I am FINALLY super duper close to having a long time project (started in Jan 09) completed. The only things that need doing are the metal finish (I've decided on Birdsong Black-T) and a stock.

It's a Mexican Small Ring 98 with a #1 contoured Rock Creek 1-in-9" twisted tube finished at 22" and chambered in .257 Roberts.

I have an ok wood stock I could spend a bunch to get perfected, but after seeing Dirtfarmer's LR Swede in a McWoody the gears started turning.

I know I'd like a Sako Hunter McWoody, but if I like a slightly barrel-heavy feel to a rifle should I do edge or standard fill?

I'll have to send the barreled action to McMillan for custom inletting and it'll cost the same for this stock as for a Kimber Montana I know but I just gotta get this thing shooting!!

Let me know what those of you with experience would suggest,

Efw

Assuming they inlet the Sako Hunter for a 98, that ain't the stock I'd go for with a 'smallish' Mauser build.

I'd slap it in their Mark X stock and go Edge.

If it were me with that action-barrel-chambering combination and wanting a slight barrel-heavy feel, there is but one choice between the two stocks-Edge!

Sounds like a sweet build....

Happy Easter!!

Sounds like a nice rifle/build. I'd go edge since it's chambered in a low recoil cartridge and the barrel profile is screaming edge stock as well.

Can you get molded-in McWoody finish in Edge? I thought Edge was paint only.

Read again, slowly.

If you're gonna spend the money, might as well go edge.

The Edge comes with pillers installed. That alone is worth the cost, the 7-8 oz weight reduction is a bonus.

The standard stocks are generally exactly the same weight as wood. Unless the rifle were in a heavy recoiling rifle, or intended as a varmint/target rifle where the weight is needed I'd go Edge every time.

Thanks a lot guys I'm going to go edge and given Scott's suggestion rethinking the Sako Hunter styling. Gonna call McM and describe to them what has fit me well and see what they suggest. I think that Mark X looks like a good one.

Thanks again all!

Actually the pillars installed is worth $25.

Good call.

Holler if you want to head west a bit abs handle the Sako Hunter, though.

Don't forget that the Sako Compact is an option too. A small ring 98 and a #1 contour seem like a great match. Especially with edge fill.

Thanks again everybody.

Doing the Mark X stock Steelie suggested in Edge in McWoody! Because it's a custom I'm getting custom inlet there.

I'll let you guys know and post up pics when it's finally done. Prolly 6 months-ish?

Look at the Sako Compact also. Same stock with a shorter forend and no cheek piece.

I like the looks of that (though I prefer a cheek piece) but Rick said that they only inlet the Mark X for Mausers (even though I'm getting a custom inlet) so that is the only option I have.

Ordered it today; got the 6 month clock tickin' whew ha!!

McMillan will inlet most of their common Sako stocks for Mauser actions. I do not think the 75 series stocks will work. Here is a Sako Compact Edge with with a commercial FN98 and a Douglas #3. I sent McM my barrel action for inletting and they did a very nice job. Total invoice from McM was $703 including the return shipping of the barreled action.

FWIW they typically only do 100% drop-in for the Mark X / Interarms / Whitworth rifles and the Husqvarna 1640 series rifles. There may be others but as you found out they typically ask for the barreled action.

The Mark X is a great stock but there are other options if you know the right questions to ask. I had originally ordered a Mark X for the below rifle but changed to a Compact when I found out it was an option.

Here is my FN in a Sako Compact.



The Mark X is a fine stock also. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Ok straight from McM as passed to me through Rick. They used to forbid McWoody on edge, then it was allowed, now again due to weight it's not offered again so I ordered 3-color speckletone in brown, gray, and khaki.

Sako designs are available for Mausers so I ordered the Sako Compact.

I've got my S&Ks ordered and once they arrive it's off to Birdsong for Black T plating and on to McM for my 6 mon wait.

I'll let y'all know when she's together... can't wait to see how she shoots... and KILLS!!