Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

[reximus]

I am fairly new to the sport and art of long range shooting and seem to be having <span style="font-weight: bold">issues getting a good cheek weld</span> on my rifles. As background for my upcoming question, I have two 308s and am juggling around with three stocks that I own for them: a B&C A5 with adj. LOP and Cheek Height, a HS Precision take-off of a 700p, and the m24 style with adj. LOP. I also have and a new GAP 300 wsm riding in a McMillan with adj. LOP.

It seems to me like lots of stocks come without adjustable cheek height, although lots of them do too. When trying to figure out which set-up to use, I mount the barreled action cradling my Leu 6.5-20x50mm scope. When I put my <span style="font-weight: bold">comfortable cheek weld</span> on each stock (with the exception of the B&C which height is adjustable), <span style="font-weight: bold">I cannot get a good weld and still be able to see through the scope!</span>

It seems like I have to have my head almost floating (not good) in order to see clearly through my scope. With my head resting comfortably on each stock, my sight alignment is 1-2" too low.

<span style="font-weight: bold">QUESTION:</span> Is it me not having the correct form, or is there something that needs to be done (like drilling into the stocks to add holes to house a base for some sort of makeshift spacer system)??

I have seen some videos where instructors have done just this and have emphasized having a <span style="font-weight: bold">good, solid, and repeatable</span> cheek weld on the rifle. I am wondering why some higher end (i.e. McMillan, Manners, etc) stocks and chassis systems wouldn't have adjustable cheek rise? I just can't imagine drilling into (or grossly modifying) my $300 HS 700p stock, let alone my McMillan or others approaching $1,000+

Please shed some light and help end my frustration. And if I have misplaced this thread, please redirect.

Thank you!

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

In fewer words:

Is my <span style="font-weight: bold">cheek height issue</span> (not being able to see through the scope with a comfortable cheek weld - too low) an issue of me needing do do something to <span style="font-weight: bold">modify my stocks</span> or an issue of me needing to <span style="font-weight: bold">modify my technique</span>?

 

[Don-n-Texas]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

I'm not an expert by any means. You will get better advice from others.

But I would NOT drill holes in those stocks.

Google "cheek pads for rifles" there are a lot of options that don't require drilling.

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

I'm definitely not leaning toward drilling into any of my stocks. I saw a video of a sniper instructor on the NSSF where he encouraged his audience to do so. I know something has to be changed, be it my stock or the way I rest on the rifle. I'm just hoping there is something else that can be done.

Maybe I'll just have to get a swap out the old and new stock...

 

[Lucks]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

Before i drilled it I'd put a stock pack on it.
These from Triad have velcro spacers under the pad to adjust the height.
http://www.triadtactical.com/Triad-Stock-Pack.html

Also, do you have room to use lower scope rings? That might help a small bit as well...

 

[sawman556]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

Triad Tactical makes some good stock pads that can add some height to your stock. Not sure if you can get 1-2 inches out of it. TNVC also makes one for the M14/M1A style stock which might give you more height. You also need to check your scope height and bring it down lower if you can.

I've gone to using chassis systems and doubt I'll ever go back to traditional style stocks. Being able to adjust for LOP and cheek weld is a good feature.

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These from Triad have velcro spacers under the pad to adjust the height.</div></div>
I've got a stock pad from Tactical Operations - really nice stuff. It may be able to hide anything I decide to use for the additional height - thanks for that suggestion x2.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, do you have room to use lower scope rings? That might help a small bit as well...</div></div>
My scope sits only a few mm above my barrel. No room there

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've gone to using chassis systems and doubt I'll ever go back to traditional style stocks. Being able to adjust for LOP and cheek weld is a good feature.</div></div>
I really want a chassis system, and am actually sorta looking to get rid of all of my stocks right now haha. I'm just trying to figure out a solution in the interim - until I am able to save up for one. Thanks for the confirmation that my inclination is the best decision!

 

[KHill3611]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

I might have missed something but are you having promblems with the A5 stock? Can you bring the scope down any?

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

As for the McMillan stock - I have the same problem with my cheek weld being way too low.

However, the rifle was built by George at GA Precision for a local PD sniper (Dave Bahde). The stock was marine bedded to fit the custom GAP 300 wsm. Hence I'm very hesitant to make any significant changes to that rifle. I'm not sure if removing the bedded stock will reduce the long-term value of the rifle (as a collector item or otherwise).

It is by far the best rifle I own, and I'd really like to make it my go-to gun. To accomplish this, am thinking about dropping it into an AICS 2.0, but again, not sure if I should mess with it... Maybe to the AICS and keep the McMillan??

Please advise... and thanks for the helpful comments so far!

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KHill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I might have missed something but are you having promblems with the A5 stock? Can you bring the scope down any? </div></div>
Sorry for that. No problems with the A5 stock. Only the two HS Precisions and the McMillan. The A5 is great and I can get a great weld on it. Wondering about the others, and wanting to swap out of the A5...

Thanks

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

I have similar issues all the way down to .22s and a stock pack or pad is an easy fix. I can tell you this with surety, the Triad pack with the velcro spacers can make up quite a bit of height.

I currently use 1 on an A1 AR stock as I have an A2 upper with a scope mounted on the carry handle. Obviously I have to remove it to operate the charging handle but it's temporary for me. As far as on a bolt gun, you only need to remove it for removing the bolt to clean.

Regarding your McMillan stock, I think what would help you and IMO add value to the stock would be to send it to KMW. Get their loggerhead adj. cheekpiece installed or find a gunsmith that could do it for you.

To me, it's pretty hard to go over a 40mm objective and maintain any kind of weld with a straight stock.

