McM 3 Way ADJ butt plate LOP rod modification and minor stock work questions

[Gil P.]

Hello,
Ive got a McM A6 that has the standard weight 3 way adj butt system on it and I want to reduce the LOP. What should I use to cut the rod with? I'm 5'10" and the LOP is 1-2" longer than I like.

I called McMillan and was told that they do not sell shorter rods. The butt system does not sit flush with the rod inserted all the way into the void in the stock, (see picture, rod is bottomed out in stock).

Also, what tools should I use to lengthen the ejection port cutout on the stock? It's too short. The stock was inlet for a BAT TR, but for whatever reason my BAT TR has a longer ejection port. Maybe they have a different version of the action saved for the inlet?

 

[matthias]

A thinner pad and making the stock recess deeper will get you close.

 

[Gil P.]

A thinner pad and making the stock recess deeper will get you close.

Would it be easier to cut the rod shorter? Do you think there would be any issues if I cut it with a chop saw? I can pour water on the rod as it's cut so it doesn't heat up.

I forgot to mention that I have KMW ACP Loggerhead hardware installed. If I made the LOP rod recess deeper, would there be any issue with the recess getting too close to the KMW hardware?

The stock has the thinner 1/2" pad installed.

 

[matthias]

Should be able to cut it. Before you put it back in after the cut deburr and put rust inhibiter.

 

[bennett ford]

Can't you drill the recess hole a little deeper. How far does pad plate extend past the base plate?

 

[Gil P.]

Can't you drill the recess hole a little deeper. How far does pad plate extend past the base plate?

9/16" and the rod is bottomed out in the recess.

Do any of you have tips on which tools I'd need to lengthen the ejection port cutout on the stock? I don't have access to a mill.

 

[Rich S]

I don’t see why you can’t cut them.
For the ejector port you could use a rasp/file and sand paper. You can tape off the cut area for a guide.

 

[PatMiles]

9/16" and the rod is bottomed out in the recess.

Do any of you have tips on which tools I'd need to lengthen the ejection port cutout on the stock? I don't have access to a mill.

Post a pic or two of the ejection port cutout.

 

[Gil P.]

Post a pic or two of the ejection port cutout.

 

[Gil P.]

I don’t see why you can’t cut them.
For the ejector port you could use a rasp/file and sand paper. You can tape off the cut area for a guide.

I ended up cutting the LOP rod with a hacksaw and finished it with a file.

I'll take your advice for the ejection port. What type of file do you recommend to make a rounded corner? A half round?

 

[PatMiles]

I ended up cutting the LOP rod with a hacksaw and finished it with a file.

I'll take your advice for the ejection port. What type of file do you recommend to make a rounded corner? A half round?

Dremel tool with sanding drums would be perfect for the ejection port. If you do use a Dremel, work slowly and carefully! Draw out your port outline with a pencil.

 

[Gil P.]

Dremel tool with sanding drums would be perfect for the ejection port. If you do use a Dremel, work slowly and carefully! Draw out your port outline with a pencil.

Okay, I can use the dremel to get close and then finish with files. I don't trust myself to do a perfect job with the dremel. What kind of file would be best to make a rounded corner like in the picture?

 

[PatMiles]

Okay, I can use the dremel to get close and then finish with files. I don't trust myself to do a perfect job with the dremel. What kind of file would be best to make a rounded corner like in the picture?

Sandpaper wrapped around a wood dowel that fits the corner that you have now. I would use sandpaper wrapped around a wide piece of flat wood or wrapped around a flat file for final finish. Use finer grits of sandpaper for a better finish to paint over. Take your time, check the surfaces often for best results.

 

[Gil P.]

Sounds good, I'll try that.

 

[Rich S]

Sandpaper wrapped around a wood dowel that fits the corner that you have now. I would use sandpaper wrapped around a wide piece of flat wood or wrapped around a flat file for final finish. Use finer grits of sandpaper for a better finish to paint over. Take your time, check the surfaces often for best results.

I would use this method also. Every time I try to use a rotary tool for something like this I wish I hadn’t. I’ve have seen others that do excellent though. Just be careful how you apply pressure to avoid having a divet in the corner. I would leave the lenghth slightly short and so you can work down and across as you form the corner.

 

[Gil P.]

I would use this method also. Every time I try to use a rotary tool for something like this I wish I hadn’t. I’ve have seen others that do excellent though. Just be careful how you apply pressure to avoid having a divet in the corner. I would leave the lenghth slightly short and so you can work down and across as you form the corner.

Thank you sir, I took your advice and did that. I misjudged how much leeway I would need to make the corner, but it's not off too bad.

Almost done, just need to paint it now.

 

[Gil P.]

 

[NateHaler]

Looks good! Is your stock painted or is that color molded in? (I'm guessing painted, but who knows these days!)

I think I'm not the only one who would like to see a picture with the barreled action back in the stock to see how it lines up. I commend you for taking this on.

Had you still been pondering what to do, I was going to suggest you call Alex Sitman of MasterClass Stocks in PA -- one of the best in the world at fitting/bedding/stocking rifles. And a heckuva nice guy, and fair prices.

 

[Gil P.]

The color is molded in. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll keep him in mind if I need any stock work.

I didn't give myself enough room when I was making the new corner. I had to use a smaller dowel, and wasn't able to match the contour on the right side.

I still think it looks good.

 

[NateHaler]

Nice work. Looks good, and you'll be the only one to notice the difference between those corners. Kudos to you sir.