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Need help selecting a barrel contour

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20 August 2007, 02:42
Oregon45
Need help selecting a barrel contour
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.


20 August 2007, 02:58
Westpac
With "balance" do you mean in looks or weight? I think a number 3 Shilen would look and feel just fine.


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This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.
20 August 2007, 03:01
TC1
About .570 @ the muzzle and 24" long makes for a nice balance.

Terry


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Well, other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
20 August 2007, 03:02
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.
20 August 2007, 03:05
vapodog
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!


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20 August 2007, 03:13
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.


_______________________________________________________________________________
This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.
20 August 2007, 03:19
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.
20 August 2007, 03:31
TC1
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


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Well, other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
20 August 2007, 03:37
TC1
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


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Well, other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
21 August 2007, 10:15
Paul from nz
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.
21 August 2007, 22:07
Masterifleman
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.


"I ask, sir, what is the Militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them" - George Mason, co-author of the Second Amendment during the Virginia convention to ratify the Constitution