Re: Need input on Choate Stock - Handle Compartment
Well I went into it blind and figured I would share my experience for anyone else looking to do the same task.
First the obvious, remove the coverplate set aside for reuse.
Next I did a dryrun with the lead I had to make sure I had ample enough lead on hand. I planned on filling the whole compartment in its entirety.
Originally I had a assortment of sizes in my lead pieces. I soon realized smaller pieces would work better for getting a more uniform distribution and easy of epoxy. I used broken pieces of lead wheel weights I had on hand from my .45 lead reload casting surplus. I proceeded with what I had by using a pair of pliers to break the pieces into smaller sizes but I think smaller fishing lures would probably have been a much better solution in hinesight.
As for Epoxy I had purchased some "plastic repair epoxy" from Ace Hardware (thier brand - purple label) - grab 2 of these!! Thankfully for me I have one REAL close to the house and with a 20 minute set time I was cutting it close, if you know what I mean.
As for the last of the prep work, I masked off the surrounding areas as well as the screw holes from the coverplate with some painters tape I had in my garage. Lastly I ran the dremel with a sander bit and a rough wood file in the compartment to scuff it up abit to get a good adhesion for the epoxy. Blew out the loose particles and was ready to start...
Oh I almost forgot I used a wood chopstick I had on hand, but a wood dowl, pencil you don't mind throwing away etc will work.
Install:
I dropped some lead in the compartment, squeezed some epoxy generously down in there and used the chopstick to stir it abit. Next I did another round of lead and repeated the above. Lift after lift until nearly full. Try to save some room from filling it to much (hint bottom of plate rest on the top of the screw mounts) To finish it off I applied another final liberal amount of epoxy on the last part moreso than lead. I mixed the last pass of epoxy and smoothed it out. Then I removed the tape from the screw holes, slapped the lid on and anchored the screws. I don't think I will be able to get it back off If I had to... Last I unmasked it the rest and flipped the gun right side up to make sure I didn't have any potential oozing back toward the action (probably should have removed it from the stock to be on the safe side).
Anyway that was it, and as I type its curing. I will say that I have already noticed that it did make a big positive difference in the balance of my gun
- can't wait to put it into action.
Wish I taken photos now
Anyway just looking for a little insight from anyone who has possibly done this. And any photos, tips, advice etc...
