Opinions on the lowered "Z" style F open stock designs

[Tahoe Shark]

At the BSWN this year there were quite a few competitors shooting stocks with the forend lowered in the rest by cutting the bottom of the forend in a "Z" type configuration. I assume this is primarily to negate or lessen the torque factors of the rifle. I also noticed more vents cut in the forend. Do these actually help cool the barrel noticeably or is this for removing weight from the stock?

I am asking because I am building a new 7RSAUM and have a PR&T Low Boy stock blank. Is it worth it to have my builder incorporate these features?

For those who have done it, is it noticeable? Would you do it again? Any advice is appreciated

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Go look at the top 10 F-open rifles at that match, most that I saw were more traditional low rider (like your low boy) designs. I don't think that the "Z" design is necessary to shoot well.

What I don't know is whether that design will actually improve tracking by a significant margin.

 

[dannyjbiggs]

"I also noticed more vents cut in the forend. Do these actually help cool the barrel noticeably or is this for removing weight from the stock?

Would you do it again? Any advice is appreciated

You may have missed my stock at the Berger matches!? Instead of using side vents, I use a series of 5 each 1/2 inch bored holes directly under my stock barrel channel on line and at 2 inches apart. (FWIW, it's very difficult to reduce stock weigh by reducing wood...so vents/bottom holes are not for that purpose.) In my case, they are to cool the barrel by natural convection, which you do not get full value by side vents; and, to drain water from the bottom of the barrel channel when shooting F-Class in the rain. I do it every time!!

Dan

 

[JohnKielly]

Might turn out all the vents are to lighten & balance the gun.

 

[BradY]

I was about to post a topic about this very question regarding the vents. Do they actually become a significant factor in the rate a barrel cools and has anyone done any testing on this? I like the "z style stocks and will be going that route on a new build. Is it necessary? No but like the stock vents, the idea has merit.

 

[jr600yd]

Listen to Danny