Gunsmithing Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

[SporterII]

I like the fit and ergos. Is it a good candidate for expensive bottom metal / mag. and bedding work? This will be for a 'light' LR 7-08 at 24".
Should I start with a 'better' base stock?

 

[groundhogbuster]

Re: Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

Well I'll add my .02. I went through heartburn, and sleepless nights about what to replace my SPS 243 with, the more I looked the more confused I was. Some have the $ for a Mcm/Manners/AICS, but I didn't, and I have one Mcm A2 on a custom build. I really don't understand the BM everyone raves about, since most of us (maybe just me) don't even use the factory blind mags on BDL's. If I'm hunting I know I will be crawling, and getting it hung on anything and everything, and I single feed every bolt gun I have anyway. But back on topic, I really wanted an HSP stock but went with the BC Light Varmint I believe they call it? The one with the hook on the bottom, and this stock feels like a TANK, and brrl lined up perfect, and I just received my 5R, and it's not lined up, glad, NO! VERY GLAD! I went with the B&C, for the $ I don't see anything close to being this stiff, If I want a mag, I have several (Wilson Combat, Addax Tactical, Les Baer) AR's that shoot lights out if I'm after a coyote in an open range, or a whitetail. Last shoot I went to their were lots more "Gas Guns" than a cpl years ago. Sorry for ranting so much

 

[NorthernBorn]

Re: Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

I love mine. I went through the same headaches as you and went with the B&C Medalist M40 and couldn't be happier. I still haven't had it bedded though. I didn't see the point in spending the money on doing a detachable mag conversion for a factory SPS barrel/action rifle so I just bought the Mag Xtender from Brownells and upped my capacity to 7+1 by replacing the floor plate.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

They're good stocks, there was a rumor they would be releasing models inletted from the factory for popular DBMs which has yet to happen. I believe they are as worthy of having quality work done to as any.

How important is weight on your "light" build? Or are referring to weight? B&Cs atleast in the medalist line are not particularly light, not boat anchors, but not mountain rifle stocks either, to include the misleadingly named "light tactical"

 

[groundhogbuster]

Re: Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

True that, Light Tactical is mis leading, and it's much heavier than the HSP, but being shot from a bench or truck hood, didn't bother me. They have some heft for sure.

 

[SporterII]

Re: Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

This all sounds good to me. Regarding weight, I do not need heavy fill, I mean this is a Sendero profile 24" and I would expect and do need the stock to be appropriately heavier than a 'Mountain rifle'.
Thanks.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Bell Carlson M40 Stock a Good Candidate?

Wish Bell & Carlson would make the M40 for Savages...