Gunsmithing Barrel to Stock Opening Relationship

[D Baker]

Is there a concrete rule on which barrel dimension can be used for a given barrel channel opening? For example: could you use a #6 contour in a stock opened for a #7 or even a #8? If possible would it be adviseable to do so? I ask this, as I have picked up a few stocks over the years planning to do heavier barrel builds. My needs/opinions have changed and light to medium builds are more in order. Can/should I use smaller barrel contours or should I buy the appropriate stock for a chosen barrel contour? Thank you for your comments.

 

[gamma]

Re: Barrel to Stock Opening Relationship

It really would'nt matter as long as the barrel is comfortable inside the channel and not touching the stock. It may look a little cosmetically wrong if you've got a skinny little profile inside a stock with a fairly large inlet, other than that there wouldnt be a problem.

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Barrel to Stock Opening Relationship

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mikki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It really would'nt matter as long as the barrel is comfortable inside the channel and not touching the stock. It may look a little cosmetically wrong if you've got a skinny little profile inside a stock with a fairly large inlet, other than that there wouldnt be a problem. </div></div> +1 If it looks ok, no problems to use an oversize stock.