McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

R

RedRaider271

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Minuteman
Mar 12, 2010
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DFW Texas
#1
I just got my long awaited Gap Camo McMillan A5 for my Rem 308. I have waited four months, always wanted one and it is absolutley wonderful design....but the finish is white washed and there appears to be sanding scratches all over back of stock near adjustable cheek piece...scratches all over camo

For spending $900 for an awesome stock, is this just they way they are....or should I call them about it? I am not a super picky person and I realize that I will be scratching it in the field.. I do buy them to use them, but I guess for me when you spend that much I expected more.

Does anyone else have experience with their stocks... what should I do?? or just go with it??
 
#2
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Those scratches will go away when rubbed with yours hands and oil over time, they are all like that.
 
#3
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

I probably have 5, that's seems a little excessive. They are pretty good about taking care of their customers, you might call them tomorrow and tell them. I bet they will take care of your issues.
 
#5
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

If this is a benchrest rifle or a safe queen, call them right away. If this is a gun you'll hunt with, shoot in tac matches etc...don't sweat it.

As above...put your own dents and scratches on it...make sure you get all sides marked up.

I've got a modified 40x stock that quite frankly is crap...I'd never let anything go out like that. Seems less than a quality finish isn't uncommon with them. I did fix mine though...stock fell off the shelf once and when leaning against the bench, the rifle slid crashing to the ground...now you can't see the original scratches
 
#6
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

I use the shit out of my rifles and they all have scratches. I dont believe in having something if youre not going to use it. With this said you are paying for a high quality stock for a pretty penny so regardless if you plan on scratching it or not when it gets to you it had better be in 100% perfect condition. You wouldnt pay full price for a new truck with scratches in the paint even if it would probably get scratches on it later down the road from use.
 
#9
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

That's normal with their molded camo finishes. Their presentation-grade finishes are painted on. I believe you can have them paint your stock if you want a pretty finish. I'm not sure if/how much they would charge you. I personally wouldn't worry about it. You're the only one that's going to see the stock up close.


By the way, I just got my A5 in yesterday. My complaint is that the brown in the marble finish (tan, brown, black) looks much more red than I expected. No biggie, though. Looks nicer the more I stare at it.
crazy.gif
 
#10
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

When I buy new things I expect them to look new. While cosmetic defects are cosmetic, they are also defects. As they are cosmetic, they do not affect the functioning of the item, however, they affect my perception of the item. It has been said that "the suit makes the man." And, while that may not be true strictly speaking, it is true that the outward appearance strongly informs initial impressions. If the finish were less than I expected for the money paid (and with scratches I am sure that it would be) I would be tempted to respectfully request a RMA and a refund of my purchase. While all stocks that get used will eventually be scratched, dented, dinged, scuffed, bruised, and possibly abused (all of which add "character"), the "factory distressed" look has no appeal to me. The blemishes that I and my (mis)adventures put in the stock add character.

Lots of things look better from 8' away. As I have often heard- and occasionally uttered- in bars and dimly lit campus haunts "Good from far, but far from good..."

And, like many that have come before it- and many that have yet to be born- This thread is worthless without pics!!!
 
#12
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the_fng</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always thought both McMillan and Manners state that there will be imperfections with their moulded in camo.</div></div>

Exactly.

11. What is a molded-in finish?
McMillan produces some stock finishes such as our camouflages and marbles that are actually molded right into the exterior of the stock. These finishes tend to be more durable and wear resistant but are not as high quality as our painted finishes. We call them "utility grade" finishes since the mold lines, small imperfections, cloth especially on light colors and some sanding marks may be visible. We WILL NOT offer solid molded colors because it is so hard to make them look acceptable.
 
#13
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

"When I buy new things I expect them to look new." Exactly...If that is what you paid for. Unfortunately many don't pay for it and expect to get presentation grade for free. (Failed to read the fine print).

The problem is easily fixed. Either A, accept it and move on. B. send it back and pay for what you want...wait another few months. C. fix it yourself...very simple. D. Send it to someone for hydrocoat with hard-clear coat
 
#14
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delta271</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my long awaited Gap Camo McMillan A5 for my Rem 308. I have waited four months, always wanted one and it is absolutley wonderful design....but the finish is white washed and there appears to be sanding scratches all over back of stock near adjustable cheek piece...scratches all over camo.

For spending $900 for an awesome stock, is this just they way they are....or should I call them about it? I am not a super picky person and I realize that I will be scratching it in the field.. I do buy them to use them, but I guess for me when you spend that much I expected more.

Does anyone else have experience with their stocks... what should I do?? or just go with it?? </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the_fng</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always thought both McMillan and Manners state that there will be imperfections with their moulded in camo.</div></div>

Exactly.

11. What is a molded-in finish?
McMillan produces some stock finishes such as our camouflages and marbles that are actually molded right into the exterior of the stock. These finishes tend to be more durable and wear resistant but are not as high quality as our painted finishes. We call them "utility grade" finishes since the mold lines, small imperfections, cloth especially on light colors and some sanding marks may be visible. We WILL NOT offer solid molded colors because it is so hard to make them look acceptable. </div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Delta271</span></span> -

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Temp9</span></span> and <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">the_fng</span></span> are correct - there's no getting around the visible scratches with molded-in colors and molded-in camoflage patterns. The scratches you see are on the surface of the gel coat (shell) of the stock. You can make the scratches less visible by buffing the stock lightly with a soft cloth and rubbing compound, but I don't consider that a good use of time and effort. I had an FNH A3 G (A3 Adj. with molded-in OD color) and an A5 Adj. with molded-in GAP Camo. Both had lots of scratches visible in the (exterior) gel coat but I accepted that. <span style="font-style: italic">The closer you look at them the worse they look.</span> Below are some photos of my A5 Adj. GAP Camo stock.

