Author Topic: Well, I ordered a....... (Read 688 times)

billdncn · « **on:** December 10, 2004, 10:30:13 AM »

Lilja 21" Sundberg for the Sako today. I don't think I could wait 3 mo. for a 24". Besides, I change guns like like I change underware (no comments). I probally would'nt even have the Finnfire when the barrel arrived!

I may later wise I had a 24", but Im thinking I can add weight out in the forearm area if needed. I also ordered a .043" go-gauge for setting headspace upon installation. Dan Lilja told me I would probally have to open up the barrel channel a bit in the stock. I'm replacing a hunter contoured factory barrel. Does anyone have any helpfull suggestions, or hints for this proceedure?

Thanks, Bill

Arizona Jake · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2004, 05:54:01 PM »

Bill,

Being an engineer, I decided to take the high tech approach when faced with the same challenge, so I did the following to widen the barrel chanel on my Finnfire's stock:

I first ran a couple of strips of masking tape along each side of the barrel channel to protect against scratches. Then, I placed a folded towel between the jaws of my vise and the stock and tightened the vise around the stock just enough to get a tight grip on it. Then - this is the high tech part - I got some 80 grit sandpaper and cut 3" by 4" squares of the stuff.

I took the dowel off the toilet plunger, you know, the implement used to unplug toilets, and wrapped a square of sandpaper around it. I then worked the sandpaper-wrapped dowel carefuly back and forth along the barrel channel until I could slide a folded dollar bill between the stock and the new barrel, with the action screws tight. Leaving the tape in place along the sides of the barrel channel, I cleaned the barrel channel with alcohol until no sawdust was left and let it dry overnight.

Next morning, I applied a coat of Birchwood-Casey stock sealer to the barrel channel and let it dry for a couple of hours. I then applied another coat and let the stock dry overnight. I removed the masking tape the following day and the tock was ready. The only drawback is that I can no longer blame the rifle... :wink:

billdncn · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2004, 10:14:35 PM »

Jake, thanks for the help. I can see where having an engineering background came in handy for such an intricate and highly detailed procedure :wink:

seriously though thanks, Bill

billdncn · « **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2004, 10:08:58 AM »

Well the Lilja is installed. I sanded out the barrel channel in the stock and have atleast .020" of clearance around the barrel (floated). Sighted in this a.m. before the match and shot a couple of really nice groups @ 40m, in the .2's with 4 out of 5 usually going into the .1's!

I shot a 22/40 in the first match (std. rifle) :cry: , but came back with a 27/40 in the second match (hunting rifle) and moved up to AAA! the sad part is I only got 4/10 turkey's (ouch!).

The 21" Sundberg seemed to hang out there pretty good for me. I use a split fingered hold with my support hand back close to the trigger guard, so I can adjust the balance by moving my hand foward or back on the stock. So for now all seems to be looking pretty good (if I can just learn good trigger control!). I don't know if the trigger pull is inconsistent or if it's just me. It seems to be within a couple of ozs. when I check it. Probally just me!

Thanks to all for your help and hope to see you at the matches, Bill