fill for Manners/McMillan stock repair

[Jay Christopherson]

I got a free, previous used McMillan stock, that had an accessory rail on it. I want to remove the accessory rail, fill in the channel, and then have it re-coated/dipped/whatever.

I was looking for professional and semi-professional advice (i.e., you've actually done what you suggest before with good results... on the best way to fill it and prep it. I've not done anything like this before.

I haven't called Manners or McMillan, though I suppose I could; I just thought I would check and see what the experience here has been.

Thanks!

 

[ryanjay11]

I have drilled out action screw holes in stocks and filled them in with Devcon. While the area was not as big as what you are discussing, it was very strong and worked perfectly.

The cost may be higher than other methods, but I doubt you will find anything stronger.

I would recommend putting masking tape on both sides of the channel(and ends), and putting enough in so it is proud of the flat on the stock. After sanding it to match it should be ready for paint/whatever finish you want to do.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

Devcon or Marine Tex is fine. Was the rail on the bottom (smooth) part or the side (textured)?

 

[Jay Christopherson]

It was smooth. The channel looks like it was inlet with a mill. 3/4" wide by about .365" deep and 10" long. There are a couple of screw holes (T-nuts in the barrel channel) too. I figured I could use something like Devcon, but I wanted do to it "the right way". I'll take a look at the Marine-Tex though, I guess it was actually designed to repair fiberglass boats so it should do the job, right?

 

[riflewoman]

For something that large I'd use epoxy thickened with cotton flox which you can get here http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/flockedcotton.php. 1 lb should be all you need mix your epoxy and then mix in the flox till you have it the consistency of bread dough or toothpaste. Prep the channel by sanding and then wiping with acetone. Fill and make it slightly proud. Sand off the excess when it has cured. Fill any pinholes with bondo then apply your final finish. I recommend one of those water transfer print places.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The original fill is micro balloons and chopped fiberglass, mixed with epoxy like west systems. I would just mix some chopped glass with a clear epoxy and fill the slot.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

For something that large I'd use epoxy thickened with cotton flox which you can get here http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/flockedcotton.php. 1 lb should be all you need mix your epoxy and then mix in the flox till you have it the consistency of bread dough or toothpaste. Prep the channel by sanding and then wiping with acetone. Fill and make it slightly proud. Sand off the excess when it has cured. Fill any pinholes with bondo then apply your final finish. I recommend one of those water transfer print places.

Thanks, that looks pretty cool. I was figuring I would need some sort of fill like that, but I wasn't sure exactly what. Alex's idea is along the same lines as well, so I'll go one of those routes I think.

 

[StevenDzupin]

Jay, Checkout Jamestown Distributors for Epoxies and Fillers, there a boat building and repair

supply house.

Regards,

Steve