Having a barrel channel opened on a wooden stock?

[Elkwonder]

I am wanting a Kimber 35 Whelen or 338-06 bad....SO, I am thinking about grabbing a donor gun and having it re-barreled to one of these calibers. I can get an 06 or 270 anywhere, but i think I would like to go up a barrel contour. Will most gunsmiths that
re-barrel actions also open up the barrel channel if I go to a heavier contour? Since the montana has a foam core I wouldn't go that route as I wouldn't want to chance getting into the foam on the opening up of the barrel channel, SO I would just go with a Walnut stock. Is this something that a normal gunsmith would do as they re-barrel the gun, or do they not mess that? Thanks

 

[J E Custom]

I am wanting a Kimber 35 Whelen or 338-06 bad....SO, I am thinking about grabbing a donor gun and having it re-barreled to one of these calibers. I can get an 06 or 270 anywhere, but i think I would like to go up a barrel contour. Will most gunsmiths that
re-barrel actions also open up the barrel channel if I go to a heavier contour? Since the montana has a foam core I wouldn't go that route as I wouldn't want to chance getting into the foam on the opening up of the barrel channel, SO I would just go with a Walnut stock. Is this something that a normal gunsmith would do as they re-barrel the gun, or do they not mess that? Thanks

It is common to have to open up a stock for a larger barrel or just a better fit.

Some of the composite stock can be opened up some but care has to be taken not to exceed the limits of the core and weaken the stock.

Walnut stocks can be opened to a point also, as long as you don't thin the fore arm to the point of
less than 3/32 on the top edge it will look ok. if you are going to increase the barrel size more than one or two sizes a varmint weight stock is recommended.

Varmint or target Laminates are the strongest and the easiest to open up without weakening to much and would be my recommendation if going to a very heavy contour.

If you want to go up one size you will be alright with most any stock.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Elkwonder]

do you think the montana stock could be opened up one larger contour size?