ways to modify a synthetic gunstock?

February 13th, 2010 | by admin |

Hi, I own a Weatherby Vanguard .223, its a good gun but I really don’t like the synthetic stock, I feel the trigger hand placement is too high and I was wondering if it would be possible to grind out the top of the stock to get my hand down lower?
It’s a synthetic “injection-molded composite” stock so if I grinded into the top of the pistol grip would it be hollow? =D
Thanks

Injection molded should be solid, but if you have a recoil pad on the back you might take a look under it and see if a hollow channel is down the center of the stock. Next being a Weatherby I’m thinking these had steel bars running under the composite for added strength. This feature may have been done away with when synthetic stock became common.

I’ll say this, It’s your rifle. If you think you have the skills necessary to do this work and it works for you, go for it, but you might want to think about either starting with a replacement stock, or just simply shop around for a stock that fits you better that you like.

  1. 4 Responses to “ways to modify a synthetic gunstock?”

  2. By 2CaNz on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    Can’t go wrong with a Glock!
    References :

  3. By Andy on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    Injection molded should be solid, but if you have a recoil pad on the back you might take a look under it and see if a hollow channel is down the center of the stock. Next being a Weatherby I’m thinking these had steel bars running under the composite for added strength. This feature may have been done away with when synthetic stock became common.

    I’ll say this, It’s your rifle. If you think you have the skills necessary to do this work and it works for you, go for it, but you might want to think about either starting with a replacement stock, or just simply shop around for a stock that fits you better that you like.
    References :

  4. By Gregg Andrews on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    Simple, burn it, and then replace it with a wooden (preferably walnut or maple…) stock. Looks nicer. Sorry to offend anyone, I just don’t like the looks of synthetic stocks… they’re just kinda… ugly…
    References :
    Avid shooter.

  5. By Hal on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    If you have the Weatherguard, like mine, then pry off the cap on the pistol grip and take a peek. You may have to glue it back on. I’ve never really liked the stock either. Too noisy for one thing. Didn’t buy it for it’s looks, so that’s never been an issue, but I’ve had to tape up my sling to keep it from klacking all the time.

    I doubt the finished modification would be worth the trouble. Grinding down the top of the wrist won’t change the grip angle that much and will weaken the stock at it’s narrowest point, even if it isn’t hollow.
    Nota bene: "Injection molding" only refers to the technology used to form the plastic–not the shape of the finished product. You can injection mold a hollow tube or a solid sphere. Often, parts are molded separately and then bonded together for strength, to seal out (or in) moisture, to permanently capture other parts–any number of considerations. So, knowing the stock was injection molded doesn’t tell us whether or not it’s design has internal voids. Composite means made of more than one material, but has become a euphimism for plastic.

    You might consider some of the other stocks Weatherby offers for the Vanguard (Knoxx Axiom is adjustable for pull and drops the wrist for a pistol grip. Oh yeah, it’s ugly.) Aftermarkets for the Howa/Vanguard are another place to look. Tactical and thumbhole stocks retain a wrist but drop it down to pistol-like angles.

    Enuff sed. Go have fun.
    References :
    http://www.snipercountrypx.com/pc-3306-1579-knoxx-axiom-vs-rifle-stock-howa-1500-weatherby.aspx

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134214867

    http://www.mpistocks.com/index.htm

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