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How To Build A Budget "Sniper" Rifle Part 5 - Rifle Stock Options
Initially, I was going to use "Part 5" to explain scope mount and scope options but then it dawned on me that addressing the stock concerns should come first. It is the primary limiting factor when determining what optics to use, as some choices in optics and mounts are invalidated by what stock is going to be used. This section is going to be rather large so you may consider grabbing a snack before reading.
OPTION ONE: FACTORY ORIGINAL STOCK
This is the least expensive route and requires the least amount of work, though it does leave a lot to be desired when the rifle is being used as a sniper/long-range tactical anti-zombie rifle. Fit and finish were often forsaken on wartime production models of the Mosin-Nagant, as the Soviets were more interested in producing massive quantities of rifles. Quality suffered because of this - though occasionally, you'll find a stock that is well-fitted to the rifle.
PROS:
OPTION TWO: MODIFIED FACTORY STOCK
This can be very inexpensive with mild refinishing work and no accessories added, or it can be time consuming and the most expensive route of them all - especially if you send the rifle to a gunsmith to have the stock reworked. However, the advantage of modifying the factory stock is that you don't have to pay any extra for the sample to work on, you only have to pay for additions made to it.
Consider the CONS of the factory original stock as points to address with your modifying work. Make the stock meet your personal requirements or your own ideas for your rifle project. If weight is a concern, you can remove material that is not required and refinish using a lightweight finish like Danish Oil. If you like the original lines on the stock but want to reduce the weight, a patient hand and sand paper can do an excellent job of removing unnecessary weight while keeping the shape of the stock the same.
The first things to consider are the fit and finish, as you should take care of these two things together. The finish is really a personal preference of the builder/owner of the rifle. You could go the expensive route and perform a full restoration of the finish by stripping, sanding, staining (using an alcohol or water based stain only), and preserving... or you can strip the old finish and spray the stock down with different spray paints (or "Duracoat" or regular spray paint) to create a camouflage finish. Remember, making the stock more resistant to the elements is paramount - consider that when refinishing.
After you've refinished the stock, you should consider the fit between the barreled action and the stock. There are fortunately many ways to do this as well.
OPTION THREE: ATI MONTE CARLO STOCK
There are few synthetic stocks out there for the Mosin-Nagant but the ATI (Advanced Technology International) appears to be the standard and most common. To learn more, visit their website linked above. $69.99 for black, $99.99 for Mossy Oak New Breakup.
PROS:
O
PT
ION FOUR: RICHARDS "MICROFIT" STOCKS
The "Microfit" stocks are undoubtedly the super elite of the aftermarket Mosin-Nagant stocks that are available for purchase. They are crafted from absolutely beautiful laminated wood and are available for the Mosin-Nagant. If God carried a Mosin-Nagant sniper rifle on Z-Day, it would be in a Richards Microfit Stock. They are ridiculously expensive and do not come fitted or finished, and require extensive fitting to make work. Anywhere between $100 - $190 for the stock (depending on style chosen) plus $13 as the Mosin-Nagant is an "exotic" rifle stock that they do not keep stocked, plus finishing expenses. Does not include price of shipping or recoil pad installation.
PROS:
CONCLUSION
Remember, your imagination is really the limit to what you can do with a rifle stock as wood is fairly forgiving to work with (unless you're using power tools) and will typically do what you want it to. As with all things in life, budget dictates options and those who can spend are those who will have - but money does not equate performance in equivalent percentages. If you know what you're looking for, you can do everything yourself for a skeleton budget and hit all the points you need to hit.
OPTION ONE: FACTORY ORIGINAL STOCK
This is the least expensive route and requires the least amount of work, though it does leave a lot to be desired when the rifle is being used as a sniper/long-range tactical anti-zombie rifle. Fit and finish were often forsaken on wartime production models of the Mosin-Nagant, as the Soviets were more interested in producing massive quantities of rifles. Quality suffered because of this - though occasionally, you'll find a stock that is well-fitted to the rifle.
PROS:- Free (with rifle purchase)
- Reasonably durable
- Low maintenance - easy to clean and repair
- Metal butt plate (secondary use as weapon)
- Dog-collar sling accommodation
- Cleaning rod accommodation
- Barrel is usually not floated
- Factory shellac finish isn't durable
- Metal butt plate (sucks for absorbing recoil)
- Finish is not resistant to elements
- Cheek weld is typically poor
- Stock length is very short
OPTION TWO: MODIFIED FACTORY STOCKThis can be very inexpensive with mild refinishing work and no accessories added, or it can be time consuming and the most expensive route of them all - especially if you send the rifle to a gunsmith to have the stock reworked. However, the advantage of modifying the factory stock is that you don't have to pay any extra for the sample to work on, you only have to pay for additions made to it.
