Gunsmithing Adding a pic rail into carbon fiber stock

[jdubrr]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to add a section of pic rail onto the forend of my X bolt pro that has a carbon fiber stock. Can I just drill into it like a composite stock? I tried searching but couldn't find anything. I think I want to use t nuts that would require using a paddle bit on the back side of the stock to provide added strength. Thoughts?

 

[Ledzep]

Level the bottom in a drill press or mill (preferably) and drill holes through the bottom. Flip it over and use pins or a drill bit even to get the holes to be straight up and down, then cut the inside relief for the T nuts after finding center on the drilled holes.

 

[jdubrr]

Level the bottom in a drill press or mill (preferably) and drill holes through the bottom. Flip it over and use pins or a drill bit even to get the holes to be straight up and down, then cut the inside relief for the T nuts after finding center on the drilled holes.

So the process is the same regardless of the stock material? Carbon vs composite?

 

[Ledzep]

I'm not sure I understand your question. Carbon fiber is a composite. The process in making a fiberglass shell and a carbon fiber shell is the same, and (I think this is answering your question) the process to get the holes and T nuts in them is the same. The light fill in the middle of the stock is very easy to machine either way, and usually only varies in density (% micro balloon fill vs. epoxy) based on the application of the stock. CF are more likely to have lighter fill.

The only other thing I can think of is something like a HS precision or Bell & Carlson stock, and to be honest I'm not sure what those are made of or exactly how, but the process for rail install on them is the same, too. Just gotta watch out for the aluminum bar in the center (feeds/speeds issue, can blow up end mills).

 

[jdubrr]

I thought drilling into carbon fiber would be different than drilling into a non carbon fiber stock. I even called Browning and asked and the tech I spoke to couldn't wouldn't say if it was ok or not to drill into.

 

[Ledzep]

Oh. Yeah go nuts. The CF shell is very thin and the only way you'll damage it is by trying to drill too fast, not having the work rigidly held, and having the drill bite/grab. Even so, in my experience it's pretty easy to drill through. I've even used a hand drill on a personal stock (Simple cheek riser install).