1st Build, Stock selection

[jcmckinney1]

I looking for a good stock for my 7 Mag build. I have been looking at Manners and McMillan. Here is my issue. I have a high cheek bone so my eye rests lower than most people when I apply my cheek to the butt stock. Both Manners and McMillan have adjustable cheek rests but not sure of their reliability and if I really need one. Of the 2 manufacturers, what models would you recommend? Also, what bottom metal should I get?
Will be used mostly for hunting.
Action: Stiller Tac-300
Barrel: Obermeyer Remington Target: The Remington 40X target contour is manufactured with a taper of 0.012" per inch. It has an approximate diameter of 1.20" at the breech end of the taper and a diameter of 0.87" 28 inches from the breech end.

Been looking at:
Manners: MCS-TA, MCS-GAT, MCS-T3
McMillian: M40A-1 HTG

 

[grit]

All the stocks listed are great choices, great stocks. For the barrel contour, I'd choose the GAT. In fact, the GAT is my favorite stock.

The adjustable cheek pieces offered are quality and reliable. On my GAT I run a stock pack with a spacer to achieve proper cheek weld.

I also like Darrel Hollands stocks. I believe they are made by McMillan. Very nice handling stocks.

For bottom metal, HS Precision for a flush mount detachable mag system. Or a hinged floorplate and Wyatts extended box.

 

[rscott5028]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the ones listed above. It may just come down to personal preference.

I have a Manners MCS-T4A on my 6br. I like it a lot.

It would be nice if the cheek rest didn't require an allen wrench. It's adjusted for my son and we pretty much never change it though it's almost in the way for cleaning.

It's a very heavy, solid, and high quality stock with excellent fit for both the action and shooter. The stock itself would be a formidable weapon.

Mine's the M24 channel with a Bartlein 28" - 1.250" x 5.000" Straight, Taper to 0.940". The channel was a little tight. But, a piece of sand paper around a dowell got it just like I wanted with very little effort.

I'm using a Stiller TAC-30 for this rifle with the Stiller bottom metal that uses the AICS magazines and I have adapted both 5 and 10 round 308 mags to feed the little 6br rounds very nicely.

I saw a thread where someone complained that the magazine release was too exposed creating the potential for unexpectedly dropping a mag. I haven't found this to be a problem. ...just something to consider.

-- richard

 

[jcmckinney1]

With the Tac-300 long action, wiill the bolt be able to be removed for cleaning on the MCS-T4a?

 

[rscott5028]

With the Tac-300 long action, wiill the bolt be able to be removed for cleaning on the MCS-T4a?

I can remove mine on the TAC-30 short action. There's a notch for the bolt to enter. Mine doesn't get too close to the notch with the current height setting. So, I'd have to defer to someone with a long action.

I might even make myself a thumbscrew to replace the allen screw someday.

-- richard

 

[Outlaw6.0]

I observed a signature line on a forum today (can't remember who), it read something to the tune of: "Buy once, Buy right, Buy McMillan". I just received my Manners MCS-T5 (non adj as im a southpaw). As I already have a McMillan A5 on a rifle... after waiting 16wks on a non-inletted stock, I am not all that impressed, & yes I knit picked it...


In you case, with your setup & "eye height" I would think the non- adjustable stock would work just fine. As stated above, if you require a small change, a stock pack will work wonders & offer a stash'em spot as well

Grit was dead on, (happens a lot) about the DBM, I am running the HS DBM on my McMillan A5 (long action). These are well made DMBs, feeds great, snaps positively into place & doesn't stick out a country mile. Best part is the release, it doesn't have that ridiculous release lever sticking out in front of the trigger guard. IIRC the OAL of the HS is longer than the AI, making life for you WAY easier.

PS- With the Cheek piece of my McMillan (adjustable) notched, I CAN remove the bolt. The caveat being, the notch has to be properly cut, too small & your are going to be in a jam. Make sure your smith checks it first (ask me how I know)

 

[rscott5028]

I observed a signature line on a forum today (can't remember who), it read something to the tune of: "Buy once, Buy right, Buy McMillan". I just received my Manners MCS-T5 (non adj as im a southpaw). As I already have a McMillan A5 on a rifle... after waiting 16wks on a non-inletted stock, I am not all that impressed, & yes I knit picked it...


In you case, with your setup & "eye height" I would think the non- adjustable stock would work just fine. As stated above, if you require a small change, a stock pack will work wonders & offer a stash'em spot as well

Grit was dead on, (happens a lot) about the DBM, I am running the HS DBM on my McMillan A5 (long action). These are well made DMBs, feeds great, snaps positively into place & doesn't stick out a country mile. Best part is the release, it doesn't have that ridiculous release lever sticking out in front of the trigger guard. IIRC the OAL of the HS is longer than the AI, making life for you WAY easier.

PS- With the Cheek piece of my McMillan (adjustable) notched, I CAN remove the bolt. The caveat being, the notch has to be properly cut, too small & your are going to be in a jam. Make sure your smith checks it first (ask me how I know)

Outlaw -

I have zero complaints about the Stiller bottom metal and AICS mags. I actually like the magazine release for my own use. But, I can see how one might be able to drop a magazine by accident although I have played with it and have to really work to make that happen. Perhaps it'll loosen up with use?

I included that comment earlier because you were very vocal about it in another thread.

I have no experience with the HS bottom metal and mags. I can't tell squatt about the release or the magazine construction from their website. So, I'll be eager to see it first hand someday.

One of the things I especially like about the AICS magazines is that they disassemble easily and I was able to convert them to run 6br as a reliable repeater.

Either way, it's always best to listen to multiple perspectives and then handle the stuff personally if at all possible. If the OP has access to a 1k range. You'll likely see some of this gear showing up.

-- richard

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Richard, I do tend to be vocal about something I consider sub par (my .002 opinion) I do however run the same lever type release & AICS mags in a McRee Chassis. If I didn't take the time to explain why I prefer different I need to, it's only fair.

First point, as you all know I'm not very attracted to the look of the Uber tab sticking out (McRees, CDI etc) like a leper on on fashion week. It is cosmetic but......

Second, this is purely theoretic but well based. The mag release, on the models i've seen, is made of aluminum. The AICS mags are Steel(ish). I, among others, tend to feel the release tab will wear quickly rubbing against a sharp steel magazine. Best case, you end up with some aluminum shavings in your mag well. Worst case, after years of abuse (probably), the release will wear to the point of in-operability becoming too short to hold the mag at the proper height to feed. Realistic? Who knows.... Possible? Dern tootin....

If you intend to run AICS mags (I sure wish they were longer) take a LONG look at the APA (American Precision Arms) DBM Setup. Well built & includes one of the best looking (& functioning) mag releases I have ever seen. Seekins also makes a great DBM, although I think (sometimes) they run mags of their own design.

Richard, here is a picture of the HS DMB I'm running on a LA McMillan A5:

 

[rscott5028]

Not sure if I agree or disagree. I'm very happy with mine and have no concerns about reliability or wear. Then again, I'm not battling insurgents.

I will certainly have a look at the ones you suggested when I do my next build.

Thanks!
Richard

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Not sure if I agree or disagree. I'm very happy with mine and have no concerns about reliability or wear. Then again, I'm not battling insurgents.

, so true. My life does not depend upon it either as steel doesn't fight back very much! (unless I drop it on my toe).

Like I said, just .002 worth of opinion. Some experience based, some hypothetical.

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