Stabilizing rifle forend.

[Teutonic]

I am expecting a new custom walnut sporter type stock. To stabilize the forend I have thought about using a dremel to route out two columns in the forend. Then I would fill these with devcon liquid steel. What do you think about this idea?

[James Jones]

The Devcon will work but its not nearly as strong as a steel rod or the like. I get 1/4" titanium rods from E-bay , generaly around $15-$20 for 5-10 of them around 12" long. You can route a groove in the forend and bed the rod in their and that waill make it stiffer , but on a wood stock unless the barrel is very heavy you should be fine with .050" clearance for the free float. Wood is pretty strong and generaly doesen't flex that much , now the crappy "synthetic" stocks that major rifle makers are using now is a differant story.

[Teutonic]

Thanks for the advise, I will look into it.

[Teutonic]

Did exactly as you suggested. I purchased 4 12 inch long 1/4 round titanium rods. ($26, cost including S&H) I cut one to around 5 inches and bedded it in the forend. I put it deep of enough that it still had a 1/8 of clearance at the top. I was hesisitant to make it longer than 5 inches because of the needto put the rifle sling stud in the forend.

It turned out really well. I don't really know if the rod will help, but I like the thought of it being there.