut pockets into the forend of the stock and epoxy in lead shot to achieve balance......I'm not sure there is a right or wrong way.....but it's a lot easier to add weight than remove it!

quote:

Originally posted by Oregon45:
Handling is more important that aesthetics, but filling up the barrel channel would be nice. I got a killer deal on this stock (a McMillan hunting pattern); if buying new I would have specified a thinner channel.

Pick a contour that you like and that you think would feel good, and then fill in the gap with epoxy.

With a #3 contour would a 21-23" length be about right for this cartridge? The McMillan stock is no lightweight and the gun currently has a neutral balance, I'm looking to move the balance point forward toward the face of the action without making it muzzle heavy.

quote:

Originally posted by Westpac:

quote:

Originally posted by Oregon45:
Handling is more important that aesthetics, but filling up the barrel channel would be nice. I got a killer deal on this stock (a McMillan hunting pattern); if buying new I would have specified a thinner channel.

Pick a contour that you like and that you think would feel good, and then fill in the gap with epoxy.

Yep, it would take a lot of barrel to fill that channel considering he wants a .30-06.

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by Oregon45:
With a #3 contour would a 21-23" length be about right for this cartridge? The McMillan stock is no lightweight and the gun currently has a neutral balance, I'm looking to move the balance point forward toward the face of the action without making it muzzle heavy.

A Shilen #3 will be hefty. I have one on a M70 in .300 H&H. If I had it to do all over again I would have used a #2. With a .30-06 I would go with a #1, but run it out a full 24" to maintian balance. Like Wespac said, just fill in the barrel chanel. If you're worried about looks McMillan will repaint it for about $40 and it'll look like it was made for that barrel.

Terry

why would you want to fill the barrel channel?

bigger gaps let leaves and small sticks out, a small gap still gets leaves and sticks in the gap but they stay in there.

my experience with bush-bashing is that you want a good gap if leaves get between the barrel and stock they fall out easily. i have a rifle with only a small gap and leaves get jammed underneath the barrel so when i get home i have to seperate the stock and barreled action to clean it out.

quote:

Pick a contour that you like and that you think would feel good, and then fill in the gap with epoxy.

This is what I would do.