M14 First Impressions and shoot - update post 92 - Finally Finished!

That is a fine looking M14.. the Burris optic really suits it well.

did you go with medium or high rings to clear the rear sights?

Ah good point I forgot to hit on. I ended up going with the medium rings on a guess essentially. I still wanted to keep the iron sights on the rifle as they are bang on at 100m. The solid rings prevent me from using them but I want them on the rifle should I choose to take the scope off in the event of a failure. The low rings would definitely not allow the use of the iron sights with the Burris scope.
 
I have both Shooter's Ridge and Caldwell Harris clones. The longer Caldwell seemed a little floppy under my Win Mag. The Shooter's Ridge seemed a wee bit better but it's subjective, might just be I paid more for the Shooter's Ridge. It's been a while since I had a Harris but I think the next one I get will be the real thing.
 
I went with a couple Harris 9-13 in swivel base ,notched leg version with a locking lever
I really like them and find them perfect for shooting in the prone position .
I think the 6-9 in leg versions are more for bench rest shooting .
The bipod locking lever makes it easier to lock up the swivel base.
I paid around $110 each or so I believe.The bipod locking levers were about $20 .

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Here is a good video explaining why I think the notched leg version is better.
[youtube]Pe4iZHIx3So[/youtube]
 
I have both Shooter's Ridge and Caldwell Harris clones. The longer Caldwell seemed a little floppy under my Win Mag. The Shooter's Ridge seemed a wee bit better but it's subjective, might just be I paid more for the Shooter's Ridge. It's been a while since I had a Harris but I think the next one I get will be the real thing.

I just picked up my Shooters Ridge 9-13 today and my adapter mount and I have to say so far I am very impressed. Its nothing fancy but for the style of shooting I will be doing this will more then suffice. I also filled the F/A cutout and completely refinished the stock... Looks like a whole new rifle now, I will have some pictures up this weekend.

:cheers:
 
Well I finally had my Shooters Ridge bipod and adapter come this past week. I also took notice this weekend of how much the selecter cutout in the stock bugs me :p I had some spare time Friday so I did a bit of tinkering...

I stripped the entire stock with furniture stripper to take off the old varnish finish which was in need of work. I sanded down the stock lightly with 220 grit stuff then polished it up a bit with 600 grit. I then proceeded to fill the selector cut out with a type of wood filler expoxy I picked up at Home depot. It seems to be very strong and hold well - time will tell. Its far from perfect but seeing how its all cosmetic I am not concerned. I then coated the inside of the stock in BLO (it was very dry) and stained the exterior using a dark stain called (surprisingly enough!) "Dark Walnut". After two coats of stain I used a clear gel like clear coat made by Varathane in two coats. This gave it a nice, satin clear coat which took away all "stick" from the stock and provides a layer of protection (so it says!).

All in all I am very happy with the way it turned out, especially since this is my first ever wood work (minus slapping on BLO). The rifle is still very tight and the bi pod is rock solid.

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The nice grain in the wood really came out with the stain and clear coat. The circle P and American Eagle stamp are still visible as well. I didnt lose any cartouches.

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Im now done with putting money into it - just ammo from here on out... :p
 
Thanks Red! It sure looks nice, hopefully I didnt bugger up the harmonics/bedding with my backyard job. Ah well... Sunday will tell!
 
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