Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Hollowing butt on laminated stock to lighten/shift balance- anyone done this?

CAS
I would think it would keep it tracking in the pilot... But how would you keep the pilot straight? At some point the whole issue comes down to drilling a hole in stuff that has uneven hardness, distinct grainflow that creates differential pressures on the bit and so on...

I just take it slow with a very sharp series of auger bits and measure often...
art

One other thing... I assume you caught the part where I step down in size as I go deeper? That makes it easier to redirect the bit as you can angle the stock in the proper direction with the little clearance provided by the smaller auger...

In a pinch a section of heavy gauge hard wire bent into a "U" with tips turned together makes a wall thickness gauge... Use it often.
art

Thanks all, sounds very doable for those having the tools, patience, and some common sense. Not looking to make an 'ultra-light' as I prefer some heft for steady aiming, but balance could be improved I am sure.

Perhaps lam stocks in the future may be mfg lighter if production costs can be held down, and/or recouped. I like the feel of wood/lam, but prefer lam strength....w/o weight mind you. Great info here guys thanks.

Removing weight from the butt of a factory rifle is almost guaranteed to improve the way it hangs at the shoulder...