GAPCamoA5ButtstockRSPROFILE8x6.jpg

GAPCamoA5ButtstockLSPROFILE8x6.jpg

GAPCamoA5LoggerheadAdjScrew18x6.jpg

GAPCamoA5LoggerheadAdjNut8x6.jpg

GAPCamoA5AdjustableCheekpieceLS18x6.jpg

GAPCamoA5AdjustableCheekpieceLSPROFILE8x6.jpg



Keith
 
#15
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Water sand with 1000-1500 grit paper then buff it,or just shoot the shit out of it, maybe spray bomb it ymmv,Ive had several different brands of stocks and ALL of them had to be dicked with in some form to make them fit/work
 
#16
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M855</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Water sand with 1000-1500 grit paper then buff it,or just shoot the shit out of it, maybe spray bomb it ymmv,Ive had several different brands of stocks and ALL of them had to be dicked with in some form to make them fit/work </div></div>

Exactly. Water sand and you can get to look like glass. McMillan stands behind their products and will paint it if it drives you crazy. This finish is just the nature of the beast with molded in colors. Enjoy your stock and don't sweat it.
smile.gif


Regards,
Paul
 
#17
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2shots</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I probably have 5, that's seems a little excessive. They are pretty good about taking care of their customers, you might call them tomorrow and tell them. I bet they will take care of your issues.</div></div>

Yea man.. Drop kick that son of a bit#$... Then it will be all pretty lol

Mine was not all scratched up or anything.. I would call and at least ask them.
 
#18
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

I picked up a stock I have here that is for a build I am doing that is their molded in camo, you are right scratches lengthwise on the finish. I guess I never looked that close, but it doesn't relly matter to me, that way when I drag it across a concrete culvert on a stage and scratch the heck out of it it'll be experience marks! Won't affect the accuracy of the gun just not perfect. They are built to be tough not a shiney showpiece. But you can probably make it smooth, that gelcoat is pretty hard so it can be polished or clear coated if you want.
I switched to glass or plastic stocks on hunting rifles years ago because I got tired of coming home from hunting trips and feeling the need to refinish my bright shiney Remmy BDL wood stock. Now I can drag them around on the rocks, get them wet or muddy and it doesn't matter! They get to ugly I get out the Krylon or trunk paint.
 
#20
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Its a working mans stock, not geared towards the tacti-bling crowd. I have a few McMillan A5s that are naked with molded in camo, you see a few areas where the fiberglass cloth is visible through the gel coat and you see light scratches from the mold, its just the way it is. If you are looking for a perfect finish, prime and paint, it will look perfect.

I work a lot with fiberglas and stocks using split molds, its very difficult to get a gel coat to come out of the mold without a few minor imperfections, but as mentioned, you could wet sand it to clean up the finish, I'd start with 800 wet/dry and work up to 1200-1500

Kirk R
 
#21
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rainier42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tough crowd! </div></div>

how so...the OP got what he ordered, a field grade stock
 
#22
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Given the inherent quality present with McMillan stocks, you got what you paid for. If you expected to peel off a protective plastic film revealing a mirror smooth clearcoat you did not know what you were buying.

You paid for a nearly indestructible tool that has a pedigree of 40+ years of design, research, and technology crafted by hand to your specifications in the USA. I'm not bashing you for wanting it to be shiny and pretty, but please realize that every one of their stocks in circulation comes out of the white box looking just like that. If more refinement is desired, i suggest 800-1000 grit sandpaper and possibly a buffing wheel.
 
#24
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Well, I appreciate all of your input.... i can tell the quality of the stock is top notch, I have decided to man up and put it on my 308 and run the crap out of it. I was a little disapointed just because I spent so much money and waited so many months, but as many of you said they are gonna get beat up anyway. My 3 gun rifle/shotgun take a beating all the time but they run amazing, so now I will try to do the same with my Rem.
 
#25
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Not bashing any one.But I would have to work six weekends to buy a $800,stock.And that's a lot of money an time and work I have to do to get a stock like that.So you see I am not Rich and yes $800,is a lot of money to me.So I would aspect for that Price it would look pretty be sides being all most indestructible.But any more you do have to settle for what you get if you want it.
 
#26
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rottenron</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not bashing any one.But I would have to work six weekends to buy a $800,stock.And that's a lot of money an time and work I have to do to get a stock like that.So you see I am not Rich and yes $800,is a lot of money to me.So I would aspect for that Price it would look pretty be sides being all most indestructible.But any more you do have to settle for what you get if you want it. </div></div>

I'm a college student working part time to try to afford this hobby. I'm no stranger to saving up over long periods of time to buy the things I want. The bottom line is McMillan gives an option of molded or painted. They fully state that the molded stocks are imperfect in appearance, but extremely rugged. They also offer their painted finish which is much prettier, but not near as rugged. It's expensive, but most people know full well what they are getting when they buy a molded finish.

Delta271, I don't think you'll regret purchasing this stock. Once you lie down behind it and squeeze off a few rounds, you'll forget all about the minor imperfections.
 
#27
Re: McMillan A5 Just got it.....and not sure if happy

Temp9 Like I said Not bashing anyone not even McMillan.I like there stocks a lot to.But like I said But any more you do have to settle for what you get if you want it.Just saying you not going to get perfection all the time even for high dollar stuff even though you hope you will.
 
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