Centerfeed action in a staggerfeed stock... issues? (Medalist)

[clintsrv]

That should be an awesome rifle when you're finished.
Tagging this for pics.

[Inebriated]

That should be an awesome rifle when you're finished.
Tagging this for pics.

Thank ya sir, I'm really looking forward to it. Apparently I got the only one Midway had, because after I ordered, it went out of stock. But, it shipped today, and if all goes as planned, and I can find a good lower-energy white tail load, this will become my "once and for all" hunting rifle.

[jpdown]

[QUOTE=Inebriated;332767"this will become my "once and for all" hunting rifle."[/QUOTE]

Famous last words! You've been infected with Savage fever.

[Inebriated]

Famous last words! You've been infected with Savage fever.

Heh, I've had the Savage bug for years, I just really want to downsize a bit. If I can work down to one or two bolt guns and a pile of ammo for them, I'll be happy.

[Inebriated]

Alright, so I still haven't milled out the area for the magazine retainer, or installed the trigger guard screw, but I did fit it elsewhere.

Opened the channel until I could slide a dollar bill, removed some of the "shelf" under the trigger, which was pressing on it and locking it out. Opened up the bolt handle slot, as it was just a hair tight, and for good measure, dropped it on the patio before it ever even got mounted because I'm an ape. So, the first knick is in, and it handled it well. Overall, I am in love. The thing feels solid, and it's rigid as could be in-hand (slight flex if forced)... I like my laminate and solid wood stocks, but this shames them. The wrist is the perfect diameter for me (a bit fat, which I like), the traction is good enough (I expected more), the cheek weld is fantastic, and the Pachmayr pad is, well.. a Pachmayr. I know it'll work well. Balance is good, they say the last couple inches of the butt is hollow, so you could add weight if you needed. I don't think I'll bother. It is head and shoulders better than the factory polymer stock, and while I had mild remorse for spending $300 on it, I absolutely see the value.

Truth be told, it has ruined everything else for me. I will be looking into making another one work on my other main hunting rifle, a 111 TH. It fit fine, but the bottom-release trigger guard needed some fitting, and there's a gap for the top-release lever. Other than that, it should work fine. So, I'll probably pick up a tan one for that rifle.

You can click for larger pictures, and I'll get some better ones soon. All I need now is to order the scope and mounts (Leupold FX-II 4x33), pick up a good whitetail/black bear load, and I've got this season's project done, maybe with a week or so to spare.

Before;

After;

And just to show the profile of the bottom and the cheek area;