Need to hack 40XB-KS stock to fit *me*!! (long)

27 September 2002, 06:24

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

27 September 2002, 07:21

John Ricks

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.

27 September 2002, 08:10

milanuk

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

27 September 2002, 11:37

Bill Leeper

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.

27 September 2002, 13:46

jeffeosso

quote:
Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
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.

Bill,
As an EXTRA LONG stock guy (usually ~16") it matters. You see, the articulation requires that the EYE winds up in the same place, but the HEAD is larger. Therefore, the cheek is further back, and subject to being cracked by the end of the cheek piece. One should remember that the location of the EYE (in relation to the sight or sighting plane) is what is going to drive the head location. Those of us that try to shoot a regular length stock with a large body, tent to wind up "crunched" rather than a natural position.

So, ask 250 for the stock and ask for offers. It won't be anything but buttugly trying to space that kevlar stock.
Jeffe

27 September 2002, 16:43

milanuk

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

28 September 2002, 03:47

<JBelk>

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.

28 September 2002, 05:26

milanuk

quote:
Originally posted by JBelk:
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?

Probably by means of some sort of groove or relieved area for the bolt shroud. I do something similar w/ the stock pads I have on most of my guns now (they're mountedso they are rotated just enough to allow bolt removal and cleaning rod access)

quote:

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.

??? Right now, I have the scope mounted as far forward as I can! I was using a set of Leupold extended scope bases, so the front ring was out in front of the recoil lug and the rear was over the clip slot. Scope was all the way forward in the rings. I think I'd have *plenty* of latitude for moving the scope back.

quote:

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.

I have a Rem 700VS in .308 Win w/ the scope mounted on an extended Bad. Ord. picatinny rail, rings and everything in pretty much the same spot, and spacers added for 1-5/8" plus a 3/4" recoil pad. It's just a tad long for standing off-hand, but prone and bench it works beautifully. I'm not just guessing blindly here when I say I think the stock needs lengthened. It *might* be possible that I'm holding the gun wrong, hell it wouldn't be the first time I've been in error. But for something so 'wrong' it sure feels right [Wink]

Monte

28 September 2002, 07:54

Cold Bore

quote:
Originally posted by milanuk:
Probably by means of some sort of groove or relieved area for the bolt shroud.

I have an older walnut 40-X stock, with a high comb on it. Remington simply cut a narrow groove on top at the front to allow the bolt full travel.

BTW, this is my best fitting stock. That high comb is perfect for putting my face right where it needs to be.

28 September 2002, 09:48

Bill Leeper

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.