Gunsmithing I got it, now what do I do with it?

[crackerbacks]

Ok, I am trying to extend my LOP on my 17HMR. I just got a stock spacer from midway but now I have no idea how to shape it and polish it. Should I use sand paper, a dremel? I would love to hear from someone who has used these.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=243166

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: I got it, now what do I do with it?

Remove existing butt pad.

Line up the pad on top of the spacer, so the holes are in alignment.

Trace the butt pad outline onto the spacer.

Cut away the material outside the outline, leaving a small margin.

Using a belt sander or a rigid sanding block, sand the rest of the margin away, taking care to keep the outside surface as close as possible to square with the spacer's front and rear surface. The slower you go with this sanding process, the better the work will end up.

Mount the butt pad and spacer onto the stock, making a final alignment just before you tighten the screws all the way.

Is this clear enough?

Greg

 

[LRI]

Re: I got it, now what do I do with it?

If you find yourself having to sand the recoil pad at all, try squirtin some straight lemon juice onto it as you block sand. Dunno why, but it really makes a difference when shaping a pad.

Good luck. This (IMHO) is one of the most challenging parts to making a good gun great. I loath grinding pads/spacers. The hardest part is even stock removal. the pad is softer than the backer which would lead you think it'd cut faster. It doesn't. The rubber displaces and you end up with a case of muffin top disorder around the pad. Be very diligent about managing the pressure you use and how you use it. I wrap two layers of green masking tape on the stock and grind till I get through the first one. Keep your work in constant motion, don't loiter in one spot too long otherwise you'll have a low spot and your effed at that point.

Greg's advise is spot on.

 

[lw8]

Re: I got it, now what do I do with it?

I haven't tried it but Limbsaver advises to freeze their pads before sanding.

 

[crackerbacks]

Re: I got it, now what do I do with it?

Thanks guy! I will give it a try, the good thing is they are only 10 bucks when I screw the first one up.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: I got it, now what do I do with it?

If you screw up the first one, there's a DIY replacement.

I use Foamies neoprene foam craft sheets. The come in many colors, thicknesses of 2mm, 3mm and 5-6mm, and some kinds have peel-off adhesive. They can be stacked, frozen, and sanded, and the initial "ballpark" cut can be done with a scissors. A simple 'X' knife cut at the screw location deals with screw holes.

Greg