Terry and James, good thread, Thanks for sharing, we could use more of these!
It just goes to show how a positive spin like this / adds to the value of the AR Gunsmithing Forum.

Now that is SO pretty!

Great work, James

Well, the stock has assumed it's final shape. This one is the 7.62X39 scaled down version. James is about to some pics of the "high end" one!

As purchased


Fitted and altered


Shaped


I'll put the finish on over the next rew weeks but that'll be about it for awhile till the $$$ gets loss again.

Terry

outstanding rifle !!!!!!!!

Terry,
I retrived this from the archives to see if you have any updates or new pictures to show us.

I'm curious about how that GAG stock worked out for you and some details, for example - did you special order the inletting without the cut-out for the safety, and are you happy with your dealings with GAG?

Thanks,
KB

Hi KB, I've finished the stock except for the checkering. The project is pretty much on hold for now. I've got a few large gunsmithing bills coming due and this one is at a good stopping point.

I've had decent luck with GAG but I've read the horror stories also. They do require a lot of shaping to get what you're after. I personally prefer that to some of the "drop in" types as they usually come from the supplier with gaps between the wood and metal. Yes, you will need to order it without the factory safety cut and I usually spec it with a small straight barrel channel cut and inlet that myself.

Terry

Terry,

So, that's the 7.62x39 with the factory barrel? The sights and front sling swivel barrel band and bottom metal just not yet blued, rather than stainless?

Is that the Anderson bottom metal?

Obviously the rifle is very good looking. I'm wondering what you now think of that stock style, for scope use? Just like most everyone, some stocks fit me better than others. Although I have tried, I just haven't used iron sights, and always end up with a scope. That 1640 Husqvarna for example, I like it, but the old style stock takes some getting used to for me.

I noticed the classic stock on the Mexican Mauser in the related post seems to have a straigter stock. Is that your preferred style, not just for looks but for fit with a scope?

KB

Yes, factory 7.62X39 barrel.

The sights along with other parts on the rifle are still "in the white." No stainless parts on this gun.

Yes, that's Mr. Andersons bottom metal.

The stock is very functional for me. I've always prefered a lot of drop in my stocks. I think they shoulder faster, swing more naturally and are a lot easier to get a quick sight picture through the scope with. The only draw back is they aren't as easy to shoot off a bench which seems to be the way a rifle stock is judged these day's.

Terry

BTW, James Anderson did all the metal work on this rifle

I seem to prefer the stocks that have a little drop too. For common reference point, I'll use two stocks many are familiar with as examples.

The Boyds JRS for example realy annoys me, because it seems to actually be higher at the butt than the nose of the comb (rise at the butt rather than drop). Anyway, for example, when I put a Boyds JRS to my shoulder in what feels like a natural position, then look at the butt, there is a lot of stock up there that isn't on my shoulder at all, so that extra part of the stock is of little use up there to me.

However the Boyds REI feels very good on my shoulder, and my cheek.

I don't recall judging a rifle by how easy it is to shoot off the bench, except for accuracy.

The thing I noticed about a straight comb, and significant drop is the place where the stock rests on my face. With a monte carlo or stock with less drop, the contact point is right under my cheek bone. Stocks like the Husqvarna 1640 meet my face much lower, and therefore don't seem as steady when looking through the scope, and definately not as quick to get a sight picture, with a scope. With iron sight it might be a different story, but I don't use iron sights on my rifles. I can adjust to most any reasonable stock design, but that's just the way it seems to me.

KB

quote:

I don't recall judging a rifle by how easy it is to shoot off the bench, except for accuracy.

Mine was a general statment and in no way directed at you. Sorry if you took it that way.

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by TC1:
Mine was a general statment and in no way directed at you.
Terry

Yea, I knew that. I was just chatting. No offence. My comment was general too, no offence intended.


To continue the chatting, exchange of views, etc.

The stock on that mini mauser reminds me of the so-called stalking rifle style - German, English, I dunno, since I don't have clear distinction on the differences or similarilities. But anyway, stalking to me implies quick on the shoulder and quick to align the sights.

Seems to me ideally there isn't a one size fits all.

Seems to me, more drop would be better for iron sights, and a little less, or at least a raised comb/cheek piece better for a scope. Probably the angle of the pistol grip makes a difference too.

KB

For me, I've never liked having to push my cheek against the stock to get a sight picture though the scope and the lower comb helps me. I know others don't feel this way though. It also helps tame the recoil a bit more too.

The open grip is nice because it goes from a carry postion to shouldered in one smooth action. The hand doesn't need to be re-positioned on the draw.

On that stock I was trying to mimick an English stalking rifle. I'm not sure if I achieved it or not. Reguardless, I had a lot of fun working on it. I think once it's checkered it'll be acceptable.

Terry