Stocks too long for your kids?

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Picher

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This is what I've done a few times:
KidsStocks.JPG

Before cutting the stock, I drill and install two 3" screws, then back them out before cutting the stock. A slip-on pad, or ground-down buttplate accommodates the shortened stock. When the kid gets bigger, re-install the cut-off section and attach the buttplate. I've already re-extended one stock and notified the second owner of the extending option.
JP
 
What do you do to address saw kerf? Almost all stocks get taller as they approach the butt so even that 1/16” of missing material will make the stock have a “ridge” when the old piece is reattached. Are you using a thin filler ground to match profileto properly relocate the stock? It’s the only thing I thought of when I was looking at cutting down my kids 22. I decided not to cut and bought a Crickett as a second gun because I have almost 10 years of age difference between my oldest and youngest.
 
What do you do to address saw kerf? Almost all stocks get taller as they approach the butt so even that 1/16” of missing material will make the stock have a “ridge” when the old piece is reattached. Are you using a thin filler ground to match profileto properly relocate the stock? It’s the only thing I thought of when I was looking at cutting down my kids 22. I decided not to cut and bought a Crickett as a second gun because I have almost 10 years of age difference between my oldest and youngest.

Very good question. Depending on the thickness of the saw blade, there definitely will be a step involved when re-installing the sawed off section. I like your idea concerning the "Cricket". Most kids think it's really neat to have their "own" rifle.
 
Do you try to reshape the smaller buttstock piece you are reattaching to compensate for the kerf?
 
What do you do to address saw kerf? Almost all stocks get taller as they approach the butt so even that 1/16” of missing material will make the stock have a “ridge” when the old piece is reattached. Are you using a thin filler ground to match profile to properly relocate the stock? It’s the only thing I thought of when I was looking at cutting down my kids 22. I decided not to cut and bought a Crickett as a second gun because I have almost 10 years of age difference between my oldest and youngest.
For a quick fix, try a strip of electrician's tape. If you're really fussy, sand and refinish the stock, after gluing it together. The joint won't completely disappear, but it's usable just screwing it together because there's only about 1/16" of saw kerf missing. A Plastic Wood filler or similar product would work, but the cut won't completely disappear. I caution you to not cut an expensive gun!!! These have two-piece stocks, so if you're a nitpicker, buy a new stock and cut that one.

The idea here is to give a kid a shotgun that fits them better, helping them to have a better shooting stance. I wouldn't cut a valuable shotgun for a kid, maybe not even for my wife. (The jury's still out about cutting one for a girlfriend. Ha ha.)
 
Hi Picher, That is a very clean cut you made on that stock. I want to shorten one of mine by an inch. Could you please let me know what saw blade you used and what you did to stop splintering. Thanks
 
I bought a second stock for my kid's Henry youth model, and had it fitted to him when he was younger. He's now "graduated" to the original stock. My plan is to sell both when the time comes. IF I ever sell it. :D
 
Hi Picher, That is a very clean cut you made on that stock. I want to shorten one of mine by an inch. Could you please let me know what saw blade you used and what you did to stop splintering. Thanks

I used a thin-bladed Miter saw and the kerf was hardly noticeable when re-assembled. Electrical tape could be used across the kerf to minimize water intrusion, if worried about it. These guns were relatively inexpensive single-shots, so didn't worry about value. I also had purchased them for the kids, as I remember.
 
I built a 6mm Rem. on a 98 Mauser for my 8 YO son's first deer rifle. Since it needed to be so short, we used a GI white wood (birch?) laminated stock. Before cutting, we drilled for two 1/2" dowels, cut to desired length and saved the drop. Cut off top of stock and fitted a maple monte carlo cheek piece, When he outgrew the short stock, we pegged and glued the drop back on, sanded and refinished. It was his favorite hunting rifle for many years.

Or, you could insert a piece of contrasting color plastic (white, black or pink for a daughter??) equal to thickness of the kerf.

Regards,
hps
 
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Hi Picher, That is a very clean cut you made on that stock. I want to shorten one of mine by an inch. Could you please let me know what saw blade you used and what you did to stop splintering. Thanks
I used a Mitre saw and wrapped masking tape around the cut location, then marked on the tape for the cut.
 
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I just buy replacement stocks, and plan on 3 stocks to make it through a lifetime. 8”, 11”, and 13.5”/standard length. Sending $100 to Boyd’s twice in their growth from 3 to 16 isn’t so bad, and doesn’t require ignoring kerf or cut seams.

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Have only cut a couple for the kids.....after a few years regretted it because they had grown and needed more length. Find it's now easier to buy a second (youth) stock and keep it on hand.
 
I just buy replacement stocks, and plan on 3 stocks to make it through a lifetime. 8”, 11”, and 13.5”/standard length. Sending $100 to Boyd’s twice in their growth from 3 to 16 isn’t so bad, and doesn’t require ignoring kerf or cut seams.

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Agreed. It was $60 for a new stock from Henry, and I think I paid $50 for a local gunsmith to measure and fit it to my kid. When he outgrows the OEM length youth model I can get a full size stock and put it on if I wanted to. Although there's no need... there's a custom serial numbered Golden Boy waiting for him when he gets a little older. :D
 
I simply scaled down the stocks on 2 Marlin Youth Rifle to fit 6 year old boys.
My sons used them to death and now their kids are using them. Good for proper training in use and safety from a young age.
The 16-1/2 inch barrel is in good scale to the smaller stocks.

Heres another Marlin in use I scaled down for my 3 year old grandson recently.


I have lengthened stocks that have been shortened, on shotguns, rifles and .22's I refinished the stock after rejoining the peices and sanded them even.

Even the Crickets could lose and inch or two, especially here in the Arctic where were constantly wearing thick clothing.
 
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