Scope / Stock Compatability on Handi-Rifles

[jeffcneal]

I've never used optics in my life, but now I'm wanting to scope a Handi 243 Win. and a Sporter.  Both are wearing the Choate conventional adult stock without a cheek comb.  Is it really necessary to replace the furniture with a Monte Carlo piece?  Thanks in advance.
 
regards,
Jeff

[quickdtoo]

Some members like the standard low comb stocks for scoped Handis, just depends on how low the scope is mounted and your anatomy and how good a cheek weld you can get. I've used em without any problems, have also used MC stocks with peep sights with no problems, give it a try and see how it works, you can always swap em out later if needed.

Tim

[cnctech]

If you select a scope with an objective bell of 40-50mm I'd recommend the MC stock.  Most scopes with a smaller bell could be mounted lower and be usable with the straight stock.  My rifle has a 3-9x40 in high rings.  It looks pretty high on the gun but aligns with the eye perfectly and clears the hammer well.

[quickdtoo]

If you select a scope with an objective bell of 40-50mm I'd recommend the MC stock. 

Objective size is very rarely an issue due to the height of the chamber swell and base above the barrel, I've mounted 50mm-56mm scopes in medium rings with no problems, however hammer clearance is critical at the ocular bell, scopes with large power rings/ocular bells will require higher mounts than Handi friendly scopes that have smaller rear parts. If the scope chosen has to be mounted high to clear the hammer, you can expect to have cheek weld issues even with a MC stock. 

Tim

[jeffcneal]

quickdtoo and cnctech:
 
My sincere thanks to both of you gentlemen for your quick replys and photo.  At present, I'm thinking of going with small bells and a Talley mount with the low-comb stock and adding the hammer extension.  Glass will be Leopold unless anyone knows of a reason it should'nt be [...I'm a "Made In U.S.A." kind of gun guy except for my CCW Rossi...]. 
 
Please understand that I have NO experience with scopes whatsoever.  Any and all advice is appreciated.  I'm also prone to dumb questions , so please feel free to correct me if any of my plans are way off. 
 
regards,
Jeff

[quickdtoo]

You shouldn't have any problems with Leupold scopes due their Handi friendly size and ease of mounting low, I use low or medium rings on most of mine, and even mill the base down to get them even lower for use with a low profile hammer(FAQs). The bottom two rifles work fine with scopes and low comb shotgun style(TDC) stocks.

Tim

[jeffcneal]

quickdtoo:
 
Pictures ARE worth 1,000 words!  Thank you very much, now I know which way to go.
 
regards,
Jeff
 
 

[quickdtoo]

You're good to go, I'm sure you'll see some great pics shortly from CW. 

Tim

[glockmeister]

Another point on the monte carlo stocks, the MC stock line is paralle to the bore axis, the standard stocks drop away from the boreline as it goes to the rear. There are after market cheek risers out there, look around as see if you can find anything you like. Take care, John.

[OSOK]

Choate makes a a couple different sizes of screw on cheek risers. It's as simple as picking a spot and drilling a hole. They aren't pretty, but they won't move around like a lace/strap-on one will. They are in Bald Knob, AR. If you are close enough drive up and talk to them, they are a really nice bunch of people and will most likely let you bring your rifle in and test fit a few. Usually they take visitors into the warehouse and let you browse for the stuff you want.

[quickdtoo]

Just one of the recommendations from our FAQs sticky:

 Home made Cheek Risers

[HWB13]

most of mine have high or extra high mounts, with the exception of my heavy slug barrels.  I like big variables with 40 mm plus objectives.  I haven't thought of lowering the hammer until I herd of it here.  My standard and MC stocks are fine, but I am planning to add to my 2 ultra Varmint stocks due to primarly used in prone or from the bench.

Tim, I like the checkering on the 405 and 444.  Did you do it yourself?  I'm still working out the pattern for my bear rifle, 500 Smith. It's close to the top of the project list, just has to be ready by Sept.
Kevin

[quickdtoo]

Nope, they're walnut Topper Deluxe Classic stock sets, a factory offering until they discontinued the guns a couple years ago.

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/topper.asp