Stock tryout...

[bh-ltr]

Ok so I'm considering a new rifle build here at some point in time... I'm probably going to have GAP build it (but have also been considering an AI) but now I need to figure out which one to get...

The main concern I have has to do with the stock... Is there a place that I'm just not familiar with (aside from going to SHOT or something) where I might get to be able to check out the stocks... Mostly I'm interested in getting to see the AICS, Manners, and McMillan offerings...

I'm thinking I mostly want something with and adjustible comb because I find having to stack huge wads of foam under my stock pack to get the height right on my 5-25x56... I could perhaps be talked out of the adj comb if there were a good reason...

The stocks I've condsidered are:
Manners T4-A Hospitaller
Manners T2-A Gladius
McMillan A3-5 FBI HRT
McMillan A5
AICS 1.5 or AE
AICS 2.0
AICS AX

Also... I've not weighed mine but based on a google search my current H&S LTR stock is 2.1 pounds. I don't have my rifle with me at the moment as its out at the smiths being threaded. But anyway I think its on the order of about 13-14 pounds. To me its fairly heavy and I feel that its weight lends it to stability. I could see benefiting from a bit lighter as well as a bit heavier. I think same or lighter would be my main preference but it may not be possible with the options I'm considering. Anyone who has thoughts (or further questions to help me answer this myself) I'd be appreciative. In doing some more research I'm finding that the adjustability does add quite a bit of weight. Perhaps my stock pack and foam pieces are a better way to go.

Any thoughts and/or comments are much welcomed.

Thanks.

Edited to add comments/questions about weight.

 

[KelsonAK]

Re: Stock tryout...

On the Manners/McMillan you can have one shipped to you for a feel up for the cost of shipping if they have one in stock. Give them a call.

 

[bh-ltr]

Re: Stock tryout...

Hrm. Good idea... I could see that starting to get expensive after looking at a few stocks but I'm sure that once I had one in my hands I'd just call it good... I'm scheduled to go to a few classes in the next year. I'm hoping I get lucky and run into a few of these guys at these classes.

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Stock tryout...

Have you given any thoughts to the McRee. There is no worry about fitting the stock, its just a matter of a couple of bolts for most adjustments. Its the same for installing your barreled receiver 2 screws and its done. Using the stock bag gives you a comfortable cheek weld, along with place to store allen wrenches needed to make any adjustments to the stock. I also carry a small Right in the Rain pad to keep track of important info.

 

[sawman556]

Re: Stock tryout...

IMO, MCS has taken the top dawg spot from McM. I've always loved the A5 but the T5A and T4A w/mini-chassis are now my favorites. However, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the ones you have listed.

 

[Zebra644]

Re: Stock tryout...

If I may put in my .02 for the route I went.
I have owned a McMillian A-5 and currently own a AICS 1.5 with the Viper Skins / Gripy Cheek Piece. I have a 14 1/2" LOP so getting comfortable behind a scoped rifle requires a bit more for me. I went the McMillian route first with my first build. I had a stock Remmy .308 heavy barrel. McMillian was great to work with. Diane Spicer I believe her name was, is married to the former Britsh Sniper, Mark Spicer. Anyway I did not own bottom metal / DBM and ordered the stock with the adjustible length of pull and the adjustible cheek piece.
The stock was heavy and to me, awkward. I would have had to have the stock worked on to have added bottom metal / DBM and bedded. That would have required me to have sent it back to McMillian or paid a smith. Also on cold snowy days out shooting, that fiberglass gets COLD. I could not help but cringe when I would ding the stock especially since I paid for it and it was a work gun. I also did not like not being able to grip the stock with my hand fully enclosed i.e. pistol grip. I understand that is not an issue to some, but it was to me. So my lesson learned was if your gonna go McMillian make sure you allready have the bottom metal / DBM and send your rifle down and have it bedded by them then when you order, and yes more money. My best friend ( who is currently deployed AGAIN on #4 ) wanted the set up, so I sold it to him. I bought an older Police Remy 700 / Walker trigger / LTR Bull 20" barrel / Remmy DBM. I looked at Manners and they were great to talk with and answered all of my questions. But then again I would have to invest in bottom metal / DBM ect. and have it bedded. Just like the route of the McMillan. Also it would have cost me more for the lop I needed. I gave Mile High a call and purchased my 1.0 AICS. I allready had a guy lined up locally that wanted a AICS also. So if I did not like the stock I could sell it to him. So to me, it made better sence to buy the chasis, becasue you can tork it down becasue its alumnim , and not have to worry about the cost or time of having it bedded. The stock sides are modular and cheap to replace if you totally fubar them or if you want a spare set to cammo up. Also it has an adjustible cheek piece. Victor Company makes the spacers for them so you wont have a huge gap between the cheek piece / rest and the stock. Michael also has his Viper Skins. The AI stock also came with the badly needed spacer system for my lop and a DBM without having to fork out the extra cash. The grip was better but due to the size of my hand, I opted for the Viper Skins. I guess now AI also makes thier version of them as well (no debates please). Also the stock AI skins had gaps in the seam. You figure you pay decent money for a stock it would not have little issues like that even though its only cosmetic. So after Mr. Victor got his new skins up and running and few other Hiders like Lone Wolf ( Mail Call Mondays) and others did reviews on them,and answered my p.m. as well as Michael Victor himself. I bought the Viperskins and could not have been happier and the grippy cheek piece is a must. As a matter of fact I ordered my grippy one from Michael and the mail lost it. I called them up gave them the info with the tracking number and claim number ect. and they sent me another one without billing me again no questions asked. The AICS is better balanced and is easier to to shoot non supported with. I have a shooter friend recoil pad on it and when shooting I can barely feel the recoil. The route I went worked for what I needed and wanted in a bolt gun. The great thing about it is all of the stocks you mentioned are good and depending on what you want / need any of them will work. I have bought allmost all of my parts, gear , ect. from Hide vendors and am confident that any will help you make the best selection.

 

[bh-ltr]

Re: Stock tryout...

Hrm... Wasn't familiar with the Viper Skins... Very slick! Just what I needed... Another option!

Really like the look of that option. Its like AX without the tubular front end that I'm not a fan of...