Fun rifle for Shaq?

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benzy2

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I'm at a crossroad and I'm a little stuck on what to do. I've never had problems finding rifles that fit me. I'm 6'3" and most adult sized rifles fit fairly well. The AR platform is one of those that fit well, especially with the standard 6 position carbine stock. My problem comes with my soon to be brother-in-law. He is basically the size of Shaq. He's 7 foot tall and watching him shoot an AR is painful. Now, with a bit of training I'm sure he could get behind the AR in a fighting type stance where the typical person is running the stock one or two notches from all the way in. The problem is he isn't a fighter, has no interest in tactical training, and is for all intents and purposes he is a casual shooter. Trying to force him into that type of stance isn't natural and is something I'm afraid will push him further from shooting rather than more into shooting.

I'm looking to help him pick out a fun rifle, something to shoot once a month for an hour or two and then put back in the safe. I think he would have more fun with one of the 7.62x54R semi auto rifles, though I'm not sure if they are going to be big enough on the LOP to fit him and I'm not sure what options are out there. I know he enjoys a bit of recoil, so I was thinking something .308 or 7.62x54r would be a better fit. Not quite as cheap as a .223 but for his limited range time, it wouldn't much matter.

So what are some good options? Are there any extra length AR-10 stocks? I suppose one of the competition style stock extenders on an A2 stock would get him some extra LOP. How about for the 7.62x54, or even x39 rifles? Anything that gets them to Shaq size setups? A nice AK pattern rifle would be good too if I can get the size right. Really, anything that goes bang fairly reliably and has a bit of kick is going to work if it fits and ammo isn't outrageous (in non-panic times).
 
I would probably look into a .308 bolt rifle (or maybe even a semi) with an aftermarket stock that you can get with spacers to increase the length of pull. If you get a gun with a wooden stock, you may be able to take the gun to a custom gun fitter (think the kind of stock mods that competitive trap shooters do) and they should be able to do something about the length of pull.

Unfortunately any former soviet type of weapon is going to have a shorter length of pull when compared to normal US rifles. For comparison, I'm 6' tall and on a mosin I was constantly worried about my nose hitting the end of the receiver. My AK was better, but not by much. I know it may be hard, but I would probably still try to get him to at least try to use a bit more squared up stance, even if it's not the completely "tactical" stance. That way he will be able to use more guns than just those specifically customized to his height.
 
I'm really leaning semi-auto knowing his interest. I think a bolt gun is going to bore him a bit. Just not the hunter nor is he the paper puncher. I feared the Russian rifles were going to be too short but I wasn't sure if an easily adaptable stock was available.

Currently, I'm looking at running a Vltor A5 stock system with an Emod stock. Should get an extra but of length over a standard A2/Carbine stock. Also looking at the Magpul PRS. I wouldn't mind pushing him towards a DPMS .308 SASS, though I'm not sure he will be willing to justify that type of price.

I'm also not worried about getting him into practice to shoot lots of other rifles. It's not him. He wants one rifle to enjoy at the range, not a dozen or the ability to pick up any off the rack and go shoot. Fitting a single rifle to him is going to satisfy his needs. Stance is certainly going to be worked on gradually, but if he still is limited to a single rifle, I don't think it will be a problem knowing him.
 
How about having him try out a semiauto Thompson? They've always felt way too big for most people (to me, anyway)- might fight a huge guy like him pretty well...
 
Don't they make, nato length stocks for AK's that are substantially longer? Maybe an AK or Saiga with one of those would be the ticket, just make sure to stay on the right side of the 922 rules.
 
You can buy aftermarket M4 style stocks for the AK platform that extend to king kong esque length of pull, silly long for normal folk. You can get out to like 16"-17" lop.
 
Comblock stuff is geared around a different style of shooting, and the stocks tend to be quite a bit shorter. They aren't really into cheek welds or using the strap for shooting. I've learned to scrunch up for the Mosins and it works well enough.

I like the idea of the Garand, or maybe an M1A with an extra long stock or add one of the padded buttstocks onto it for another inch. That ought to work well. You can also add a chin rest.
 
I have seen AR stocks with replacement pads, some are detachable/changeable. What would keep one from replacing the pads with spacers?
 
FAL. Israeli heavy barrel variant would fun for a big fella.
galleryfal11.jpg
 
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