Gunsmithing Manners/McMillan Durability...?

xXlojackXx

Sergeant
Supporter
Minuteman
  • Nov 30, 2011
    1,386
    300
    Washington state
    I'm looking to get either an A3 McMillan or a Manners T4 for my .300 RUM (with a brake), and have asked several gunsmiths/knowledgable individuals, along with my own research. The results I hear from some is that these stocks don't hold up with the recoil or the magnums unless they have a heavy fill (which I'm trying to avoid excess weight). Therefore some people have recommended buying a stock like an HS or B&C because they have the aluminum recoil lug to take the abuse. My question would be, has anyone had a problem with a properly bedded McMillan stock breaking down due to the recoil of a magnum cartridge with a "sporter fill"? Also, how durable are the Manners stocks?
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    i highly reccomend you call tom manners and ask him this question the man is always more then happy to help and point ya in the right direction. i have never heard this before i know a TON of people with mags dropped in both MCM and manners stocks with absolutely no issues. i'm curious who told you this.
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    There are several videos on YouTube of Tom running over one of his stocks withe his truck. I have owned a couple manners t4 and a few McMillan a5. All were tough as nails.
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    Manners makes a mini-chassis and you could always have a Widden chassis installed in any of the Manners or McMillan stocks. You could also have it bedding properly. Chad Dixon comes to mind.
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    As long as its pillar bedded right you will be fine. I have never heard of anyone having problems with magnums and to much recoil for the stock. Manners are pretty dam tough too. As said above give Tom a call.

    Kc
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    Agreed. I called Manners today and they reassured me that it won't be a problem as long as its properly bedded. I ended up ordering a T4 and should be here Friday and off to get it bedded on Monday
    smile.gif
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    The foam core started to break apart for me in a Manners stock inletted for a SA (.308) Savage with pillars. This happened right at the rear pillar. This was after perhaps 100 rounds. I can understand how this might happen with a Savage action which has its rear action bolt located between the trigger action and the magazine. There just isn't much material there for good stability. I have since bedded the action and repaired the cracks forming in the foam with marine tex. It seems to be holding up just fine.

    Now that I bedded the action, the energy of the recoil is properly being taken up by the recoil lug and not by the pillars.

    I do not think that this is shoddy workmanship on the part of Manners or anything of the sort. I think that this is a compatibility issue between design of the Savage action and the limited amount of foam that can be used in this area.
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    Manners has the best customer service I have ever seen next to Disney World! I own both and love to shoot both but Manners is A1 on customer service!
     
    Re: Manners/McMillan Durability...?

    If your rifle is bedded properly, standard fill will be just fine even on a 50 cal. Again, check manners website with his truck parked on top of one of his stocks. Mcmillan and Manners stocks will outlast your action if it is bedded properly.
     
    You must be at least 18 years of age to use this site
    You confirm that you are at least 18 years of age by continuing to use the site.