 

[Don-n-Texas]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

If you do drill. A lot of custom gun makers use this adjustable cheek rest from Karsten custom camo.

http://karstenskydexcheekrest.com/

 

[KHill3611]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

IMOP, If the A5 stock works great then my suggestion would be sell the other two stocks & buy another A5, then find a smith that can bed it for you. Then shoot the hell out of it. I've seen guys put padding under there cheek rest also.

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

A quick fix is some 100mph tape and some foam. Build up the comb with foam and tape, and there you go.

 

[Ed-G]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

1) Use a AICS stock. This is what I did with my first precision bolt gun. GAP 308.

2) Use a stock with an adjustable checkpiece or get some type of rises as already mentioned by others.

3) If you have a high enough comb height that you don't need a riser, experiment with ring heights that work the best for you.

I doubt you will be able to use the HS stock and picatinny type rail and rings without a riser of some type. Due to the nature of the design the picatinny system they tend to be higher than traditional bases and rings. My Son has a HS stock on a hunting gun. We tried to use a rail setup without any kind of riser, no luck. Went tradtional and had more options and found one that worked.

 

[wvlapua]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

Send the mcmillan out for the kmw loggerhead adjustable cheek piece..you won't be disappointed.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

The reason most non adjustable stocks seem low is because most people find it convenient to be able to remove the bolt without removing the action from the stock. If one uses a scope with less than a 50mm obj, no cant in the base and the lowest practical rings quite often the cheekweld provided is sufficient. Options if for whatever reason it is not, smaller obj, less cant, and lower rings; duct tape and foam; stock pack/pad; drill for kydex or alloy riser; or IMO the the classiest options install or have installed internal adjustable riser hardware or purchase stocks already equipped.

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wvlapua</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Send the mcmillan out for the kmw loggerhead adjustable cheek piece..you won't be disappointed. </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beef</div><div class="ubbcode-body">or IMO the the classiest options install or have installed internal adjustable riser hardware or purchase stocks already equipped. </div></div>

I'm all about function <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> class! Thanks for all the info and help - there is a plethora of experience and knowledge here on the hide.

The kmw loggerhead internal riser hardware looks solid! I am wondering if they install that on stocks that are not already equipped with an adjustable cheek piece?

I still want an AICS, but it may be a while before I can afford one...

Thanks again!

 

[UIUCPPQ]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

When I had a stock with a more classic riflestock contour, I got a cheek pad and then stuffed socks and cardboard under it until it was about 1.5 inches taller and that worked until I could get my AICS. I don't think I'll be able to go back after using a chassis, they're too excellent.

 

[calling4life]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

Contact stockdoc on here

He will install the kmw loggerhead cheek riser systems on your McMillan and HS stocks if you want, and his work is flawless. He can prove it with pictures.

I had him do my McMillan A5, I'd put a pic up but the gun is off being built right now.

It comes out looking like it was done at McMillan or HS, just a perfect fit and look, it is a perfect solution to your problem.

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: calling4life</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Contact stockdoc on here

He will install the kmw loggerhead cheek riser systems on your McMillan and HS stocks if you want, and his work is flawless. He can prove it with pictures.

I had him do my McMillan A5, I'd put a pic up but the gun is off being built right now.

It comes out looking like it was done at McMillan or HS, just a perfect fit and look, it is a perfect solution to your problem. </div></div>

pm sent to stockdoc. We'll see how much the fix is, and then I'll decide on whether or not I'll just wait to get an AICS (or other chassis).

Thanks again for all the help! This option from stockdoc looks like its a definite possibility. Thanks calling4life for the suggestion!

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: calling4life</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Contact stockdoc on here

He will install the kmw loggerhead cheek riser systems on your McMillan and HS stocks if you want, and his work is flawless. He can prove it with pictures.

I had him do my McMillan A5, I'd put a pic up but the gun is off being built right now.

It comes out looking like it was done at McMillan or HS, just a perfect fit and look, it is a perfect solution to your problem. </div></div>

I contacted stockdoc and his cost to benefit seems very fair. I am leaning toward this option.

That way I can have an adj cheek piece on my GAP bedded McMillan 300 wsm, and someday an AICS on my 308. Good start for my first two long range rifles...

Will the fairly significant modification void McMillan's "unconditional lifetime warranty" by chance? Not that I plan on it failing, by my abuse or other, but just feels nice to be safe.

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

I went ahead and bought a Triad Tactical stock pack. With the included Velcro risers, I was able to build up enough comb to get a solid and repeatable cheek weld!

Thank you all for so much advice and help. You really opened my eyes to all of the available tools to help with my stock issues.

Just got back from the range, and loved the GAP with the stock pack. A realitively cheap and easy fix! Thanks!!

 

[Triad]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

reximus,

Show the Hide how it turned out:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...820#Post3483820

 

[Glocksteady]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: reximus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went ahead and bought a Triad Tactical stock pack. With the included Velcro risers, I was able to build up enough comb to get a solid and repeatable cheek weld!

Thank you all for so much advice and help. You really opened my eyes to all of the available tools to help with my stock issues.

Just got back from the range, and loved the GAP with the stock pack. A realitively cheap and easy fix! Thanks!! </div></div>

When you originally posted this thread, I really had to bite my tongue. I'm from Oklahoma. I wanted to suggest Duct Tape!

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Glocksteady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
When you originally posted this thread, I really had to bite my tongue. I'm from Oklahoma. I wanted to suggest Duct Tape! </div></div>
Duct tape fixes everything!! That was my second option!!

 

[reximus]

Re: Please Help - Stock Issues vs. My Issues

That last one helps show the rise I was able to get out of the included Velcro inserts! Love the Quality!