How to Route Barrel Channel in Stock

Gunstocks were traditionally made by hand from wood. Some of these stocks are elaborately decorated, and a work of art all their own. Though composite and fiberglass stocks are used as of 2011, traditional wood stocks are still produced. Making a wood stock to fit a specific firearm takes precision skill for the barrel and action to seat properly into the wood. A barrel channel must be cut precisely in the stock or the firearm does not perform accurately.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood rasp
  • Barrel channeling tool (corresponding to your barrel dimensions)
  • Vise
  • 120-grit sandpaper
  • Cylindrical form (tapered dowel rod)
  • 400-grit sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the circumference and length of the barrel. Measure again to double-check your measurements.

    • 2

      Secure the wood in a vise. Cut the rough channel out of the wood stock using a wood rasp or a fitting barrel channeling tool corresponding to your measurements.

    • 3

      Set the barrel into the channel to check for a fit. Notice the barrel does not fit very well at this point, as this is just the rough part of the job. Note any bumps or high spots inside the channel, and any areas that need to be smoothed out. Mark these points using a marker.

    • 4

      Wrap 120-grit sandpaper around a cylindrical form. A thick tapered-end dowel rod is ideal for this step.

    • 5

      Sand down the channel using the sandpaper and form. Periodically insert the barrel and check your work as you sand down the wood. Continue sanding corresponding to the contour of the barrel.

    • 6

      Finish off the wood using 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out the channel. When you're finished, the barrel and action should drop easily in the stock with no tension or high spots in the channel.