First rifle build – how do I determine what barrel contours will fit my stock?
This is my first bolt gun build, and I’m trying to understand how barrel contours and stock barrel channels actually correlate.
I have a Manners MCS-NS that was ordered with a GAP #6 barrel contour inlet. I contacted Manners and they told me:
What I’m struggling with is figuring out what other barrel contours will actually fit this inlet.
For example, if I’m looking at a Bartlein, Proof, Brux, Krieger, etc., how do I determine whether a particular Sendero, Heavy Palma, M24, MTU, or other contour will fit?
Is there a specific set of measurements I should be comparing, such as:
- Shank diameter
- Shank length
- Diameter at specific distances from the breech
- Muzzle diameter
- Overall taper
Or is there some generally accepted cross-reference between manufacturers' contours?
I currently have a Proof Sendero that appears to contact the stock in a couple of places, which is what sent me down this rabbit hole. I originally assumed “Sendero” contours would be relatively standardized, but I’m learning that doesn’t seem to be the case.
I did read the Wiki section on barrel contours before posting, but it didn’t really have the information I’m looking for regarding how to compare different manufacturers' contours against an existing stock inlet.
Ultimately, I’m trying to understand how to look at a barrel contour drawing/spec sheet and say:
“Yes, this will fit my GAP #6 inlet,” or “No, this barrel is larger than the channel in this location.”
Any explanation of how you guys determine this when putting together a build would be appreciated. Again, this is my first build, so I’m trying to understand the process rather than just being told which one to buy.
I have searched the interweb in hopes of finding a barreled action in either Defiance/Impact/Lone Peak, but none of them seem to have that 6GAP contour on them.