Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

[Jayne]

Getting ready to take my first RO class and I've been doing the on-line training. I've found that the two rifle stocks I'm trying out have different pros and cons for me.

Stock #1: HS precision w/AICS mag system

Pros:
- lighter, easier to use off hand and with a sling
- works the same left handed

Cons:
- getting my trigger finger in the right position is not obvious
- doesn't 'fit' as well as it could (LOP is a touch too long)
- seems harder to get 'straight behind the rifle' and get my NPA



Stock #2: AICS 1.5

Pros:
- trigger ergos are spot on, I can find the right trigger position very easily
- cheek pad adjustment works well for me
- LOP is right for me

Cons:
- heavy/bulky, harder to use off hand and from a sling
- hard to use left handed, cheek piece gets in the way



I'm leaning toward the AICS because it just 'feels' right, but I know from hunting use the HS is easier to use in non-optimal positions. What will I run into more at my first class, trying to nail the basics in a good prone position or trying to move around/use the sling more? Getting the HS cut down is an option too but I don't know if I have time for that and it won't address the trigger ergo issues.

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Have you looked at McMillan or Manners?

 

[Whiskey 2-1]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

If those are your choices, go with the AICS. You will find that if the trigger contact feels right with that one, you will shoot it much better, especially after spending a few days with Jacob. Plus, he has spent tons of time behind one of those stocks (10 barrels on an AW kind of time) so he can give you all kinds of little tricks on position shooting, etc. The most important points you have already pointed out- LOP and hand position are perfect. If you cant get straight behind the gun and get good finger positoin, the class will be waisted. Also, the AICS is just overall a better stock in most people's (including my) opinion. You wont regret the AICS after some time behind it. I shoot all manners and MCM but I still dont have a single bad thing to say about the AICS.

Sean

 

[Rob01]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Use the one that you will be using on the rifle so you can train and learn on what you will actually be using. I never heard of a rifle having interchangeable stocks. Pick one and stick with it.

 

[MichaelEber]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Assuming (as Rob01 suggests) that you've not chosen a stock for your own rifle, then your comments SCREAM that you use the AICS 1.5 stock. One of the most important aspects of shooting is that you have confidence in your equipment. Psychology of shooting plays on you with every shot. If you enjoy the LOP, cheek weld, and trigger feel, then just pump some iron so that the rifle feels light.

With that being said, go out and order that stock for your rifle now. Once it's on your own rifle you can dry fire at home to complement your classes.

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO clas

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Use the one that you will be using on the rifle so you can train and learn on what you will actually be using. I never heard of a rifle having interchangeable stocks. Pick one and stick with it. </div></div>

Ditto, train as you will fight/compete/or whatever.

I have an AICS and a PSS stock. I like the PSS stock for the reasons you mentioned and the only thing I like about the AICS is the ease of getting my hand in the right position. Through practice you can teach yourself to put your hand in the same position everytime on the HS stock.

Rob01 uses a stock like the PSS and I'm sure his hand doesn't bend in some special way compared to yours and mine and he does alright with it from what I've read.

That said, I use the AICS much more then the PSS.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

As others have stated above, get what you find fits YOU the best, most comfortable and user friendly. You will spend many of rounds with it, hours playing with it and if it don't fit, you will not be happy. I read that you this and do not understand, "- hard to use left handed, cheek piece gets in the way" ? The cheek piece is fully adjustable in vertical and side to side movement as well as removable. How can it be in the way, unless you are considering using the "thumb knurl knobs" to replace the standard screws. It appears you have really answered your own question here with the best fit, feel and ergo issues. Best wishes and happy new year to all.

 

[scottishtornado]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

There might be a couple of stocks that you might want to look at.
1) Manners mcs-t3
2) Manners MCS-GAT

The t-3 is like the Mcmillan htg stock but with a higher comb.
The gat has a pistol grip design like the aics and has an adjustable spacer type butt system, with a 1" Pachmyer Decel pad.

Have a look and see what you think. www.mannersstocks.com.

Mac

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO clas

Or you could check out this:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1514710&page=1

If I were you, I'd roll with the AI and if you find after training with it that you can't adjust to the weight then look at other options that replicate the shooting position.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Actually Scottish the T3 is like the HTG in the rear with a higher comb but it has the A5 rounded forend. The T is the version more like the HTG but the T has a higher comb.

 

[Jayne]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

I'm not looking to buy a new stock, I've already got the HS and the AICS 1.5 here on two different rem700s.

I guess what I was looking for was more of something like "you'll spend 80% of your time from a well supported position, go with the AICS" or "you'll spend 80% of your time standing/kneeling/off a sling/on your head so go with the one that's more versatile".

 

[Jayne]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stacey @ AINA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> "- hard to use left handed, cheek piece gets in the way" ? The cheek piece is fully adjustable in vertical and side to side movement as well as removable. How can it be in the way, unless you are considering using the "thumb knurl knobs" to replace the standard screws. </div></div>

It did come (used) with the big thumb knobs, but the real issue is that the cheek piece is adjusted a bit up and to the right, so when I try to come at it from the left it's pushing my head way off the stock and it's hard to get to the scope. Yes, I could just adjust it the other way but it takes time and a wrench. If there is some drill like "take two shots strong side, then switch and take two shots weak side, reload, move up to that barricade there and take two shots from the sling... etc, etc" it's going to be a serious party foul if I have to stop in the middle and adjust the cheek piece between shots.

Obviously I have no idea what the first two RO classes are like so I'm trying to cheat by asking you guys, hopefully people who have been there before can point me in the right direction.

 

[prbulldog]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Which class are you taking? If its pr1&2 you will spend approx
70% prone. no matter which stock you choose they will teach you to use it correctly. Have fun and bring sun block.

 

[Whiskey 2-1]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Since you asked about the positions you will see at RO:

The short answer is you will shoot in darn near all of them.
The long answer....
You will usually start with zero confirmation and fixing of any major problems from the 100yd prone supported position. Jacob and Frank will be looking for trigger position and how you drive the gun. This is where the strong suits of the AICS you mentioned begin. There will be dope gathering on paper probably out to 400 yards. All that is done prone supported. Dope from 600 and out is off the tower, again prone supported. Practicing spotting your impacts (being straight behind the gun) is done during all this. Then there are the dot drills, prone strong side and support side with decreasing time limits.

You will shoot strong side from a sling supported position, sitting and kneeling. Most non-prone shooting is from improvised supported positions like kneeling behind a barricade or some other form of cover and support. You will shoot strong side and weak side this way.

While >50% of shots are taken from prone, they are often under stress and time constraint. The rifle really should fit you well or you will be fighting a needless battle. Most of the improvised positions will have some form of support....lumber, table, window, etc. The AICS does not loose any ground here, and actually I would much prefer it to the HS because of the greater control of the pistol style grip and the ability to get the bipod with bag far out front. There wont be enough sling-only shooting to overlook the benefits of the AICS. As for weak side, I think you can find a good cheek rest position which will work for both sides.

 

[Jayne]

Re: Which of these stocks to use for first RO class?

Yes, it's a PR1&2 combo.

I dropped the action into the AICS and did some dry fire tonight, it's just SO much easier to get the rifle stable and into a firing position quickly. Looks like my choice is clear, I just need to man up a bit to get used to the weight and figure out the weak hand cheek issue.

Thanks for all the input.