Gunsmithing Synthetic Stock Reshaping

[JPShooter]

I have a Savage Model 10 that shoots very well (sub .25 MOA), but I very much dislike the shape of the stock. It's got a hunting style grip and comb.

It's the standard black plastic factory stock, although it is an Accustock. So I really would like to attempt to reshape the grip and comb to my liking before I trash it for an aftermarket stock, nothing to lose right?

So what are some recommendations for materials for building up the grip and comb? Bondo maybe? I need something that I can work up in layers, something with a more putty/clay like consistancy than epoxy, and that will be tolerable to shaping after the initial cure. Yet something that will adhere to the synthetic stock material well.

I need some of that "PFM Putty"

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Jerry m]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

Got to a marine store and look at West System. It is fiberglass resin, but they make these little beads that you use to thicken the final layer. You can make it consistent enough to take a shape.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[JPShooter]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

Hey Jerry,

Thanks for the input. I'm familiar with West System Epoxies, as a matter of fact somewhere in storage I have a few gallons of the stuff.

My past experience with epoxies from woodworking is that you are limited to a very thin layer at a time as well as they can be very hard to shape when curedd, unless you add microballons or something similar to thicken. The main problem being that when you try to put it on thick it gets very hot and may even bubble as it knocks off, so thin layers are a must.

I am hoping to find a material that will be thick enough to work more like a clay and be able to go on thick enough for a good build up without overheating during the curing process.

Jake

 

[deadeye]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

Bondo works just fine for building up bulk areas.

 

[nzgrip]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

Use Bondo and then you can epoxy a couple of layers of woven fibreglass over it to strengthen it. Plus it cures quicker than epoxy with micro balloons. Or you could use Polyester resin instead of Epoxy as it cures quicker.

EDIT: Just remembered, find out what type of plastic the stock is made from as it will determine if you need to use Epoxy or Polyester resin. With some types of plastic one will stick while the other wont. You might have to google to find out what sticks to what.

 

[JPShooter]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

Appreciate the input very much, thanks guys!!

 

[Jrb572]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

Try fibral by u-pol. It's fiberglass but like bondo. But you will need to use an adhesion promoter. Any local body shop supply should carry both.

 

[JPShooter]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrb572</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try fibral by u-pol. It's fiberglass but like bondo. But you will need to use an adhesion promoter. Any local body shop supply should carry both. </div></div>

Thanks! That's a very interesting looking product for my application.

 

[JPShooter]

Re: Synthetic Stock Reshaping

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrb572</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try fibral by u-pol. It's fiberglass but like bondo. But you will need to use an adhesion promoter. Any local body shop supply should carry both. </div></div>

I spoke with a rep from U-Pol (Brandon, West Coast Rep)today and he stated that the Fibral should stick to the Polypropolyne very well without any need for an adhesion promoter. He said just sand it and clean it well.

I've ordered two quarts of it so I have some for experimenting before I commit.

Thanks again!