Wood stock alternative for Contender Carbines.

[sculbert1]

I have a contender frame that is a dedicated carbine.  Right now it has the black "plastic" TC buttstock and forend on it.  I would like to replace it with something in wood that has a higher comb for scope use.  What's out there at a REASONABLE price?  I'd like some feedback on what some of you guys are using and how you like them.  Btw, the frame is an old style, not the new G2.

[Kurt L]

I don't have one yet,but I like the looks of the stinger stock by GUNSTOCKS INC. and they are a GBO sponsor.
It looks high for easy scope use and cost 107 bucks i think.Like I said I don't have one yet but would like one.
Not sure how to add the link to just click and go to the site sorry.

[Heavy C]

+1 on Gunstocks Inc.  You have to do the finish work yourself, but at least you get it exactly how you want it.  Both my Encores and one Contender carbine wear their stocks.  I got the stinger ambidextrous stocks.

[mtnjack]

Heavey C Any chance we could git pics,of the old tender.I am about to order tiger maple stock for my .17 mach 2. How much work to fit it?? I am in the wood bussiness so looking forward to the project. Is there a way to use hanger bar or do you use other wise? Mine is a heavy 23 inch and will be for small game. Mtn Jack

[sculbert1]

I had looked at those and really liked them.  I was just concerned about finishing the wood myself.  I was leaning towards the laminated wood stinger on their site.  What type of finishing is required on the laminated stocks?  Do you have to stain/seal them or what?

[Heavy C]

Heavey C Any chance we could git pics,of the old tender.I am about to order tiger maple stock for my .17 mach 2. How much work to fit it?? I am in the wood bussiness so looking forward to the project. Is there a way to use hanger bar or do you use other wise? Mine is a heavy 23 inch and will be for small game. Mtn Jack

Sorry Mtnjack I don't have pix.  My digital is out of commission.  As far as the butt stock goes there was no fitting involved.  Externally there was a fair amount of sanding involved to get rid of some of the extra woold he leaves.  He also leaves the barrel channel shallow so you can get a truly custom fit.  I don't use the hanger bar just the standard screws to attach.  If you have something specific in mind I would call Ed.  He is a really good guy and easy to work with.  For a finish I used a combination of True Oil and linspeed (sp?) oil.  The combination really brought out the color in the laminate stocks and resulted in a nice satin finish.

Sculbert1:  you don't have to stain, but you would definitely want to seal.  They have a set of instructions to finish their stocks that are really easy to follow.  The sanding is the hardest part in my opinion.  You'll start with a heavy grit to get rid of the excess wood faster and work your way down to a 220 grit.  IMO it's worth the work you put into it because you have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.  I can't stand super glossy finishes on my hunting guns so this way I can get the finish exactly how I like it.

[Kurt L]

Heavy C.
Can you tell us if the stinger is as it looks as it looks high and that it would work real good for shooting with a scope compared to the factory stock.

[Heavy C]

Although it looks high it makes for a real nice cheek weld for utilizing a scope.  Remember, you can sand that down for a truly custom fit.  My Encore (6mm) and my Contender utilize medium rings and the Encore (30-06 AI) uses high rings because a went with a larger objective on that scope.

[David D.]

Gunstocks Inc. Encore Stinger stock with finger groove forearm. I cut the finger grooves into the grip and did the finish. I have done over 100 stocks this way

[stoutstuff]

Gunstocks Inc.  My first try. Wasn't all that difficult. 23" 204 Ruger with 4X16 Mueller Tactical. Ed suggested this stock as it has a higher comb than factory.