Well, looks like I'm going to end up keeping the 40XB-KS in .220 Swift for now. I had opted to try to sell it, as my first actual field outing w/ it (after 800-900rds of range time on benchrests and sandbags) revealed that the factory McMillan stock *really* does not fit me well, as I am 6'5" w/ long neck and arms. Needs to be close to two inches longer and maybe as much as an inch higher comb.

I've considered getting some kind of stock spacer system installed, such as the one McMillan sells, or even a complete adjustable buttplate (2-way, 3-way is overkill for me) like a McMillan or Graco.

Problem is it seems that once I crank out the stock 1.5-2", the Monte Carlo cheek piece is going to be too far forward, and still too low. I could put a slip-on pad to boost it, but it'd be all cock-eyed, part on the existing raised cheekpiece, part not. I've thought about trying something another local shooter showed me on one of his guns: he used some Pro-weld stuff (kind of like Pig-Putty, the stuff you knead the playdough looking stuff together, then stick it on the stock and form it to suit, later grinding it w/ a dremel or a file to finish, and paint to match. I've used this stuff for repairs on bushings, tanks, etc. on high-voltage electrical equipment, and even seen nuts made, drilled, and tapped from this stuff, so it *is* tough enough.

Is there any resale value for a 'stock' 40XB-KS stock, enough to be useful towards a new A3 or something similar? Am I going to be sacrificing anything if I butcher this stock a little?

Another thing... I'm looking at pillar/glass bedding the stock somewhere down the road also. How hard would it be for someone w/ some patience and some extra time on their hands to convert the stock and everyting to BDL w/ a custom trigger guard/magazine floorplate? The ADL magazine box on this 40XB has had me mad enough to just about try wrapping it around the side of the house a couple times. If I never touch another ADL, it'll be too soon!!!

Comments, suggestions, ideas?

Monte

Jump to benchrest.com or Xtreme Accuracy or the Varmint Hunters boards, advertise the stock you have and sell it. Then order a proper stock from McMillan. You will not regret this approach!!

Proper pillar bedding requires some specialized tools that few have.

John,

Hello from the other side of the hills!!

Thanks for the input. I posted the same question on Go Go Varmint Go, Group Therapy, Longrangehunting.com, and Snipershide.com, as those are the ones I watch regularly as well as here. I have gotten a little interest in buying the stock already. Problem is, I can't seem to find any other McMillan 40XB-KS stocks out there for sale, so I don't really have more than a wild ball-park guess as to value I should ask.

Monte

While I can understand the need to extend the stock somewhat I can't see where it would be necessary to change the location of the MC cheekpiece. I say this because the point of having a stock that fits is that it will allow the shooters head to be positioned correctly. No matter what, I hope you get it to fit though. Regards, Bill.

You know, the funny thing is, I've been talking to a fellow on another board that's even taller than I, has the same gun, and says he's never had to have any stocks lengthened that much. He seems to think the problem is more shooter error, but I have a bit of difficulty w/ that (of course it just _couldn't_ be me at fault ;p ). Guess we'll have to see.

Thanks,

Monte

milanuk--

You and I are about the same size. I shoot 13 3/4 LOP at the longest and 13 1/2 normally for all rifles and 14 3/4 for shotguns.

If you raise the cheekpiece how is the bolt going to operate?

I would *really* suggest learning a new shooting technique and forget the radical alterations to the stock.

BTW-- Where your eye is on the stock determines where the scope is mounted. I'm not sure how you're going to move the scope that far back to get the proper eye relief.

When you alter a stock more than a few fractions the rest of the rifle has to be changed too. It gets complicated.

I'd suggest buying an old Remington factory stock and using body putty to alter it anyway you want it and try it. That's the cheap way to learn what really works. I think you'll find the factory dimensions are pretty close and mere fractions of an inch are drastic changes in actual use.

Jeffeosso,
Not all taller people have larger heads! Also, most eyes are located at the front of said head on all! Generally people who require long stocks do indeed have a shooting style that allows them to crawl the stock. In most cases they tend to shoot across their body. Another situation is where the shooter has a long neck and is shooting prone.The longest length of pull I ever did was a 14 7/8" for a customer who was 6'8" and it fit him well. On the other hand I had a customer who insisted he was best served by a length of pull of 14 3/8". He was 5'7" and with a stock this length shot across his body and the butt was actually out on his upper arm. In a situation like this it's hard for the gunsmith to deal with what is obviously poor shooting form. Regards, Bill.

The going price for a 40XB-KS stock is about $150. John Baier, at Tactical Stocks, sold a ton of them at that price. That said they are now long gone and I've seen individual specimens bring upwards of $250. FWIW.

Regards, Matt.