[scythefwd]

I have a walnut stock on my mossberg 500. It feels like it is a bit too long, and I really like the feel of the super bantum stock. Would it make more sense to go and buy the bantum stock and do a swap, or is it super easy to cut my current stock down? I know I can take about 2 inches off it, and using a table saw with a guide should be easy, but is there anything I need to be careful or wary of? I want to drop it by about .5 inches each cut so I can try it and see if I like it at that length. Any suggestions?

[Ash]

If you cut down the stock, you will need a new butt-pad.

Ash

[scythefwd]

I wont be able to trim the current one down? I was thinking of removing the butt bad, then cutting, then replacing the pad to test for fit, find good fit, trace outline on buttpad and then very slowly grind / shave the pad into the new shape.

[Ash]

Sure, you can do that. As long as you can make the cut straight and at the correct angle, there is no reason not to save some cash and do it yourself.

Ash

[scythefwd]

I was planning on using a table saw, with the blade guide set to be perpendicular to the blade. That would match the original angle of the buttstock and would allow for a straight cut at the distance I chose. I dont know if you have used a table saw with a guide, but it is like sliding the wood along a very smooth steel wall with the blade being still, but rotating.

[scythefwd]

Thanks for verifying my plan of action Ash. It helps settle nerves about modifying my gun. I know I can always replace the stock if I screw up, but the wife would kill me :) (and it might have to be a thumbhole stock then)

[GDW]

I am going to do the same thing, but probably use a new pad. I eyeballed some pads at the local gun shop. I may use a band saw with a guide vs. the table saw, but have not made up my mind yet. Once I cut down the stock I will put the but pad on, scribe or mark the pad and then use the belt sander to get the proper OD on the pad. Good luck with the project. If I do mine any time soon and figure out how to post, i'll show a before and after, unless it looks messed up. In that case, I'm buying a new stock.

[kingjoey]

BTW, freeze the buttpad before sanding it, it will make things easier and give better results