Gunsmithing 40X, new stock, and kids... help?

[HomeSlice]

I've got one of the CMP 40X's on the way that I'd like to make into a target rifle for the kids (8 & 10). Although I ordered the one w/ the "youth" stock, I'm assuming it will still be too big. I realize the rifle will probably weigh as much as the kids, but they'll be shooting off of a bench w/ bags using irons...

Currently I'm thinking of replacing the supplied stock with a laminate that I can cut down to size and finish for them, leaving something 1/2 way decent looking. So, a few questions:

<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]What to look for in a stock? I've tried searching on "youth stocks for 40X target rifles" and come up empty handed... [*]Will a 700 SA stock work? [*]How do I measure the kids for LOP to get close? [*]What else should I measure them for? [*]Who are some of the vendors/sources you've used for laminated stocks before? Links please? [*]What kind of inletting/fitting should I plan on doing, and what tools will be required? [*]Will I need to bed the action in order for it to shoot well?[/list]
I'm not worried about being stuck with a rifle in a stock that's too short in a few years as they grow up -- there's more young-in's behind them. I'm hoping this isn't a hugely expensive endeavor, else I'll just hack down the delivered stock to "make it fit". If this is a crazy idea, please let me know why you think that...

Thanks in advance,
-Slice

 

[deadly0311]

Re: 40X, new stock, and kids... help?

not sure on all your questions, but for the LOP have your kids hold their arm up and make a 90 degree angle and measure from the tip of the trigger finger to the crease of their elbow, then take the average of the 2 and make it @ that length. I believe that the 40x will fit in a 700 SA stock as well

 

[bohem]

Re: 40X, new stock, and kids... help?

I have a Rem 521T with a very nice youth stock and Lyman peep sights. I'll trade you straight up for the 40X when it comes in

I would try to find yourself a take-off 40X and cut down the lesser quality of the two. Especially if you can locate a nice full size stock that hasn't been screwed up or abused. This way when the young'uns are all growed up you have a rifle that still properly fits.

Pass the hacked up stock along on the "Pay it forward" idea to someone else with little guys.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: 40X, new stock, and kids... help?

Save the wooden stock for them, in a few years when they hit a growing spurt.

Get the cheapest synthetic stock you can find to cut down for them. Caution. Before you start cutting on the buttstock, check around for NON-EXPANDING filler foam. On the few I've had to cut more than an inch, I've had to fill in hollow spots. Get the stuff like Great-stuff BUT IT DOESN'T EXPAND. Great stuff will either pop a section of stock out or give it severe cracks. (Don't ask how I know this.) The industrial supplier where I used to order HILTI concrete drills and saws carried a type that doesn't expand made by HILTI. It's used to seal penetrations in fire walls.

Good luck with your work. I hope the kids enjoy it.