Gunsmithing Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

[lonely_wolf]

I have a Rem Varmint Edge stock on the way. I'm not very keen on the handle or forearm checkering, but the price to have it removed at the factory was a little more than I was willing to pay for the luxury.

I'm now thinking of asking to have the stock shipped without paint and then filling in the checkering on my own followed by some light sanding to make the stock smooth.

- Any recommendations on what I should use to fill in the
checkering?

- I have easy access to KG GunKote. How will its durability compare to the stuff McMillan uses?


I'm also open to hearing any other ways to remove the checkering.

 

[jonwatts]

Re: Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

First the checkering will need to be roughed up so it will have some tooth. Mix up some epoxy then start mixing in baking soda till you achieve a consistency similar to toothpaste and use it as you would body putty. It won't level very well, so build it up above the surface and after it's cured block sand it to blend. If you get some pin holes you can fill those fast and easy with super glue and baking soda. I wouldn't reccomend body putty, as it doesn't adhere to an epoxy surface very well. Should be a purdy easy job. Have fun! By the way, any epoxy you would find at the hardware store is fine, heck even J-B Weld would be alright, then you wouldn't even have to mix in a filler for thickening.

Jon

 

[Boltfluter]

Re: Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

I have had good luck building up a stock with Marine Tex. Still good after 10 yrs.

Regards,
Paul

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

Thanks for the tips. Will the JB Weld or Marine Tex be difficult to sand? Can I get away with using sandpaper and patience?

Any idea on how the KG will hold up compared to McM's Paint?

 

[Boltfluter]

Re: Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonely_Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the tips. Will the JB Weld or Marine Tex be difficult to sand? Can I get away with using sandpaper and patience?

Any idea on how the KG will hold up compared to McM's Paint? </div></div>

Sandpaper is what I used and it worked just fine. Sorry, can't comment on the paint other than McMillan uses Polane T and it's pretty tuff stuff. Have fun.

Regards,
Paul

 

[BigtimeAub]

Re: Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

I doubt you would want to go this route but if you really wanted the best stuff to use, I would recommend Hysol EA 9309NA and/or 9359.3. These are both aerospace grade bonds and will outlast the rifle. Very easily sandable and paintable but will withstand the elements better than any JB weld type bond. Again, I'm sure you wouldn't go that route but just offering an out of the box suggestion.

Another thought, have you thought about using a pneumatic die grinder with a red scotch-brite pad? I'm not sure how thick the skin is on the McMillan stocks but if the checker pattern is completely molded into the skin, I would imagine that you could buff that out without fear of going all the way through the skin. But I guess that would just all depend on how brave you are and how confident you are in your own abilities.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Help modify (smooth out) a McMillan stock

Thanks for all the tips. Now we shall see if I still have the guts for this when the stock arrives!