M14 Forum banner

Range Report - M1Army Hardened Big Red Stock - Build

3K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  M1Army 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi Everyone,

I have been working on a Hardened Big Red Stock refinishing project and posted all of the details over on the "Stock Forum" if you would like more details on the stock [see link below].

http://m14forum.com/stock/185164-m1army-hardened-big-red-project.html

This post is my first Range Report for the M1Army - Hardened Big Red Stock - and my just finished JRA build that I just completed for this stock. I will list more information on the build below, however the original reason for developing this stock was to use a USGI stock that would be nearly indestructible for Hunting or any other mission you might have that would expose your rifle and stock to tough conditions. I also thought that by using a Big Red that is already stiff, hardening it and having the ability to bed your receiver to this stock if you wanted -> this stock could also be an excellent long range stock?

First - a BIG Thank You - to "Doug Carlton" - AKA Wade for hosting me at the Georgia Gun Club. This range is a must visit for those that live in the greater Atlanta area and I was treated to the 100 yard indoor range for my initial shooting.

The Build - All parts were procured on our own PX for this build - and I will say many at a Bargain. Many thanks to Jeff42899 for many of the key parts and particularly the new production BULA/JRA parts.

Build Details:
* Receiver - JRA Forged
* Barrel - BULA/JRA - 19.25" standard profile chrome lined
* Bolt - BULA/JRA
* Bolt Guts - All BULA/JRA new production parts - worked beautifully
* USGI Gas System - BULA/JRA - Nitrated Gas Piston
* LRB - M14E2 Type Muzzle Break
* Rear Sights - USGI
* Op Rod - USGI Winchester
* Op Rod Spring Guide - Saklak National Match with Tubbs Spring
* Trigger Group - Mixed USGI - Tubbs Hammer Spring
* All other small parts - USGI
* Scope/Glass - Nikon 4x12x40 BDE
* Mount - Basset Low Picatinny
* Scope Rings - Weaver 6 hole tactical rings
* Stock & Handguard - M1Army Hardened Big Red - 3 Color Gap Camo Pattern with Aluma Hyde II Expoxy
* Sling - USGI Cotton

Range & Ammo:
* Georgia Gun Club - 100 yard indoor Range
* Conditions - Amazing - AC, Excellent lighting and fantastic equipment
* Shooting Position - Off the bench using sand bags
* Ammo - American Eagle 7.62 x 51 168 grain OTM [I did not have my reloads done so decided to use this commercial ammo].

Comments:

I had JRA Screw the Barrel to the receiver and headspace the BULA bolt. I assembled the remainder of the build with parts procured from our own PX. Thanks Tony Ben for the great videos again [I always use the videos when I am assembling].

I completed the build and performed all functional checks. I bore sighted the scope in my shop and headed for the range.

Here is a picture of the completed build in the Hardened Big Red Stock. My lighting in my shop where I photograph all my stocks make the stock look a bit shinny in places but THIS IS NOT THE CASE - It has a nice matte finish.



Here is a picture of the 1st and 2nd Hardened Big Reds I have finished:



I got to the range and took a quick couple of shots at 25 yards just to confirm my bore sighting. Next I moved to 50 yards and made a few windage and elevation adjustments to get to ~3/4 low at 50 yards. Next - I moved to 100 yards and did the rest of my adjustments and shooting at 100 Yards.

The rifle shot beautifully, I had NO Failure to Fires! The stock felt great and I quickly was shooting some really nice Groups after getting the scope dialed in and breaking in the barrel a bit. I have to say over the past two years [I have been working on so many stocks and other rifles] my marksmenship skills were rusty. I felt like the rifle was performing perfectly, but I was not making the good shots. After shooting about 30 rounds and working on my shooting skills a bit - I shot some really nice groups.

The best 100 yard group I shot is shown below and measured at 1.073 with the American Eagle Factory Ammo. Below is a pic of the target.



I am very happy with the build and the initial results using the hardened stock. I wish I had more time at the range, but my daughter was getting married in the evening and I had to leave the range after putting about 50 rounds down range. I will post more updates as I move through the 2015/2016 hunting season, but my initial results were excellent. I am considering bedding the receiver to the stock in the near future.

This has been a fun project [both the stock and the parts for the build] and you can put a nice rifle together if you really watch for good buys.

Thanks, M1Army
 
See less See more
3
#3 ·
It looks great M1Army. With pictures, plus a good description of parts break down and a range report all in one post...

DI5
 
#4 ·
Very nice build and shootin'! Thanks for sharing that excellent report M1Army.
 
#8 ·
I have had a number of PM's asking if I have any weight comparisons to standard Big Red Stocks?

Not yet but I will be doing that soon an will post the results!

I know Wade was surprised that the stock was not as heavy as he thought it might be based on the pictures.

M1Army
 
#11 ·
I will included a link to the Big Red Hardened Stock project below, however, it is basically taking an already stiff Big Red - [USGI -> Winchester or H. Sacks & Sons] stock and coating & texturing the stock with Marine-Tex including the handguard and the inside of the forearm. This makes an already stiff stock Very Rigid and more importantly for me almost indestructible if you want an all purpose stock that could be used for hunting or any application that would expose your stock/weapon to adverse conditions. In addition, since a Big Red is already thicker in the receiver area [this is a perfect candidate for bedding] which could be an excellent long range stock as well. It is a different concept for sure, but if you want an all purpose USGI stock that is tough as nails for certain uses this just may be an option.

The stock is Rigid but the texture is sanded to give you an awesome grip in all conditions. I spend a little more time sanding the wrist and shooter side of the butt stock for comfort.

Here is the link of how and why I decided to go down this path.

http://m14forum.com/stock/185164-m1army-hardened-big-red-project.html

M1Army
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top