I've always been one to tackle numerous different projects and ideas. Having been an avid shooter for years, I've always liked the idea of "building a better mousetrap". I recently got into "sillywet shootin'" and after shooting with a standard hunting style fore-end, I thought out a fore-end that'd be a bit more appropriate for it.
I placed an order for a timber camo laminate blank to get started with on the project. I currently own one of DaveD's sets in the same and wanted to build a fore-end to match my grip. I ordered a 3"x3"x11.5" blank and after she came in, I started laying her out and got to making the "dust and chips fly".
I shoot a modified dead frog position for IHMSA and the rounded bottom fore-end just didn't suit me. I wanted a flat bottom style with a bit of extra weight out front. Shooting BB UAS, per the regs, had to keep her under 7 lbs and initally figured I'd be running below that weight.
I also wanted a bar-style attachment system that'd keep as much stress off the entire barrel as possible. Being an avid long-range precision rifle shooter, I tend to "over think" things at times. I set out and machined out my bar out of 1/2" mild steel bar stock. When attached, the only contact with the bar are the shoulders of the "top hats". The bar is relieved between them by about 1/8" keeping the only contact with the shoulders and off the barrel itself.
I cut the blank down to length afterwards. I then started on the frame tenon and got her squared away and then the barrel channel. Next, I milled out the relief for the bar. On my initial fit of the rough blank, here she was.......
Satisfied that all was going to plan and that the fit suited me, I started my rough contour of the blank. I took the thickness, top to bottom off by another 1/2" and brought her down to 2 1/2" more or less. After a few more cuts, she looked like this......
Liking the progress, I was making, the fit and contour was coming together. I set out then to radius the front end. I put a 45 degree radius on the front of the fore-end to smooth her out a bit and clean her up. Liking the end product, I took the ol' sandpaper to her. Taking her down to 220 grit, she was "slicker than mole hair" as my late Grandfather used to say. After a couple of coats of satin poly, I bedded tha bar in and she was ready to mount up.......
Here she is on my Super 14 .223 barrel......
Still have to weigh her out, but even with the .223 barrel, I think she's gonna fall below/right at 6 lbs. I love tackling projects like this, gives the ol' nugget a good work out. Not to mention, excellent stress relief after a long day or two at work.
Enjoy the pics and earnest feedback is welcomed.......I have thick hide!!
