HS composite stock

[dennisj]

I have a Savage 12 action and barrel in a HS precision stock.

The stock it self is fine, but I would like to add to the forestock. The idea
being to give it a benchrest profile or to add an accessory rail to take a bipod.

Can anyone tell me if it is ok to use most fibreglass or epoxy products on the kevlar/carbon fibre mix?

Is it ok to machine the mix? It may be easier to machine the rail into the
fore end.

Thank you,
Dennis J

[Simon C]

Gday Dennis,

yes that will work. If you use a product like plastibond or the like, it will work nicely. That stuff can be tapped and machined. If you dont mind getting medieval with the HS stock by drilling a heap of holes in it to assist the bog material to key in that is. I have just done a heap oof remodelling to a laminated stock and used a variety of different bogs with good effect. I milled the slot for a standard access rail that allows me to fit a 3" plate to the forend. I have a harris bipod rail adapter for use with the bipod. Keeps it nice and versatile.

[RAVEN]

Hi dennisj
I have altered my HS stock I had to suit bags better
I used aluminium plate on the forend then fibre glassed it and machine to shape.
I can email some pics of the finished stock if you wish

Cheers
RB

[Woody_rod]

Try to stay away from polyester based mixes (like car bog or plastibond - sorry Simon), as polyesters will soak up moisture over the time you have the rifle (it is Hygroscopic), and you will probably end up having issues with it.

The aluminium plate and filler sounds like a good idea - try to stick to epoxy based fillers, such as; West System, Araldite (not the 5 minute stuff), and other similar filled epoxy systems. Talk to someone that either does timber boat building, or solid timber furniture, they will know the ins and outs of epoxies for this job.

I would probably not be drilling too many holes in the stock, especially if it has an external shell of carbon/kevlar. This can create entry points for moisture, and also possible weak points. Epoxy has a much greater bonding strength than polyester (and is not hygroscopic after curing), so you should have no probs sanding the paint (if there is any??) and applying the epoxy onto the surface where it needs to be.

If you need any specific advice, PM me.

I spent a number of years building carbon fibre aircraft and other weird stuff, so know a bit about this sort of thing.

[RAVEN]

I used west Epoxy
U can buy fillers that go with to make thicker consistency course and a fine worked well for me
Cheers
RB

[dennisj]

Thank you all for your help, I am glad I am not the only one that wants to
modify an existing stock.

Kind regards,
Dennis

[Simon C]

Gday Rod,

I didnt know that about plastibond. U learn something new everyday!!!