How to Lighten Laminate Rifles

Rifle stocks made of laminated wood are durable, long-lasting and attractive. However, they can also be quite heavy. Lightening a rifle stock by removing small amounts of wood can make a huge difference on a long hunt and can make it easier to quickly shift your aim. With care and precision, a laminated stock can be lightened without ruining its appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • Pencil
  • Painter's tape or contact paper
  • Router
  • Fine sand paper
  • Stain
  • Clear stock sealer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the stock from the rifle and remove the butt cap.

    • 2

      Drill two holes in the wood under the butt cap no more than one inch deep. There should be at least an inch and a half of wood in all directions around the holes.

    • 3

      Mark a series of horizontal lines the length of the rifle stock no more than a quarter of an inch wide and separated from one another by at least a quarter of an inch. Cover the area between these lines with painter's tape or contact paper. Make sure the lines are the same on both sides of the stock.

    • 4

      Route out the lines between the tape. The lines should be routed no deeper than a quarter of an inch, and should not penetrate more than a quarter of the way through the wood surrounding the barrel.

    • 5

      Sand the routed lines using fine sandpaper.

    • 6

      Stain the routed lines to match the rest of the stock. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly.

    • 7

      Seal the routed lines using a clear coat rated for rifle stocks.