Mcmillan htg in edge fill cracked. Any ideas why?

[vtb]

Well. Today I've removed the Mcmillan htg in edge fill from my rifle (3.9 kg overall weight .308 rem700) abd found that stock seems to be cracked on the central line:

Seems that front pillar tried to break thru the stock.

Any idea what could be the reason?

 

[me124704]

I'm sure McMillan will take care of this.

From the website:

Every McMillan Fiberglass Stock carries an "Unconditional Lifetime Warranty" against cracking, warping, splitting, breaking or becoming unserviceable for any reason. If a problem occurs, the stock will be repaired, replaced or the purchase price will be refunded at our option. This applies to items we actually manufacture and not to options or accessories we purchase from other manufacturers.

 

[lw8]

What fills are recommended for which calibers?

 

[SigsauerP229]

I'd say its a fluke, call them and I'm sure they will take good care of you.

 

[Edds]

I'm guessing the action was wider than the inlet and when the screws were tightened it spread the stock and caused it to crack.

 

[lonely_wolf]

I have a McMillan Edge, also SA M700 308, that cracked at the spot between the trigger opening and mag opening:

When I contacted McMillan they said this is a common occurrence in that area, but does not affect accuracy. I spoke with Ryan and he said they are no longer making the stocks with that area. It is milled out now. Ryan said if I would like he would send me paid postage to send the stock back to the factory. They would mill it out nice and neat and repaint. I haven't followed up since that conversation. Ryan said it would not affect accuracy. My smith agreed. I haven't noticed a difference either.

It has not cracked (yet?) by the front action screw. That would worry me as it is a clamping area for the action and close to the lug.

 

[JB02]

The the crack happen before or after you dropped it off the cliff (jk) [MENTION=63886]Edds[/MENTION] might be on to something. McMillan will probably be able to get to the root of the problem when you send the stock back to them.

Why didn't you bed your action in the stock?

 

[vtb]

1. I hadn't dropped the rifle from the cliff.
2. What I tried - I was in search for the load on fast burning powder (I have 18.5" bbl) but since there is no signs of overpressure I consider my loads safe. And I've runned around 5000 rounds with this stock

I had no offence to mcmillan but since my location is bit off from US and direct shipping is impossible I just want to know

1. What could caused the crack
2. How to repair that

 

[seanh]

What would cause the crack? The first thing I'd do is call McMillan and see what they'll do...then I wouldn't care. Ok, I'd see if the recoil lug was straight and if the action screws were the proper spacing but that's about it.

1. could be a internal fracture or void in the stock. As you shot the rifle, this crack/void continued to propagate.
2. could be that the stock wasn't machined properly and there was uneven stresses at that point...putting increased stress in that area when you shot. Possibly caused from the recoil lug bottoming out on the stock?


How would "I" repair it. I'd get some Marinetex, 2ton epoxy or other tough resin, spread the crack slightly, inject the resin...use a carbon fiber, kevlar, fiberglass cloth over the crack to add strength. In addition, I'd also consider, if I had a drill press, drilling a 2mm hole, properly centered, counter sink it and put a screw/nut to secure the crack. But only if Mcmillan wouldn't help me or if the wait was longer than 3 months.

Just off the top of my head...

Edit...I see that you're in Moscow. I'd just repair it...looking to see if the recoil lug is straight with the action screws and that those screws are properly spaced. Assuming that is correct, I'd simply fill the cracks. I might consider pillar bedding and action bedding as well.

 

[ejg]

We've repaired a few stocks similar or worse to this one. As Sean said the epoxy route is the best. I often mill channels of say 3-4mm width and insert epoxy soaked carbon rovings. This will run accross the crack and then some glass cloth over the area.
If you are really stuck and shipping to Ireland would be easier than to the US, feel free to send it us (PSE-Composites.com). Won't charge for it if you pay postage.
edi