Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

[JB02]

I suppose I could call Manners and ask them their view of the benefits of paying an extra $55 for a 90% carbon fiber shell, but I figured I'd probably get better responses from my fellow SH forum readers because several of you have likely purchased and fielded them; I value your independent feedback much more.

The stocks are already "composite" to begin with, so I presume that going to a 90% carbon fiber shell might shave ~ 1/2 lb off the weight. Does it make the stock stronger as well? What about brittleness? Are there any downsides to the 90% carbon fiber besides the weight?

Thanks!

(The stock I was thinking about eventually getting is the MCS T3, and fitting to a Surgeon XL w/ DBM and a fluted heavy (bull) sporter 26" barrel.)

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

I ordered mine about 3 weeks ago. I asked the same question to Manners. I was told on the T4a that I ordered that the weight would go from 4.2lbs (what it says on the website) to 3.9lbs. I figured whynot and went with it.

 

[pd721el]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

I purchased a 90% carbon shell stock at the begining of the month. It was in stock made that way so I had to ask about it.
The lady on the phone at Manners told me it was for weight reduction. I think it was about a third of a pound on the T3 I bought. I have owned 3 other Manners stocks and this one feels the same as the others.
If the weight isn't an issue Id save the $55, if it is go for it. I was looking to put my gun on a diet from the sniper fill HTG adj it was wearing. Saved me about a pound.

 

[AKAce]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

If your gonna carry the gun any distance, YES ! I have plenty of both and the 90% makes a dif after a short while of walking.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

I went with 90% fill on my T5 cause I knew I would be carrying it a lot. I don't think strength os the stock is affected but might want to ask Tom about that.

 

[JB02]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

Manners stated that the 90% carbon has no downsides except increased cost. I was pretty sure that they would say that. Just wondering if someone was unhappy with one for whatever reason. I'm tempted to speculate that if 90% carbon fiber was so great, that would be standard on all their stocks and they would mark them up accordingly. I know lots of people on this forum have fielded their rifles in some rather rugged conditions and am curious if they have noticed an faults with this design.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

Not Manners, but with the McMillan Edge's the drawback is they can't be modified- or at least, when I spoke with a McMillan Rep they did not recommend stock removal. So, a person cannot upgrade to a fatter barrel or add a rail. What you buy is what you are stuck with. This may be why traditional fiberglass stocks are still very popular.

As for durability, I was told the carbon fiber stocks were stronger.

 

["HeysKSFirefighter]

Re: Manners 90% carbon fiber shell - worth it?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LT JGB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm tempted to speculate that if 90% carbon fiber was so great, that would be standard on all their stocks and they would mark them up accordingly.</div></div>

I appreciate the fact that Tom gives his customers who desire a lighter weight stock the option to get it, vs. forcing it on everyone (including those who don't want or need it) at a higher total price point.