I have one of the Howa Alpine with the Banner stock. I just changed to the hinged floor plate from the detachable magazine that was in it. My my problem is that the "plate" is binding up. Is it safe to sand on the stock or would it be better to try grinding on the metal to make it fit better?
You can shave the stock with a Dremel, file, sandpaper or whatever you want to use and should be fine. You might ding up the finish some of not careful so you might want to be careful. They are great stocks but sometimes need a little work.
What's it binding on? Is it sitting below flush?
I think the front corners are binding on the stock, and the "pivot" that it hinges on is hitting. I can get to open part way then it hits and wont open completely. Also cant get it to close back without loosening the action screws. I was afraid of messing something up if I sanded through the shell on the stock.
The "shell" on a Bansner is pretty thick, around 3/32" I'd say. And the action area doesn't have any foam fill to worry about exposing. You can either cut it down where it's hitting, use a sharp chisel or a very steady hand with a Dremel to keep from ruining the paint job, or rebed the bottom metal with a thin shim under the front. I would try putting a shim under the front and tighten everything back down to see how much needs to be removed.
Any suggestions on what to use for a shim?
A flat, round piece of metal with a hole in the center (i.e. a washer).
