rifle stock dimensions for custom build help!!

stvnbrg

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Hey there cgn'ers. So I have seen several guys posting pictures of custom rifle stock that they have made from scratch. I am planning on attempting a build of my own! So my question is, where do you find the full dimension schematic? I want to model mine after something similar to a McMillan tactical, is there a place I can find the measurements? Apparently it's not as easy to find online as I thought! Any help would be much appreciated!
 
Hey there cgn'ers. So I have seen several guys posting pictures of custom rifle stock that they have made from scratch. I am planning on attempting a build of my own! So my question is, where do you find the full dimension schematic? I want to model mine after something similar to a McMillan tactical, is there a place I can find the measurements? Apparently it's not as easy to find online as I thought! Any help would be much appreciated!

You won't find that info anywhere. Your best bet is to find a perpendicular shot of the stock you plan an making and scaling it to the right size. Print it off and cut your blank to that general shape. After that it's all handwork and finessing it until you get it right. I recommend laminating together some cedar fence boards and carving your first stock from that. It's easy to work with and your only out a couple bucks if (and more than likely when) you mess it up. I wouldn't go carving up a piece of hardwood until you understand how to carve and shape the wood.
 
Blastattack is probably right. I believe that McMillan has their stock shape trademarked, so you won't find dimensions anywhere. If you can find a pal with a stock you like, you could convince him to let you trace it out... if you've got a steady hand.

The new Savage TRR series has a stock shaped very similarly to the McM A5, but without the angled flat on the tang. Might have a better shot finding one of those.
 
Blastattack is probably right. I believe that McMillan has their stock shape trademarked, so you won't find dimensions anywhere. If you can find a pal with a stock you like, you could convince him to let you trace it out... if you've got a steady hand.

The new Savage TRR series has a stock shaped very similarly to the McM A5, but without the angled flat on the tang. Might have a better shot finding one of those.

Another thing worth noting: rifle stocks are generally organic shapes. Somewhere I have full blueprints for the 1903 Springfield stock, and the number and complexity of the dimensions is utterly frightening. This is why most mass-produced stocks are copied from a master using a tracing machine. Stockmaking is far more an art that is is a science.
 
Me on making a stock per dimensions:

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In both stocks I've made, using points on the action as the basis points from which to measure; and a rough template from the original factory stocks I established rough dimensions. The finish adjustments are done trial and "avoid the irreversible error of taking too much off": Yes, I started with an intentionally larger dimension from which point I repeatedly hold the rifle in position and remove material to establish length of pull, length of trigger pull (grip to trigger), cheek rest, grip size etc. Other dimensions not dependant on shooter fit, are done in a way that will result in practicality and visual appeal (again to the owner). Yesterday I rasped and sanded some adjustments to my last stock to better align my eye with the telescope and improve ergonomics of the comb/grip area.

You might find some basis on which to develop your own stock by typing "rifle stock measurments" with Google search engine. Of course a generic stock can be made if you intend on fitting adjustable hardware on the rear stock. If you want to clone the McMillan stock, as was previously suggested you will have to meet someone who has one or find a picture with a reference point within on which to scale up your own template and to fit your action. Without this, it will literally be from scratch so you will have to do what most of us probably do: Sketch the action measurements on the blank, and considering the dimensions of the factory stock, where does it need to be adjusted to be more comfortable for you and make those changes in the sketch.
 
I carved my first stock from a chunk of west coast Broadleaf maple.

101-0156_IMG.jpg


It turned out ok but I did a bunch of research and reading beforehand.

Books included:
Gunsmithing Tips and Projects-Wolfe Publishing
Hobby Gunssmithing- Ralph T Walker
The NRA Gunsmithing Guide - NRA
Do-It-Yourself Gunsmithing - Jim Carmichel - Outdoor Life
Modern Gunsmithing - Clyde Baker. From the 1930's. Lots of info using basic tools.
The Gun Digest Book of Rifle Smithing - Jack Mitchell. One of the best sources of measurements.

The best buy I made was a custom stock template from Brownells. These full-sized drawing are produced by Jerry Fisher and are available for Mauser 98's and Winchester Model 70's.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...on-tools/custom-stock-template-prod32297.aspx
 
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In both stocks I've made, using points on the action as the basis points from which to measure; and a rough template from the original factory stocks I established rough dimensions. The finish adjustments are done trial and "avoid the irreversible error of taking too much off": Yes, I started with an intentionally larger dimension from which point I repeatedly hold the rifle in position and remove material to establish length of pull, length of trigger pull (grip to trigger), cheek rest, grip size etc. Other dimensions not dependant on shooter fit, are done in a way that will result in practicality and visual appeal (again to the owner). Yesterday I rasped and sanded some adjustments to my last stock to better align my eye with the telescope and improve ergonomics of the comb/grip area.

You might find some basis on which to develop your own stock by typing "rifle stock measurments" with Google search engine. Of course a generic stock can be made if you intend on fitting adjustable hardware on the rear stock. If you want to clone the McMillan stock, as was previously suggested you will have to meet someone who has one or find a picture with a reference point within on which to scale up your own template and to fit your action. Without this, it will literally be from scratch so you will have to do what most of us probably do: Sketch the action measurements on the blank, and considering the dimensions of the factory stock, where does it need to be adjusted to be more comfortable for you and make those changes in the sketch.

That's sound advice New Camper.
 
I saw this thread this am but decided not to post and work instead. Stocks are simple handles and no one has a copyright on that. A shooter only touches a stock in four places so only those four matter. If you have a stock you like then measure those four key dimensions and fill in everything else as you wish. So you need lop or adjustable, where the centre of the bore is, etc. It is not rocket science. On a stock, because of the curves, there are few reference surfaces. They are the top of the stock which is usually flat somewhere and the angles of the butt. I have made a few custom, so to speak, not that hard. Remember there is a reason most stocks look the way they do, because it works, don't try to reinvent the wheel, at least to start. The wheel has been around for a long time!
 
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