Adjusting stock on Win mdl 1200

[Grouse Man]

After embarassing myself recently by missing every single goose which should have fallen dead in the air, I've finally decided that I have to do something about my Win model 1200 pump not fitting correctly. Whenever I throw the gun up, I see the top of the barrel rib and receiver. So, I shoot over my targets.

I've loosened the through-bolt attaching the butt to the receiver, and I've determined what adjustment needs to be made at that joint (the thickness of a popsicle stick is added to the top). What I'm wondering about is what is the best way effect this adjustment. Shave the head of the buttstock to fit? (Remember, it has a bird's mouth joint, not just a simple flatt butt). Or add some shimming material? Epoxy?

Thanks for any tips.

Grouse Man

 

[stocker]

Grouseman. If you change the angles on the birds mouth you may also have to adjust the angle of the through bolt hole or the tang extension if it has one. Haven't worked on one of those so I'm thinking it may be similar to a Model 12 but that may be in error.

Probably simpler to get a rasp and/or plane, sanding block etc. and lower the comb line along with narrowing the comb if required. You will have to refinish after doing this.

 

[Grouse Man]

No, the through-bolt tightened up fine without any apparent binding after I put in the popsicle stick shim. I had worried about that, too, until I actually tried it.

I had at first considered working down the comb, but this seems to be a more elegant solution. I can either try to make a shim to fit the bird's mouth, or trim the head of the buttstock to the new angles. The biggest concern is to get full contact with the recut head to eliminate rocking or cracking.

I'm up for a challenge.

Grouse Man

 

[G37]

I would think you could trace the "bird mouth" shape onto some paper, then use that template on the stock... but in the new position. Scar the stock with something pointy/sharp and use a power sander.

At least that is how I'd attack that project. Sounds interesting, hope it all works out (a popsicle stick would bug me).

heheh... ~Cheers

 

[stocker]

Grouseman: O.K. , get some marking compound (Prussian blue or inletting black) and lightly coat the metal around the seating area. With sharp chisels, files and scrapers start removing wood until you have the angles you want and get good transfer of the marking compound to all of the critical wood surface.

You can also use glass bedding material very thinly applied to get a perfect fit. Paste wax on the metal will work fine as a release agent.The glass has the added benefit of acting as a sealer on the end grain of the stock and prevents gun oil from being absorbed into the wood. If your fit is close enough to begin with the glass will not be noticeable.

Take some careful measurements of the comb drop at heel and nose before you start. Take the measurements both from the original fitting and also with your shim installed if you think that is correct for you. Just set the gun upside down on a long flat surface with the receiver/barrel/ribtight to the flat surface and take your measurements. This will give you reference to work to.

It's a bit fiddly but not all that difficult to do this job. You could also build in some cast off if you are so inclined and find it helps fit.

 

[stocker]

Grouseman: O.K. , get some marking compound (Prussian blue or inletting black) and lightly coat the metal around the seating area. With sharp chisels, files and scrapers start removing wood until you have the angles you want and get good transfer of the marking compound to all of the critical wood surface.

You can also use glass bedding material very thinly applied to get a perfect fit. Paste wax on the metal will work fine as a release agent.The glass has the added benefit of acting as a sealer on the end grain of the stock and prevents gun oil from being absorbed into the wood. If your fit is close enough to begin with the glass will not be noticeable.

Take some careful measurements of the comb drop at heel and nose before you start. Take the measurements both from the original fitting and also with your shim installed if you think that is correct for you. Just set the gun upside down on a long flat surface with the receiver/barrel/ribtight to the flat surface and take your measurements. This will give you reference to work to.

It's a bit fiddly but not all that difficult to do this job. You could also build in some cast off if you are so inclined and find it helps fit.