Stock inletting and comb height.

[Rich S]

I'm getting started in-letting and finishing the exterior of a stock I got from Richards. I've done some minor stock work but this is a little more than I've done. I'm doing the inlet and basic outside dimensions on a mill. I have a few questions if anyone can help out I'd a appreciate it.

1. What is the typical height of the action. Currently I have the center line ~0.030 above the top of the stock

2. I will be using HV profile but plan to inlet the barrel channel straight. Is a 1 3/8" channel adequate. This should leave ~0.062 clearance near the chamber and a little more at the forearm.

3 Will a standard router bit work satisfactory in a laminated stock. I have a 1" ball end mill and cut the inlet and initial barrel channel with it. It cut great. I was wondering if I should spend $70 for a larger end mill or $15 for a router bit. The other option is use the 1" end mill and step it out and finish with some hand sanding.

4. What is considered a good height for the comb? This stock will not have an adjustable cheek piece. It will be used mainly for benchrest but I may try some F open. On the bench I shoot mostly free recoil. Setting the action (Rem 700) in, 0.53 below center line provides adequate clearance for bolt removal. The savage I have been shooting is ~0.720 below center line. I was thinking about leaving this one higher and using tall rings to avoid a cheek hold on the bench.

 

[joshb]

Hey! I'll try to help. Pics would be good. Lacking them..........
1. Work from the bottom up. Put your action, trigger, trigger guard together and measure it. This will tell you where you want the bottom of your action in relation to the bottom of your stock. From my stock build thread:

2. I do 1 1/4" barrel channel in the fore arm and widen it to my action dimension from the recoil lug back. Leave a little room for bedding.
3. Wooden laminates cut the same as solid wood, usually.. The glue cuts easily. I use routers for making my stocks. I use carbide bits. A good 1 1/4" bit will run you a little more than $15. Think mine cost $40-$50. A 1" in the action area can be used but I like the 1 1/4". Less fussing around. One of these days, I'm going to have a custom bit made to the exact size of the Remington's and clones.
4. As long as you can pull your bolt, you're good. If you're going with a clear coat "shiny , pretty" finish, leave a little more room under the bottom of your bolt to help prevent scratching.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I typical inlet is .6"-.7" deep depending on the action/stock. I uses 1 3/8" for the channel then open the action inlet as needed. You should base everything off trigger position. Comb height is personal, depends on your shooting style.