Search queries for adding a butt extension, stock too short, how to increase stock length, diy stock addition, scope on short stock, taller users and scope, uncomfortable rifle handling, cutting off arms to suit scoped rifle.
Decided to create this simple do-it-yourself guide on how to extend the stock on a rifle as I couldn't find instructions in the forum. I had seen what Ace had done and quite liked the looks of it. The end result was better than expected, the thing is there firm and solid. This is a simple mod and 100% reversible (only two screws). The trick is cutting the wood but I was fortunate to have been given a table saw a few days prior to doing this. I suppose a jigsaw would work, along with some sanding but I'll leave it up to you to decide on your fave method. This was done to a Daisy 953 but should be similar to most rifles.
WHY EXTEND THE STOCK LENGTH?The addition of a scope will often force you to move your head towards the back of the rifle. For taller users this could be an uncomfortable, unnatural position, especially on a rifle that already has a short stock like the 953. Out of frustration I reached over for the handyman's second best friend, the cousin of the duct tape: electrical tape that can be removed easily without leaving glue behind. An old folded up pillow case gave me 5cm which was ideal for my arm length. It improved my accuracy as I was no longer uncomfortable holding the rifle. Helped with my breathing too, which is key for target shooting. I recommend experimenting with different lengths to see which works best for you, as 5cm may be too long. Having determined the right length that worked for me I set up to replicate what Ace had done.
MATERIAL LISTI improvised as I went along as I had nothing to base on aside from the pics posted by Ace. The wood came from a $6 birdhouse kit that I had bought from Rona and never used for the purpose. It's 1/4" thick which worked out great. It's very lightweight but strong and has a nice wood grain to it. Next on the list were the spacers. I had no idea what to use at first and scrounging around the house I came across an extra male electrical connector, a leftover project from my trailer. The sleeve that goes around the connector is a good looking chrome finish, strong and the right diameter. And best of all, the perfect length that didn't require cutting. Only having one I made a quick trip to B&E Electronics in south Calgary to buy another. Only $3.50 each and it comes in smaller sizes too. Most electronic stores should have these. Right next to it was Bold Supply where I found the 3" screws with the exact thread as the short stock ones. A buck for the pair. That's it, only 3 items needed.
- 3" screws to replace stock ones (next smaller size is 2.5")
- 2 spacers
- 1/4" wood
- drill
- table saw (or your choice for cutting the wood)
- sandpaper
- a very glittery pencil
GETTING TO WORK- Start by removing the two screws at the end of the stock. The butt plate will come right off.
- Place butt plate on top of the wood and trace lightly with a pencil. You get better results using one with lots of glitter (just don't be caught using it)
- Bring it to your table saw and slowly and gently mould it along the lines, ensuring you don't lose any fingers. I kept the blade just 3mm above the height of the wood. I took my time and ended up with a smooth, nicely curved piece that matches the butt plate perfectly. A jig saw may work too and may be safer. The only injury here was a nick to the wood in a moment of lapse of concentration. I didn't want to recut so left as is.
- Sandpaper the edges to make it smooth.
This takes care of first piece of wood, the wider one that goes against the stock. The next piece is a bit harder to do as I wanted for it to sit inside the contour of the butt plate. Why? Because if you decide to use the same size as the first then you have to carve the wood to compensate for the raised oval shape around the screws. I thought this would be harder to do than to cut the wood to fit inside that oval. It took me a couple of tries but it is in there firm. Of course a different rifle may require a different approach. In the case of the 953 I traced the oval shape with the very glittery pencil borrowed from my 5 year old and then guessed where to cut by drawing contour lines 3mm inside. An easier method could be to cut a piece of cardboard to fit, then use the cardboard as a stencil to cut the wood, but I like to do things the hard way.
The glitter laden pencil is the star of the project.
My wood cutting skills surprised me. The smaller wood piece sits in there perfectly and firmly, contributing to a more stable setup. Maybe I shouldn't be too proud of my cutting skills. That nick shouldn't be there. But at least I still have my trigger finger (yes, seen first-hand what table saws can do to fingers)
Once I had this smaller piece cut and inserted it in the butt plate I drilled the screw holes. Placed the other, larger piece flush with the butt plate and drilled again. This ensured a perfect hole alignment. No carpet was harmed during the drilling.
Then I carved the "moat" in order to better fit the spacers. This is the part I struggled with a bit and it wasn't a perfect fit, looking kinda poor. Something I may have to redo later on as I hate to see the rough cut around the spacers. I made it 2mm deep and the spacers sit nicely.
The protagonists (minus the glittery pencil as it was causing my eye to hurt and my manhood to be questioned)
It's a great feeling when all fits together nicely. can't get over how nice the wood cut was. And I have very limited table saw experience (this was my first non-straight cut, first ever carving, something I didn't know table saws could do till I had the bright idea to try it)
The end result: $8 project that is sure to save me big in place of repeated trips to a massage therapist. My neck no longer hurts as I contort it in order to find the proper eye relief. My accuracy with the scope has improved. And best of all, this rifle only fits me so no one else in the house gets to touch it.
Debating whether to paint the wood black or at least varnish them. As long as you hold on to the stock screws it would only take a minute to revert it back to stock. As stated above, 5cm may be too long for some, so ensure you try out what works for you. If you follow this guide, please post pics of your setup. I have 2 other rifles I may do the same to and would like to get inspiration from you (hopefully 10 fingered) fine folks.
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