Over the years I have made alterations to just about every rifle stock I've ever owned . . . . !     This has been done, not to make them look more aesthetically pleasing, . . . although on rare occasions it turns out that way . . . but rather "because my Grandad told me too !"

Let's think about that for a minute.    You go to the store to buy a new jacket - or a new pair of shoes - you try them on in the store and if they don't fit, you look at another one - or pair !     You may even go to another store to sample a bigger selection until you find the ones that feel "just right". When acquiring a new or fresh rifle, your choice is somewhat more limited .... does the gun feel right when you bring it to the point . . . is the balance perfect . . . ?    Generally the answer is "Not bad" . . . but maybe if the pull was 3/4" shorter . . . or the drop 3/8" higher . . . . the butt could have a little more offset, maybe 1/4" thinner on the cheekpiece so the dominant eye falls naturally behind the rear sight with your head upright ???

Let's face it . . . those guns leaving the factory don't have the expertise of the master gunsmith behind them . . . . they weren't made specifically for you, like a 'Greener' or 'Holland and Holland', where the stockmaker measured you like an expert Savile Row tailor would fit you for a suit.     No - they were made for Mr Everyman - the average Joe !

Where does my Grandpa come into this ?    Almost 70 years ago he told me that unless the gun fit me . . . and me alone . . . I would never be able to shoot properly So, being an obedient little cuss, I took to whittling and sanding . . . well . . . we'll gloss over the obedient part !

So . . . when you acquire that shiny new rifle, think carefully about how it fits your face - your hands and arms - your body !     Then get out the old "pocket knife" . . . more often a plane, chisels and power sanders these days . . . and start whittling and re-finishing.     Sometimes you may even have to glue on a little extra wood to give it the shape and fit you desire.

Below are a few examples in my current collection that may give you some ideas !

Tatiana - The Russian Beauty . . . (Re-Contoured Izhmash Biathlon Basic)

     

The Fuzzy Bobcat . . . (Older T/C Silver Lynx with re-contoured T/C R.55 stock)

Butts - All Sizes and Shapes . . . Just Like People !

     

           

     

     

           

Knight Schuetzen . . . Prototype #1 of 6:     I custom built these back in the early 60's for NMLRA show and competition !