how to fit an oversized barrel in a standard stock

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you dive into this project, it’s essential to have everything you need readily available. Having the right tools and materials will make the process smoother and safer, and will also contribute to a better overall result. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to get the job done right.

Tools

You’ll need a few essential tools to modify the stock and ensure a snug fit for the oversized barrel. Here’s a breakdown:

Materials

Stock Finish (optional)

If you plan to refinish the stock after inletting the barrel, gather the necessary materials like sandpaper, stain, and sealant.

Wood Filler (optional)

Have some wood filler on hand for minor gaps or imperfections that may appear during the inletting process.

Barrel Bedding Compound (optional)

While not strictly necessary, bedding the barrel can enhance accuracy and stability. If you choose to bed the barrel, ensure you have the appropriate bedding compound and release agent.

Re-barreling the Action with the Modified Barrel

So, you’ve got yourself a spankin’ new barrel that’s a bit too chunky for your standard stock. Don’t worry, this is a pretty common scenario, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your rifle’s accuracy or switch calibers. While it might seem daunting, fitting an oversized barrel into a standard stock is totally doable with a bit of patience and the right tools. This essentially involves carefully removing material from the barrel channel of the stock to accommodate the larger barrel diameter. Let’s dive into the process.

7. Final Fitting and Finishing

Now comes the rewarding part – final fitting and finishing! With the bulk of the material removed, it’s time to fine-tune the fit. Carefully insert the barreled action into the stock. It should slide in smoothly but with a snug fit. There shouldn’t be any excessive play or wobble. If it’s still a bit tight, don’t force it! Identify the tight spots by looking for areas where the wood is contacting the barrel. Use your inletting black to mark these areas and then remove very small amounts of wood with your sandpaper or your fine-cut file. Remember, patience is key here – you’re aiming for a perfect marriage between the barrel and the stock.

Once you’ve achieved a snug but comfortable fit, it’s time to focus on the finer details. Check for any sharp edges or rough spots in the barrel channel. Smooth these out with fine-grit sandpaper. You want a smooth, even surface to prevent any pressure points on the barrel, which can affect accuracy. This is also a good time to address any aesthetic concerns. If you’ve accidentally scratched or marred the exterior of the stock during the inletting process, now’s the time to repair those blemishes.

Finally, protect your hard work with a good finish. A quality stock finish not only enhances the appearance of the stock but also protects it from moisture and wear. Depending on the type of stock and your personal preference, you can use a variety of finishes, from traditional oil finishes to modern polyurethane coatings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results.

Recommended Tools for Final Fitting

With a little bit of elbow grease and attention to detail, you can successfully fit that oversized barrel into your standard stock. The result will be a rifle that not only looks great but also performs at its best.

Checking for Proper Fit and Function

Once you’ve nestled your oversized barrel into your stock, it’s crucial to ensure everything fits snugly and functions as expected. A poorly fitted barrel can negatively impact accuracy, and in extreme cases, create safety hazards. So, let’s delve into the key areas to examine.

Visual Inspection

Begin with a thorough visual inspection. Look for any gaps or uneven contact between the barrel and the channel. Pay close attention to the area around the recoil lug, if your rifle uses one. The recoil lug should be making firm, even contact with the corresponding recess in the stock. Any gaps here will significantly affect accuracy and could damage the stock under recoil.

Barrel Channel Clearance

Next, check the barrel channel clearance. This is the space between the barrel and the stock. Ideally, you want enough clearance to prevent contact, but not so much that the barrel is “floating” excessively. A slight gap, often referred to as “free-floating,” allows the barrel to vibrate consistently without interference from the stock, improving accuracy. You can use feeler gauges to accurately measure this gap. A common target is around .010" to .015" of clearance, but the ideal amount can vary depending on the rifle and its intended use. Too little clearance, and the stock will contact the barrel under pressure or temperature changes, impacting accuracy. Too much clearance can lead to instability and decreased accuracy.

