McMillan stock diy

[Orionsblade]

Hi guys,

I am the happy owner of what I believe is the finest bolt action rifle design (Remington 700) in one of the best general use calibers (308 win) in one of the finest stock manufacturers ever (McMillan) (hope I have sufficiently raised the blood pressure of someone with a savage chambered in 260 rem in a hs precision stock [emoji4] )

I love the rifle, and am looking to lighten the stock a bit. It is a McMillan 40x stock which is great, but very specialized for its specific purpose (match shooting) and its bulk and weight are a bit much for me...

My options are to sell the stock (prob get a few hundred bucks for it...if I can find someone interested in the non tactical stocks) and buy a lighter model...

buy another one anyways and sleep on the couch for at least a week...

or make alterations to the stock to make it lighter...

Is option 3 an option? I have done some stock work before but nothing this involved, but I don't know what the body and fill of McMillan fiberglass stocks are...is it solid? Can I shape and or sand it without effecting structural integrity? (Within reason of course)

I like the adjustable cheek rest, butt pad and length of pull, I even like the anschutz rail, I just don't like the weight and bulk especially along the forend.

So sell the stock...get a couple hundred maybe...buy one that has similar features and bed it...be out roughly 600 on the trade...(that's still couch time for me)

Anyone tried this before? Anyone think I'm crazy for thinking such a thing and should give it up?

Any help would be tremendous! Thanks

 

[Sav .250]

I`d go for a composite stock . Some really nice ones available.

Go.....google with your question. Should get a lot of suggested sites.


As for the couch thing. Man up! Go for the guest room.

 

[hq]

Anyone tried this before? Anyone think I'm crazy for thinking such a thing and should give it up?

I'd go along the lines suggested by Sav.250: get another stock. I have multiple stocks for some of my rifles; composite for bad weather hunting, dedicated target stock for range, fancy walnut for Africa. It's an easy and (relatively) cheap way to have versatility without buying more rifles.

 

[jmr40]

Guys, he already has a McMillan synthetic stock on the rifle, he is looking to cut weight. Not all synthetics are light, in fact most are heavier than wood.

There is nothing you can do to lighten the stock you have without ruining it. The way they are made limits this. Your best bet is to sell it if you want something lighter. I'm betting you could get $400-$500 for it. There is currently a 4-6 month wait for a custom McMillan and you'll likely find someone willing to pay a premium for one they can get "right now".

I'm not sure exactly how much one of the tactial stocks weigh, but at least 36 oz is my guess. The standard fill fiberglass McMillans weigh roughly 30-32 oz depending on style. They offer their Edge stock made from Kevlar which runs 20-24 oz depending on style. I have 3 Edge stocks on Winchesters and really like the stock.

Does your current rifle have a standard contour of a heavy barrel? If it is the standard barrel these guys have 2 in stock, one in black and one in olive.

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-645/McMillan-Hunter's-Edge-Carbon/Detail

 

[Orionsblade]

Its a heavy barrel (which I like but suffer with weight and can't exactly shave weight there)

Granted I'm not looking for an ultra light, but something not 1.5 metric tonnes.

I have seen stockystocks...and likelybwill buy from them. They have a new lightweight a5 model? ( I think that's the model name ) anyways vertical grip and nice profile that they say weighs less than 3lbs...if I'm going to buy that's prob what I'd spend a month on the couch for...

Besides equipment trades on places like this, where would be a good place to sell? Ebay worth it? If I could get anything north of 350 I'd be happy...again great stock just too heavy

 

[Orionsblade]

Sorry, McMillan game scout

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-731/NEW!-McMillan-Game-Scout/Detail

 

[jmr40]

I've bought and sold stocks from the classified sections on various gun forums. I've never used the one here, but have had good luck on other forums. Two of the 3 McMillans I own were purchased used from the classifieds on another forum I hang out in. I've also sold several stocks there as well as other un used gear.

Weight is a relative thing. You're not going to get a truly lightweight rifle with what you have. The stock in your link is 2.2 lbs. How much does your current stock weigh? Don't guess, take it off and actually weigh it if you haven't. You might find you're not really saving that much weight. Might just want to keep it as is and buy a 2nd rifle set up much lighter.

I'm primarily a hunter, not a target shooter and all of my rifles are much lighter. Most of my guns come in between 7.25 lbs to 7.5 lbs including optics and mounts. My Kimber is under 6 lbs ready to hunt.

 

[Orionsblade]

You're right I need to check for sure. I can't imagine it weighing in less than 4 lbs though, its big...and the rifle all together is heavy.

6 lbs is a bit light for my use, I hunt hogs and deer, but both can be done without a lot of stalking involved... I target shoot a lot. 6 lbs would make the recoil a good deal higher (though its still just a 308 and not something like a 7mm mag) so the heavy barrel will help soak up any shooter fatigue for extended range time.

Thanks so much for your advice cap'n. Much appreciated

 

[ford8nr]

eBay is a good venue for selling a stock. I've sold and bought several on it. You can list it and set a reserve price to make sure you get your minimum price. I tried selling a Custom thumbhole Win 52 stock on several forums. Second listing on eBay got me $50 above my reserve.

 

[txblackout]

I would buy your stock if you decide to sell

just drop me a pm

 

[txblackout]

Just wanted to close the loop on this. I bought the stock from orionsblade. He is a standup guy

I received it the next day, wrapped in a baby towel! Yes my gun is like my baby too..

He sent the ADL parts plus threw in an extra trigger assembly and an extra $10 bill because the trigger guard he told me I would need to buy was more expensive than he thought.

If you ever need to do business with him, you shouldnt hesitate.

Also in case people are wondering the stock is 6.4lbs, pretty much like a baseball bat only heavier and stronger.