Benchrest Stock build

[hoz53]

I decided to make this one a flat bottomed " long range" stock. I put in a little more time trying to form it up. I took a stab at the grip area. Since this is my first one of this design, I learned a little about what to do on the next one. This one will function alright but it won't be a head turner. When I get things ironed out, I'll do a new proper build thread. One thing I learned on this build is how difficult it is to carve both sides of the grip area to match.
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That is looking good how much time do you have in it?

what brand action is that?

Who sits in that chair on the bench in the other picture while you are working?

Keep up the good work Josh--my mill drill is broke so i am fixing it before milling more wood.

 

[joshb]

The tracing, cutting, barrel channel/action cut took about 4 hours. Bedding took a couple hours. Inletting the trigger guard (finicky and precise) took 2 hours. Forming the butt took 2 hours, then things really slowed down at the grip area when I realized the corner I'd backed into. I had formed the butt too far forward, removing too much material for a "good looking" grip and the 2 sides had to mirror each other . Not so hard to think about, a little harder to actually do. It seems the first stock design, tho looking hard to do, is actually easier because it's free form. One side is different from the other and doesn't have to match. I fussed with what I had for a good 8 hours with files and sanding blocks to get to where I am now. Looking kind of fugly. I'll finish it but I won't be proud of it. The action is a Stiller single shot.
The chair is a repair for an old client. Sophia Bergera sits in it from time to time while I do nude sketches of her. My other hobby. In my dreams.

 

[rangertim]

It Looks Real Good to me from my Chair, until Sophia shows up and sets down in your chair josh, I will just keep admiring your Stock and talent LOL ! I will say it again $50.00 for a Gold Membership seems cheap for all the good reading and pictures on these cold winter days !

 

[joshb]

I live to serve, Tim! I got a little further, today. Recoil pad on and shaped. A little router work on the front end.

 

[rangertim]

My Brother's have been Trim carpenters for Yesrs and I have worked around wood even know I'm no wood craftsman, but I'm amazed at the talent & skills You Men that due. My Shooting mentor /Traveling partner of 20 years that past away this past July was very good with wood and built some Beautiful cabinet's !

 

[hoz53]

The tracing, cutting, barrel channel/action cut took about 4 hours. Bedding took a couple hours. Inletting the trigger guard (finicky and precise) took 2 hours. Forming the butt took 2 hours, then things really slowed down at the grip area when I realized the corner I'd backed into. I had formed the butt too far forward, removing too much material for a "good looking" grip and the 2 sides had to mirror each other . Not so hard to think about, a little harder to actually do. It seems the first stock design, tho looking hard to do, is actually easier because it's free form. One side is different from the other and doesn't have to match. I fussed with what I had for a good 8 hours with files and sanding blocks to get to where I am now. Looking kind of fugly. I'll finish it but I won't be proud of it. The action is a Stiller single shot.
The chair is a repair for an old client. Sophia Bergera sits in it from time to time while I do nude sketches of her. My other hobby. In my dreams.
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stock looks good to me Josh. i dont have the time and if i did i dont think i have the patience if i had the time. please post some of youre sketches for us to check out

 

[butchlambert]

SR benchrest? Looks long range and maybe a HV stock. Way too heavy for a 10.5lb Light Varmint SR Benchrest rifle. I guess you were going to do the correct stock angle on the butt later?

 

[joshb]

No, Butch. Long range for this one. This is a first try to see what the weight will be and play with the "new to me" design. I've only built stocks like the ones in my other thread. I was trying not to copy somebody else's stock while I was making it. Hard to do these days with so many out there but I thought I'd try. Not sure how to erase the picture of Alex's stock from my memory, or all the others I've seen. The next one will be a stab at a short range, with some hollowing of layers before I glue it together. I learn best by doing. I'll prolly make a few more misses before I get it right. I work alone and don't get out much.

 

[butchlambert]

Josh, My LV 10.5lb is made from select lightweight Redwood with carbon fiber laminate. My heavy is made the same way with 50yr old black walnut. PM an email and I will send you photos.

 

[joshb]

I cut and formed the bolt slot, sanded the stock down to 600 grit and put a coat of oil on it. I'll use it's form to make some design changes for the next one and try to figure out where to lose some weight. I put this one on the scale. It weighs 3 lbs. 1oz.


I have had some requests for the pattern. I'll be glad to but I'd rather wait until I refine this one before I do. I think it could have better lines for all the work going into it. Especially the grip area.

 

[johnfred1965]

Don't know if this pertains to this thread or your other wonderful stock making thread, but is there an easy way to shape out a palm swell? I've tried on scrap and ever get the right feel. If I try it on a stock and get it wrong, I don't know if I can fix it.

 

[joshb]

John: Go to page 7 of my other thread and scroll down thru the pics. They show the grip taking shape. The process is slow here, taking off a little at a time, then gripping it to feel where more needs to go. Sand a little, grip, sand a little, grip, etc. until it feels right.
Always start at the front. Establish that line, then round off the front "corners". Note that little circled area in pencil, the "do not sand" area. Stay away from that until you have the rear formed. Start forming further back on the stock than you think you need to and slowly sand forward. I use that little 3/4" drum sander and 80 grit hand sanding to do this. When you get the rear close, then you can sand a little thickness off at the top and bottom of the penciled area to form the swell. Again, take it slow. Sand a little, grip, sand etc.
You can see the results of me being too aggressive on the stock in this thread. I sanded too far forward too fast and wound up screwing up the grip.

 

[joshb]

I finally got the gun put together. This stock will do for now. Stiller single shot with a brand new Lederer 30" 8 twist Palma contour, .269 neck 6br chambered by Bob Green. NF BR 12-42.

 

[butchlambert]

I finally got the gun put together. This stock will do for now. Stiller single shot with a brand new Lederer 30" 8 twist Palma contour, .269 neck 6br chambered by Bob Green. NF BR 12-42.
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I guess that I missed something. I thought you said short range BR. Going back to the NBRSA stock drawing, How would you figure the angle if you had 16" LOP?

 

[Preacher]

Looks good with the oil on it Josh.....

 

[joshb]

Looks good with the oil on it Josh.....

I'm loving this stuff!! I'd put it on my wife if she'd hold still!

 

[Preacher]

I'm loving this stuff!! I'd put it on my wife if she'd hold still!

It don't really taste all that good though !!!!!!!!!!

 

[joshb]

I guess that I missed something. I thought you said short range BR. Going back to the NBRSA stock drawing, How would you figure the angle if you had 16" LOP?

Butch: I went long range with this one. I figured out pretty quick it was going to be too heavy for short range. I'm going to have to skeletonize the stock if I use walnut. Look back a few posts.

 

[butchlambert]

Butch: I went long range with this one. I figured out pretty quick it was going to be too heavy for short range. I'm going to have to skeletonize the stock if I use walnut. Look back a few posts.

Your's looks great. I must have skipped too much. Did you figure out what I was asking on the angle?

 

[joshb]

Yup! I figured you had mighty long arms!

Just kidding.
I looked at the drawing for a while. Not being an "expert" on the rules (I don't compete), it looks like it would lessen the angle a touch. I don't see any restriction on LOP. Just "4 inches down the butt from Bore centerline to a point 18" ahead of bolt face. Unless I'm reading it wrong, you could theoretically lessen the angle more by doing a 36" LOP. I usually make mine 13 1/2" LOP.