Shortening A Stock In Production Class

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Last Post 23 March 2025
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Brad H posted this 22 March 2025

Hello All, I was wondering if one can shorten a rifle stock in Production Class. If I read the rules correctly shortening is not mentioned with regard to production class, but is allowed up to 1.5" in Hunter class. I also noticed that there was no mention of building up the stock for a cheek weld like foam wrap or the like. Thanks, Brad

benchrest-rules

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Bud Hyett posted this 23 March 2025

Strictly my opinion, follow the spirit of the rules.

The rules involve the chambering, crown, and bedding. The concept is any change that an be performed by a shooter with common hand tools in his shop is allowed, any change requiring a lathe or a mill is prohibited.

For a tall shooter, he can add a slip-on recoil pad that lengthens the stock while not changing the stock. Thus, the common practice of adding a recoil pad or even a rubber non-slip pad should be okay. How much the stock is shortened is immaterial. This can be done in the shop with hand tools. Plus a shooter may already have a Production Class rifle to which he added a recoil pad long before trying cast bullet competition.

Glass-bedding is allowed and is a home workshop operation. Crowning can be done with an electric drill, slotted head brass screw, and lapping compound. It's slow, but works well. Again a home workshop operation. (And I once owned a new Model 70 Varmint that was obviously crowned off-center.)

Both classes are considered "entry" classes to encourage competition. My thought is this stock shortening is allowed within the "home workshop" spirit of the rules.

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

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longhunter posted this 23 March 2025

Good common sense!

Jon

Jon Welda CW5 USA Ret.

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pat i posted this 23 March 2025

I'm with Bud on this but I don't make the rules. If it's allowed in hunter class it's only logical it's allowed in pro class. Building up a cheek weld might cause a problem but again I don't know. Hopefully someone from the board will find out and chime in.

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CBA Board

John Alexander posted this 23 March 2025

I am now just one of 18 CBA board members, but I don't think anyone will find objections with shortening or extending the buttstock. Noticeably changing the stock contour is not allowed so building up the comb could be considered changing the contour. I would think that flattening the forend would get you disqualified.

John