A very sad day. Kelbly discontinues Stocks - FTR alternatives?

[LVLAaron]

When I built my first real FTR rifle, the Kelbly 1M was the only stock that really fit the bill for me. It is very light relative to other "FTR" stocks. 3.5lbs naked. Many other stocks marketed towards FTR are in the 5lb range which is just too heavy if you want to run something more than a heavy palma barrel.
What else is out there for us lonely FTR redheaded stepchildren?

 

[LVLAaron]

I got an email this morning that says "Kelbly's will no longer manufacture Scope Rings or rifle stocks."

 

[CharlieNC]

I'm difficult to satisfy when it comes to stock performance, and especially fit. So I was always hacking, adding, etc. So for a winter project, last year I ordered a Richards Microfit with extra wood such that I could test fire and reshape as necessary to suit my desires. After a month the bedding and fitting were completed, and the walnut is beautiful with an oil finish. Lighter than laminate too for Ftr.

 

[Jdne5b]

Yep, bummer indeed. Love my 1M and KTS FTR rifles.

X-ring was also one I thought of. Maybe a stripped down non adjustable Kestros BR/FR as light as they’ll make it?

If Manners would make a scaled down version of their ELR stock and hit 4lbs or less I think it could be a winner. Or if you could reliably get their existing Fclass stock it would work pretty well also, especially with a Joypod.

 

[BoydAllen]

McMillan makes an excellent F-TR stock. The Kestros BR.

McMillan Kestros stock « Daily Bulletin

Content tagged with McMillan Kestros stock.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[OldManTA]

Some years ago Doan Trevor developed a laminated spruce FTR stock. Doan is still working his magic in the Albuquerque, NM area.
Tom Alves

 

[XTR]

Doan for a full custom. Dima tells me my stock is shipping shortly. I’ll let you know on weight.

In general hardwood makes weight easily where laminates do not. I have 2 custom hardwood stocks and I have run a custom HV contour with a 4” breach section at 1.250 tapering to .96 at the muzzle and always made weight with both of my rifles Including rain gear. That said, I usually run w/i an oz on weight. (I did have to pull my sunshade at Raton once)

I run NF ultralight rings, comp scope, aluminum trigger guard, Graco 3 way buttplate, and adjustable cheek, BnA trigger, and a Joy-pod, (and my stocks start with a 15” LOP).

I can’t run a Jewel and make weight, the steel vs aluminum housing makes them an OZ or so heavier than a BnA.

 

[XTR]

Some years ago Doan Trevor developed a laminated spruce FTR stock. Doan is still working his magic in the Albuquerque, NM area.
Tom Alves

I think that Lije Harris shot that stock. If It is the one I’m thinking of, I know he had a spruce stock.

 

[OldManTA]

I think that Lije Harris shot that stock. If It is the one I’m thinking of, I know he had a spruce stock.

He made a few for Jim Murphy as well. You can go on Doan's site and get a full description and explanation of how he came up with the design.
TA

 

[D-4297]

Just went to a GRS - HYBRID for F-TR . Changed out ; from a Kelby K-TR stock . Just wanted a change . The GRS is Finish White Birch laminate , and it is a beautiful stock , in the "Jacaranda" coloring . I was just a bit surprised , when I got the rifle back together , and found out it had gone on a Diet and lost a full pound . The GRS is a pound lighter than the Kelby K-TR .
Rifle set-up is : Kelby Panda - Lft. Bolt / Lft Port , 30" Kreiger 1-10 , 5r . Vortex Golden Eagle , with Burris XTR Rings , Jewel Trigger . Weight checked on three digital scales is 17 lbs. , even . Who would have ever thought I'd add weight to a build ?

 

[BP1]

Yep, bummer indeed. Love my 1M and KTS FTR rifles.

X-ring was also one I thought of. Maybe a stripped down non adjustable Kestros BR/FR as light as they’ll make it?

If Manners would make a scaled down version of their ELR stock and hit 4lbs or less I think it could be a winner. Or if you could reliably get their existing Fclass stock it would work pretty well also, especially with a Joypod.

The Manners T6A and 2A is a really good stock.

 

[LVLAaron]

The Manners T6A and 2A is a really good stock.

Yes, but not the right setup for an FTR gun.

 

[BP1]

Yes, but not the right setup for an FTR gun.

Ok

 

[6BRA]

Will gun builds that were ordered previously with stocks be fulfilled?

 

[DumpHollow]

Kelblys still has some rings left. I bought a set from Jim a week ago. Call and ask. They might still have the configuration that you want.

I asked about the stocks. Yes, they are no longer making them because they weren't profitable.

 

[6BRA]

Charge more....that will make them profitable. Everything else is CNC operation.
the rings were EDM/automated. What will they do with the EDM machine?
Too much manpower in the stocks with bedding/ layup. Charge more....I guess like everything else...you just cant find help anymore. Cant even pay people to work in restaurants...where did the workforce go?

 

[LVLAaron]

Charge more....that will make them profitable. Everything else is CNC operation.
the rings were EDM/automated. What will they do with the EDM machine?
Too much manpower in the stocks with bedding/ layup. Charge more....I guess like everything else...you just cant find help anymore. Cant even pay people to work in restaurants...where did the workforce go?

Yeah... Kinda sad when something unique like their stocks just stop getting made. Rings, OK. Dozens of places to buy rings.

Sell me the molds. I'll make 1M's.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Charge more....that will make them profitable. Everything else is CNC operation.
the rings were EDM/automated. What will they do with the EDM machine?
Too much manpower in the stocks with bedding/ layup. Charge more....I guess like everything else...you just cant find help anymore. Cant even pay people to work in restaurants...where did the workforce go?

To the couch with free money, a joint that is legal, and a controller.

 

[Dub]

the 1M was one of my all time best performing stocks. Hate to see this

 

[Jerry Wick]

Yeah... Kinda sad when something unique like their stocks just stop getting made. Rings, OK. Dozens of places to buy rings.

Sell me the molds. I'll make 1M's.

Exactly. I'm surprised they haven't announced that someone is taking over the stockmaking business. Surely they could sell the molds and knowledge base. Seems like a great business opportunity for someone!