I have that exact stock on my F/TR rifle. LOVE IT !!! I differ with CharlieNC in the use of a flat bottom butt stock. I started with a Choate Tactical stock and always struggled to get the rifle back to where I wanted it after the shot. My range has a less than desirable firing line, not level in any direction. I found myself constantly screwing on the elevation knob of my Sinclair F class bipod. That in turn caused the adjustment mechanism to develop a lot of slop. Sinclair made good on it and replaced it N/C. Now, since buying the Richard's stock, I leave the adjuster turned all the way down, don't even use it. You can save some $$$ by not buying the adjustable bipod if you're going with the wood angled stock. After the shot I now just put a little shoulder into the rifle and it returns to exactly where I want it. It slides nicely on the bipod skis, and you can still squeeze the bag for fine adjustments. I couldn't be happier with my decision to build the Richards Microfit stock.
On the stock, I had only minor work to do. The high cheekpiece was too high to allow for bolt removal. You'll need to sand it down some. I sanded front to rear with emphasis on the front, actually taking zero off the rear. It's so gradual nobody can notice. Next I had to dremel a tiny bit to get the bottom metal to fit (mine's a DBM) Lastly I had to dremel a tiny bit from the inletting to allow the sear to depress far enough for bolt removal. Install pillars and bed it. All in all, it was very little work and I'm very pleased with the stock.
My total weight of rifle with a 6-24x50 Viper scope and sunshade, 1" Shilen bull barrel, and Sinclair F Class bipod is 17.4. I was sweating that when one day our match director decided to weigh rifles! I'm glad he did, now I know.
A few things are in question.
- Is there a benefit/need for a rail on the underside of the forearm to attach the bipod to?
....my Choate had one, but I always put the bipod in the same place anyway. So...no.
- What width forearm should a good F-T/R stock have?
....I went with the 3" because I wanted the lower profile, but not too wide. I love it.
- I see some people using a thumbhole stock but I have never used one. Is there an advantage to this over a conventional prone stock when shooting F-Class?
....personal preference. I don't think there's an advantage or disadvantage.
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