July 15, 2016, 03:58 AM
Da-Law-DawgRear grip redoux.......
Recently got a "new to me" rear grip in the shop here in 6BR. Now, most have a rear grip in about every sort of configuration out there. This one really wasn't any different on outwards appearance at first look, sat in an "ORANGE", I mean ORANGE rear grip McMillan stock. Was a center grip, single shot converted to rear grip, to include a rear grip style bolt and what appeared to be a Remington "Walker" trigger to round the action out. Was told she wore a 10 twist Shilen tube chambered in 6BR.Aside from the color of the stock, I was impressed how well the 15 1/2" tubed XP felt in hand. I thought, "boy howdy, this'll make a great walking varmint rig". I tore her down to take a closer look at the action, that's when I spied, with my little eye, where the difference was. This XP had been given an integral lug where the forward action screw was located. I thought to myself that this was a pretty slick concept. No need for a recoil lug, forward of the receiver and making a switch barrel would be cake.
The lug needed a bit of TLC to clean her up and the receiver needed smoothing out in a few places, she was showing her age a bit. I cleaned up the lug area, smoothed over the receiver and cleaned her up.
Here's a pic of the receiver after we got her cleaned up......
A better look at the integral lug from the belly......
Next, the bbl got polished out and I blasted the action and gave her a coat of graphite black Cerakote. The bolt body got polished as well and handle and shroud were coated same as the receiver......
Next, I took a new McMillan rear grip stock in Green and White marble and set to work on her. I milled the stock for the integral lug first. I then cut a set of pillars, rear first tapped 10-32 to replace the oddball, smaller factory screw. I left her .025" proud to insure good bedding space for the stock. Next I cut the front pillar. I gave her a 1/2" boss to inlet into the stock with a 3/8" shank to make contact with the lug up front. Again, left it .025" proud as well to insure good bedding, plus the size of the forward pillar gives her plenty of meat up front as to support the action. Lastly, I turned a pillar for a bipod stud for the stock. The forward pillar was given a 1/2" shoulder to anchor her in the stock with a 1/4" shank that extends to flush with the forend. This insures the entire shank of the bipod stud is supported metal on metal.
Here's the stock with the pillars in place before bedding with the lug recess......
Bottom side view, note the bipod pillar out front.......
Next came the bedding. I bedded the barreled action before I left for work. She sat for a solid 8-9 hours and I popped her out the following morning. After a nap, I sat her in the mill and cleaned up the bedding.
Here she is before assembly.......
After assembly, I really liked the outcome. With the 4x16 Weaver V-Classic, she has a nice heft, but feels really good in hand.
Have several rounds loaded up with 70gr Nosler BT's to give a whirl here before long. I'm thinking I'm gonna like this little rig.........
one of these days hopefully.