Action Screws Torque

Properly torquing the action screws is essential for a secure and consistent fit. Uneven or insufficient torque can lead to shifting and movement between the action and the stock, negatively impacting accuracy and potentially causing damage. Consult your rifle’s manufacturer for the recommended torque specifications and use a quality torque wrench to achieve the correct settings. Don’t overtighten, as this can strip screws or warp the stock. Tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.

Headspace Check (Critical!)

Whenever you modify a rifle’s components, especially those related to the barrel and action, you *must* verify proper headspace. Incorrect headspace can create dangerous situations. Headspace refers to the distance between the bolt face and the base of a chambered cartridge. If the headspace is too tight or too loose, it can lead to misfires, case ruptures, and other serious malfunctions. Checking headspace requires specialized gauges and is best performed by a qualified gunsmith. Do *not* skip this step!

Function Test - Dry Firing

With the action screws properly torqued and headspace verified, you can proceed to a function test. Start with dry firing. Ensure the bolt cycles smoothly and the trigger breaks cleanly. Pay attention to any unusual sounds or resistance. This is a good opportunity to check for any binding or interference between the moving parts and the stock.

Test Fire with Dummy Rounds

Before using live ammunition, test fire with dummy rounds. This will help you identify any feeding or extraction issues without the risks associated with live fire. Cycle several dummy rounds through the magazine and action, observing how they feed, chamber, and extract.

Live Fire Testing and Evaluation

Finally, it’s time for live fire testing at a safe shooting range. Start with a few rounds to confirm functionality and accuracy. Gradually increase the number of rounds fired, observing for any signs of issues. Check the barrel channel for any signs of contact or rubbing. Monitor the rifle’s accuracy and consistency. If you encounter any problems, stop shooting immediately and consult a gunsmith.

Accuracy and Point of Impact Shift

A new barrel, even when properly fitted, can sometimes shift the rifle’s point of impact. Be prepared to re-zero your sights or scope after installing the new barrel. Also, be aware that barrel break-in procedures may be necessary to achieve optimal accuracy with your new barrel. Refer to the barrel manufacturer’s recommendations for break-in procedures.

Final Finishing and Stock Refinements

After the painstaking process of inletting your oversized barrel into your standard stock, you’re in the home stretch. This is where your hard work truly shines, as you transition from a roughly fitted action and barrel to a refined, finished firearm. This stage involves final sanding, sealing, and finishing to achieve both a beautiful appearance and a protective layer for your stock.

9. Final Sanding and Sealing

Now that the barrel channel is perfectly fitted, it’s time to focus on the final sanding and sealing of the stock. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish. Start by inspecting the entire stock for any remaining tool marks, scratches, or imperfections. Use progressively finer grits of sandpaper, starting around 180 grit and working your way up to at least 320 grit, or even finer if you prefer a highly polished finish. Remember to sand with the grain of the wood to avoid creating unsightly scratches. Pay particular attention to areas around the barrel channel, the receiver tang, and the buttstock, ensuring a seamless transition between these components and the wood. A light touch is key here – you’re aiming to smooth out imperfections, not reshape the stock.

Once you’re satisfied with the smoothness of the stock, it’s time to apply a sealer. A good sealer will penetrate the wood pores, preventing moisture from entering and causing warping or swelling. It also creates a uniform base for the final finish, ensuring an even color and sheen. Several types of sealers are available, including oil-based sealers, polyurethane sealers, and lacquer-based sealers. Your choice will depend on the type of wood, the desired finish, and your personal preference. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically using a clean cloth or brush. Allow ample drying time between coats, and lightly sand with very fine grit sandpaper (400 or higher) between each coat to remove any raised grain or imperfections. This process might require multiple coats, so patience is key.

Choosing the Right Finish

Selecting the right finish is a matter of personal preference and the type of look you’re trying to achieve. Here’s a breakdown of some common options:

After the sealer has fully cured, apply your chosen finish in thin, even coats, allowing ample drying time between each application. Lightly sand between coats with very fine sandpaper. This meticulous approach will reward you with a beautifully finished stock that complements your precisely inleted oversized barrel.