Stock Advice on Long Action Mule

[fmillik]

I am setting up a rifle where the Action/Trigger/Optics stay the same, but everything else is switched around.
It’s on an ARC Nucleus Long Action (Rem 700 footprint), which can accept standard Savage short shank barrels.

I have a heavier chassis for shooting regularly (and soon a weight set to go with it), and what I would like to get is a light (like carbon-fiber), but very adjustable stock (adjustable LoP/Recoil-pad height as well as cheek riser), with a near vertical grip.

What would you suggest? Thanks for your help.

 

[hereinaz]

I've had McMillan Game Warden and AG composites with my Nukes. Carbon Fiber and light weight. Both come with adjustable cheek and vertical grip options. Because of the weight factor, they are less likely to come with adjustable length of pull. If it is a rifle just for you, I suggest figuring out the length of pull and getting it fixed for the weight savings.

 

[fmillik]

Thanks, I will look into that.

 

[Sig Marine]

One thing to be aware of with stocks is that some of the molds for short actions and long actions are the same, they just differ in inletting, unless you get a stock that has been specifically made for the long action. I say this because you could/may have issues with your cheek cheek riser interfering with the bolt throw of the longer bolts. This of course depends on you and how high you need to adjust your riser for proper use with your scope and rings. YMMV

 

[DJL2]

I'll place another vote for fixed LOP - I'm not a fan of fiddly bits for anything I'm not inclined to fiddle with. That goes double when weight is a concern. The cost of an adjustable cheek piece is something like .75-1 lb depending on who's. A lot easier and lighter to throw a pad on there if that meets your needs. Same story with LOP - you're generally adding weight and hardware...for what? There are folks out there, no doubt, that need to change their LOP with regularity or swap a rifle between people. Do you?

As an example, the KRG Bravo is advertised at something like 2.9 lbs. That is the ~same as a Manners EH1A.
https://mannersstocks.com/hunting-stocks - "The EH1A comes in around 2.7-2.9 lbs with a 1/2" pad."
https://kineticresearchgroup.com/product/bravo-chassis/#detailed - "Weight: 2.9 lbs w/o magazine."

That's just for perspective on what adjustability costs in terms of weight. The EH1 (and similar designs from AG, McM, etc.) goes around 26-28 ounces clean (versus ~45). If you like chassis ergos, another option to consider for weight savings and meeting your needs: https://mdttac.com/us_en/

 

[fmillik]

I think I’ll call Manners and explain my measurements and what I am looking for and see what they can do.

I have a heavy chassis for practice, but want a light stock for hunting. I shoot with buds a lot and let family use my rifles often for hunting, so it is helpful to at least have an adjustable check riser.

 

[fmillik]

My length of pull is on the longer side, which is great for bow hunting, but a pain when trying to get a standard stock to fit.

 

[Jabot]

Mpa made a lite chassis at one time, don't no if they still do .I got one I use for a hunting rig .adjustable lop and cheek height

 

[DJL2]

I spoke with a smith yesterday who’s LOP is 15 inches...he’s a custom stock guy, for sure. Probably not much sharing. Same deal with the guy at McM I worked with (Josh, I think). I reckon you need long arms to work in the industry ;-). On a more serious note, can your heavy chassis accommodate the bulk of your sharing needs? Are you open to spending a little more coin to get a couple options? Here are a couple COA:

1. Get a custom fit stock for you and a KRG Bravo to share - the Bravo is inexpensive, easy to work with, durable, and adjustable.
2. Get a Manners CS/CS2 and buy/mock up a pad for the cheek piece - should cover you on a wide LOP range, will be "heavy" (EH1A, Bravo-esque).
3. Get a MDT ACC and ALL THE CARBON.

Based on my personal experience, I'd rather dial in LOP and fudge on the cheek piece than the other way around - but, that's just me. When I contemplated this, but just for me, I ordered a Game Scout from McMillan. It'll be a little lower profile, a little lighter than the A3 and will accommodate my T-Rex arms.

Of course, I done messed it all up yesterday when I ordered a Bartelin 3B for it...to stimulate the economy, doing my patriotic duty and all that. We'll see how my weight budgeting works out. I figure it'll be around 2.5 lbs for the long action and bottom metal, slightly less than 2 lbs for the stock. I expect I'll end up pretty close the rifle's starting weight of 8.25 lbs, but the balance will be more barrel biased. An additional $350 would have got me Carbon...maybe I should call back...

ETA: I called back...we'll see if they can get me one in "red," but I'll take black.