Richards Microfit Benchmark stock

[KMW 1954]

This stock is a Richards Benchmark model, inletted for a Savage Model 10 Stagger feed, Blind magazine with the 4.250" action screw spacing. It is a Standard Grade Claro Walnut. This is to be used as a target bench rifle.

Ordered this back in June and it finally arrived. Upon opening this I was astonished just how massive this piece of wood is. Much larger than I had envisioned. Though it did come finished about how I expected in comparison to the other stock I did.

Also have an Atlasworx cheek riser hardware here already and a SPS 2 Sliding Post adjustable LOP Butt Plate is also on the way.

Intention is to first dye it using the Alkanet Root Dye and still debating as to the final finishing oil or spar varnish.

 

[KMW 1954]

Here are a couple of pictures with the barreled action mocked up in it.

Had to relieve the barrel channel a slight bit to get it to fit down into the stock. Long way to go!

 

[boltfluter]

View attachment 1698586
View attachment 1698587
Here are a couple of pictures with the barreled action mocked up in it.

Had to relieve the barrel channel a slight bit to get it to fit down into the stock. Long way to go!

I would make the bottom of the forearm flat and it should slide like it's on rails. Keep us posted on your progress.
Paul

 

[Will Henry]

I have the same stock, but laminated, on a sleeved 40X. I planed the forearm flat, 3 inches wide. It makes a classic unlimited bag gun. WH

 

[NorCalMikie]

Got a couple. 3" forearms, no vents. I like heavy fence posts. Guns come around 16 + pounds.
Need gun bearers to pack them. Good thing they're bench guns.

 

[KMW 1954]

Been awhile, with not much new. PT job at the range has me scrambling, we are now open 7 days per week until Dec. for deer season.

About as far as I have gotten is to open up the rear action screw hole to fit the parts I am going to use as pillars.

These are bronze bushing sleeves and the ones for the rear are 5/16"OD X 1/4"ID. and the reason for going this way is because of the weakness in the wood stock between the Trigger inlet, action screw inlet and the magazine inlet.

This will allow me to remove as little wood material as possible to try and retain some structural strength in the wood. Also from shooting a bunch of Savage I have found they like a lot less torque on the rear than they do on the front. So not the need for a heavy thick pillar in the rear.

The front I am using the same material only they are 3/8"OD X 1/4"ID with a 1/2" shoulder on one end.

Also the reason for this is I do not have access to a lathe to turn these from another material. I have used these same pcs in a couple other Savage rifles and they have held up well. Also in this case there is no Bottom Metal on this stock for a DBM which also is the reason for the part with the shoulder.

I was also able to obtain a piece from Boyd's that they use as an escutcheon in their Savage blind mag stocks. But it is some form of plastic so I don't think I'm going to use it.

 

[KMW 1954]

Well I warned this was going to be a protracted work. PT work is winding down so I hope to be able to devote a little more time to this.

Spent a couple hours on it this morning. Working on the inletting for the receiver, trigger, trigger guard and rear pillar.

What I learned was the inletting for these is way off where it needs to be or should have been. The hole for the rear screw is off by 1/3rd a screw, the trigger guard is also off by about the same amount. Also had to remove a small amount of wood to make clearance for the bolt release lever. It wouldn't allow enough travel to release the bolt.

Using a plastic guard for now but will be ordering a metal one. Also decided that I will not be using the plastic escutcheon that I received from Boyd's and will just be using the bronze one.

Pictures, of course there are pictures. These are how far the inletting for the trigger guard is off and the rear screw is off the same amount.