Consider the CONS of the factory original stock as points to address with your modifying work. Make the stock meet your personal requirements or your own ideas for your rifle project. If weight is a concern, you can remove material that is not required and refinish using a lightweight finish like Danish Oil. If you like the original lines on the stock but want to reduce the weight, a patient hand and sand paper can do an excellent job of removing unnecessary weight while keeping the shape of the stock the same.
The first things to consider are the fit and finish, as you should take care of these two things together. The finish is really a personal preference of the builder/owner of the rifle. You could go the expensive route and perform a full restoration of the finish by stripping, sanding, staining (using an alcohol or water based stain only), and preserving... or you can strip the old finish and spray the stock down with different spray paints (or "Duracoat" or regular spray paint) to create a camouflage finish. Remember, making the stock more resistant to the elements is paramount - consider that when refinishing.
STOCK REFINISHING VIDEOS
After you've refinished the stock, you should consider the fit between the barreled action and the stock. There are fortunately many ways to do this as well.
- Box o' Truth Action Bedding
- Box o' Truth "Corking"
- Some gun forum - skip straight to the "floating" part
OPTION THREE: ATI MONTE CARLO STOCK
There are few synthetic stocks out there for the Mosin-Nagant but the ATI (Advanced Technology International) appears to be the standard and most common. To learn more, visit their website linked above. $69.99 for black, $99.99 for Mossy Oak New Breakup.
PROS:- Weatherproof
- Raised cheek piece
- Recoil absorbing pad
- Checkering to improve grip
- Swivel studs for increased sling options (which can also be used for bipods)
- Drop-in installation
- $$$$$
- Heavier than factory wood stock
- Despite "drop-in" installation, bedding action still required
- Does not have "sniper" look - has "hunting" look
- Left handed shooters?
- Can only use "scout style" and ATI proprietary scope mount - cannot use side scope mount
OPTION FOUR: RICHARDS "MICROFIT" STOCKSThe "Microfit" stocks are undoubtedly the super elite of the aftermarket Mosin-Nagant stocks that are available for purchase. They are crafted from absolutely beautiful laminated wood and are available for the Mosin-Nagant. If God carried a Mosin-Nagant sniper rifle on Z-Day, it would be in a Richards Microfit Stock. They are ridiculously expensive and do not come fitted or finished, and require extensive fitting to make work. Anywhere between $100 - $190 for the stock (depending on style chosen) plus $13 as the Mosin-Nagant is an "exotic" rifle stock that they do not keep stocked, plus finishing expenses. Does not include price of shipping or recoil pad installation.
PROS:
- Absolutely beautiful
- Insane level of customization
- Many different styles to choose from
- $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
- 12 week wait while stock is made
- Installation is NOT "drop-in" - must be fitted to the rifle
- Serious sanding work required to make fit
- Stock must be sealed with "Tru-oil" or polyurethane
- No recoil pad - must pay extra
- Sling swivels must be installed by drilling
CONCLUSION
Remember, your imagination is really the limit to what you can do with a rifle stock as wood is fairly forgiving to work with (unless you're using power tools) and will typically do what you want it to. As with all things in life, budget dictates options and those who can spend are those who will have - but money does not equate performance in equivalent percentages. If you know what you're looking for, you can do everything yourself for a skeleton budget and hit all the points you need to hit.
(Yes, this is a modified factory Mosin-Nagant stock)
To Part 6 - Optics (Mounts and Scopes)
 LJ26's Weapons and Practical Skills Corner by (LJ126) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License. Based on a work at www.zombiesurvivalwiki.com. |
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| SteelDawn2011 | Your rifle | 9 | Jan 18 2011, 5:15 PM EST by Sharpie41 | ||
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Thread started: Jan 18 2011, 4:01 PM EST
Watch
Wow I really like what you have done to your rifle, I have the same weapon and if possible would like to know what you used for the stock for this, I know that part of it is factory, but the hand grip and the rear stock section is what- (furturisic).. cool..
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| seeker407 | a Bullpup stock option | 8 | Dec 30 2010, 11:55 PM EST by Frag-12 | ||
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Thread started: Dec 30 2010, 1:00 AM EST
Watch
dudes.... tired of the super long mosin nagant... check out this website:
http://cbrps.com/Products.html convert it to a cool looking bullpup! |
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| byates | Another stock option | 4 | Sep 19 2009, 3:01 PM EDT by byates | ||
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Thread started: Jun 6 2009, 12:19 PM EDT
Watch
Sarco has commercial stocks for $39.95. Just got one, will let you know how it works later.
http://www.sarcoinc.com/miscellaneous.html#stocks They are out of the Mauser stocks with blind magazine that is listed. Khukuri knives also. http://www.sarcoinc.com/bayo-kukris.html I ordered three of the BAY059. Could be fun. |
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