Tips on Lightening a Laminated Stock

[bkduckworth]

Hello All,

This is my first post on the forum after about a few months of reading posts and wearing out the search feature.

I have a Ruger M77 Mk-II Sporter with the laminated stock in 30-06. Right now with a 3x9x40 Swift scope, slip on limbsaver recoil pad, and a sling, my rifle weighs just under 9 lbs unloaded.

First off I'm not interesed in turning it into a superlight mountain rifle, I know thats unrealistic and I like a rifle with a little heft anyway. I'd just like to remove a little weight in unnesseccary places if possible, but I don't want to sacrafice durability.

I'm swapping out the Swift for a 2x7 Leopold with Leopold low rings, so that will save a few ounces.

I've seen (pictures) of Patrick Smiths Rambling rifle concept and while I think the idea has merit, but I'm not interested in modifying my stock to that extent. I also can't shorten the stock, I've added the slip on pad to increase the length of pull already.

I was thinking I could remove wood from under the recoil pad and from the barrel channel. Has anyone else tried that? I read an article in about a Boyds rifle stock that had the "light weight" option installed (removal of wood from under the recoil pad and from the barrel channel), but it didn't mention the amount of wood removed. If anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate them.

Thanks,

Brandon

 

[Jackal]

I know this doesnt answer your question, but I would think that it would be easier and less time consuming to purchase a composite stock.

 

[Ash]

Drill two or three deep holes under the butt pad into the stock. Leave significant wood between the holes to guarantee strength. Doing the forend is tougher and I certainly have no advice there. You could take some wood out of the pistol grip if you have a grip cap that uses two screws instead of one center screw.

Of course, the best thing to do is get a synthetic stock.

Ash

 

[bkduckworth]

Thanks for the info guys. A composite stock isn't an option, I just like the looks of the laminate too much.

Ash, I was thinking along the same lines for the stock, but I hadn't thought about taking wood out of the grip area, good idea!

Brandon

 

[GooseGestapo]

I have a Remington M7 with the laminated stock.

It had a definite "butt heavy" feel initially.

I removed the recoil pad. I then carefully aligned a 1" wood boring bit and a cordless drill (lower speed and more control).

I drilled two holes separated by approx. 1/2" and ran them almost to the grip section where they converged and intersected and connected. This rifle is so trim and the grip so thin, I elected not to drill out the grip section.

I then took a 1/2" boring bit and drilled approx 3/4" deep holes in the forend and filled them with a leadshot/JBweld mix to make the forend slightly heavier. This vastly improved the balance of the rifle with out further lightening an already LIGHT rifle. In 7mm08 with max loads, recoil can be a tad annoying off the bench for extended sight in and load testing sessions. (I had already free-floated and glass bedded the action and first 3" of barrel.)

For shooting in the field, the shift forward in balance significantly improved the stediness and accuracy of off-hand shots.

Take your time and be careful, and you should be pleased with the results. I have several rifles with laminated stocks and I prefer them for their rigidity and stability over the synthetic stocks. Plus they have the soft look and warm feel of real wood.

 

[dfariswheel]

In addition to drilling holes in the butt, you can set up a router and rout a slot down the length of the fore arm's barrel channel.