proper stock design

[katokoch]

Hello all... I've got a question I'd like to ask before I go forth on another time consuming project.

What are characteristics of the best benchrest stocks? I'm thinking about building a stock for a .22, to be used in IR50/50, specifically 13.5 lb. class.

I'm thinking about having a relatively simple stock with a flat-bottomed fore-end (3" wide, with 1/2" vertical edges along the fore-end), a rather high comb and thick wrist that doesn't contour too much (stiffer?), with a 1" flat along the bottom of the butt. I'd like to have it pretty streamlined and very low-riding in the bags for stability. I don't know if I want to have the butt angled or just completely straight- does it really make a difference? The stock material would probably be laminated Walnut, I'll try and find lumber in the 1"-1/2" range and do a quality job in laminating it together to make a solid, stiff blank.

Are the differences in top-quality benchrest stock designs just cosmetic or are small differences in designs that make a functional difference?

I think I'll make up a drawing to assist in visualizing my ideas.

Thanks

 

[John S]

you asked

What are characteristics of the best benchrest stocks?

I believe the simple answer is: The barrel and action must be dead nuts centered in a perfectly concentric stock or it will never track.

 

[Dennis Sorensen]

I would think someone in the Benchrest Rimfire Forum would be more qualified to answer your question... maybe even post a picture or two of their rifles...

 

[katokoch]

Faint gray lines are there to show contours. I'm thinking of ways to adjust weight in the stock in order to balance out the rifle best and think I've got them figured out. Any suggestions on what I've got?