I have a laminated thumbhole stock on my custom 280 Ackley Remington 700 BDL that I had used solely as a long range varmit rifle. I now have other rifles for that purpose and would like to use the 280 AI for big game. My question is could the laminated stock be recountour and lightened or would I be farther ahead getting a light weight synthetic stock? I like the fit of the thumbhole stock and shoot it well both offhand and prone. I really prefer the thumbhole stock type but not the weight of it. The stock is bedded and with handloads from 120 grains to 160 grain bullets it will shoot sub 3/4" all day long. The barrel is a #3 Hart and isn't really that bad weight wise. The total package is pushing 10 lbs with varmit scope which I will also change out (suggestions for that also taken). I would like to get that down some at least and am looking for solutions. Thank you...RW

Find a hi quality synthetic.

borden and brown precision make lightweight synthetics.

What type laminated stock do you have?

JustC, It's a brown/brown (coffee) laminated stock made by Mike Kokolas of PA. Actually I hate to give up the stock but would replace with a hunting weight thumbhole if possible...RW

quote:

Originally posted by JustC:
borden and brown precision make lightweight synthetics.

What type laminated stock do you have?

check HS Precision and see if they make one in thumbhole and what it weighs. I have a boyd laminate JRS and it definitely weighs more than a similar synthetic style. Laminate does get heavy.

You can have your gunsmith drill lightening holes in the butt stock, and mill a lightening trough in the bottom of your barrel channel. Take a look on the Boyds web site. They have a cross section picture that shows how it is done. You should be able to lighten the stock by 1/2 pound or more without too much trouble. this stock is an old friend, and you shoot well with the contour that you are used to.

lawndart

Lawndart, I think your on to something. Unfortunately our local gunsmith retired so I'll have to check around. That stock is an old friend. I had it made and semi-finished, then had my gunsmithing friend (who has retired and moved) bed the stock. I did the final finishing. That was 15 years or so ago. I think I'll try that out, get a lighter scope for big game hunting and try her out. Thanks..RW