Advice on drilling custom Bolt-Action hunting Rifles for Bi-Pods

[landonew]

Hi All,
I’m somewhat new to rifles, and had a pair of bolt-action hunting rifles made earlier this year to celebrate the birth of my twin sons. When doing the research on the bolt-guns, I also ended up becoming interested in gas guns and picked up two ARs. I've collected nice pistols for a while, and had always planned on getting some rifles, and got a little carried away.

Anyway, I’ll keep this simple. The bolt-guns are beautiful and I’m hesitant to change much. Two things I REALLY like about the 18" AR is the 3-20 ultra short scope and shooting off a bi-pod. I plan on swapping out the t96 polars for 3-20 ultra shorts on both bolt guns when funds permit, but I am less confident about drilling the stocks for bi-pods. The gunsmith who built the rifles said I should try it without a bi-pod before I drill the stocks. I never plan on selling the rifles, and am not concerned about "re-sell" value - I also would run a quick detach bi-pod, like the Atlas - so I could just remove it if I wanted to use the rifles without a bi-pod. I'm not really seeing much downside, but I'm wondering if there is something I'm not considering. More likely, I'm overthinking this. Anyway, I spent more on these bolt-guns than I care to admit and just want to be sure before I have someone drill the stocks. Thanks in advance.

 

[b6graham]

Shouldnt be an issue for either the gunsmith who built them or the stock maker to add a short pic rail to the front of the foreend. Pretty basic task.

 

[DanGroves]

Yep, a couple of Magpul pic rails and t-nuts from the hardware store. I've done it myself on both Manners and wood stocks. Those are beautiful rifles!

 

[fdkay]

Hi All,
I’m somewhat new to rifles, and had a pair of bolt-action hunting rifles made earlier this year to celebrate the birth of my twin sons. When doing the research on the bolt-guns, I also ended up becoming interested in gas guns and picked up two ARs. I've collected nice pistols for a while, and had always planned on getting some rifles, and got a little carried away.

Anyway, I’ll keep this simple. The bolt-guns are beautiful and I’m hesitant to change much. Two things I REALLY like about the 18" AR is the 3-20 ultra short scope and shooting off a bi-pod. I plan on swapping out the t96 polars for 3-20 ultra shorts on both bolt guns when funds permit, but I am less confident about drilling the stocks for bi-pods. The gunsmith who built the rifles said I should try it without a bi-pod before I drill the stocks. I never plan on selling the rifles, and am not concerned about "re-sell" value - I also would run a quick detach bi-pod, like the Atlas - so I could just remove it if I wanted to use the rifles without a bi-pod. I'm not really seeing much downside, but I'm wondering if there is something I'm not considering. More likely, I'm overthinking this. Anyway, I spent more on these bolt-guns than I care to admit and just want to be sure before I have someone drill the stocks. Thanks in advance.

View attachment 7194947View attachment 7194965

Nice collection.
If you told us your where abouts, folks here could likely recommend someone close to do the work.
Otherwise, you may want to consider contacting the stock manufacturer, as your warranty will likely remain intact.

 

[landonew]

Nice collection.
If you told us your where abouts, folks here could likely recommend someone close to do the work.
Otherwise, you may want to consider contacting the stock manufacturer, as your warranty will likely remain intact.

I'm located in DFW. I don't work on my guns, so I would definitely take this somewhere. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Are there any solid precision rifle shops in north TX that offer gunsmithing services?

The stock manufacturer is McMillian and the gunsmith that made these is out of LA (he is quite good BTW, my uncle introduced me to him). I'd really prefer not to ship these halfway across the country for this job.

 

[fdkay]

I'm located in DFW. I don't work on my guns, so I would definitely take this somewhere. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Are there any solid precision rifle shops in north TX that offer gunsmithing services?

The stock manufacturer is McMillian and the gunsmith that made these is out of LA (he is quite good BTW, my uncle introduced me to him). I'd really prefer not to ship these halfway across the country for this job.

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Maybe these guys:

About Us - S & S Precision

sandsprecisionrifles.com

 

[landonew]

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Maybe these guys:

About Us - S & S Precision

sandsprecisionrifles.com

Thanks for the reply. I'll wait for some others to chime in, but have you heard good things about either Texas Brigade or S&S?

FWIW - I don't think it matters much for this job, but it'd be nice to find a good shop to work with going forward.

 

[vigildom7]

Real easy to do I've done a few myself.
Just follow these instructions

 

[landonew]

Real easy to do I've done a few myself.
Just follow these instructions

I know it's not hard, but there is zero chance I'm drilling holes in my stocks myself. I appreciate the link though. I'm just a puss.

 

[waspocrew]

Nice rifles!

 

[waspocrew]

Like others have said, pretty simple job. I installed flush cups on a stock recently and I totally understand your hesitation when you figure how much the stocks cost. I think you'd be able to find a competent gunsmith in the area to take care of that for you.

 

[TSpork]

Those are some nice rifles! I can also see you didn’t skimp out on the SR15s either! I love mine