Bell and Carlson stock fit needs work

[Chesty Puller]

Hey guys, just got my new B&C stock for Abolt and I really like it, but the fit is not good. I had planned on bedding it myself if it fit nice and did not need inletting. Unfortunately its gonna need some heavier grinding/sanding and would rather take it in to have it done.
When I mounted the B&C stock to the rifle and screwed down and not even tight, the barrel pulls into left side of the stock, the magazine plate will not close, and the saftey is bound/stuck. I'm thinking there is a couple high spots on the right side near the bolt/mag well of the rifle and too low near the trigger gaurd. I was able to get the mag plate closed but with the screws backed way out.
Has anybody else had troubles with after market stocks? I was quoted at $150 to skim bed the pillars and lug area but like I said I planned on doing it myself (after watching some tutorials). I want this to be real nice and am going to have a Smith do it do to the complications. What do you think the price tag will be to fit and bed if the price was $150 just to bed? What did you do when/if you had this problem? I am not blaming B&C and they say this can be the case sometimes. I got this on a good sale price. They actually gave me sale price after sale was over when I called and spoke with them. I know I'm gonna love it when its done and cant wait to shoot it again. Hit me up with your imput.

 

[Chesty Puller]

To add to my initial post I did find it odd that there was paint on the pillar blocks and fit areas. Here is a couple photos what you think?

 

[Chesty Puller]

Another let me know if you ser anything out of sort. Thanks

 

[jimbires]

do the pillars look centered , and straight ? as long as the pillars are correct the stock can be relieved where needed . you can do a lot of work with a Dremel . from a few fine touch ups , to major hogging it out . try to look for places the stock is touching and relieve them .

I did a write up on one I bedded , maybe something in my post will help you .

the one I couldn't pass up

I picked it up last night . looking it over , I'm very happy with it . I can't wait to get a scope on it, and shoot it . it's a trued short action remington , with a 8 twist shilen select match #4 magnum sporter bbl . bell and carlson stock with aluminum bedding block . a very crisp...

forum.nosler.com

 

[wvbuckbuster]

My guess is that the pillars aren't straight and the depth of the inlet is somewhat off. If it sets crooked in the barrel channel just remove the amount needed to relieve it from touching. As for the action, magwell area you can coat the bottom and sides of the action with inletting black or use lipstick then drop it into the stock lightly tighten screws, let sit few minutes, remove action and any place the inlet black is on the stock you will need to remove. Little bit at a time. Recoat action if needed and repeat process until no more black shows on stock. This is how you inlet parts into a muzzle loader stock and others don't see why it shouldn't work for your problem.

 

[Chesty Puller]

do the pillars look centered , and straight ? as long as the pillars are correct the stock can be relieved where needed . you can do a lot of work with a Dremel . from a few fine touch ups , to major hogging it out . try to look for places the stock is touching and relieve them .

I did a write up on one I bedded , maybe something in my post will help you .

the one I couldn't pass up

I picked it up last night . looking it over , I'm very happy with it . I can't wait to get a scope on it, and shoot it . it's a trued short action remington , with a 8 twist shilen select match #4 magnum sporter bbl . bell and carlson stock with aluminum bedding block . a very crisp...

forum.nosler.com

Thanks Jim, I looked over your post quickly and that bedding jobs looks awsome. I will read it fully and I will definatly learn from that. Looks like the blocks are center but the block at the trigger guard screw has a heavy step on it from paint perhaps or just were the composite meets the block or both? Hard to tell where block begins do to paint in it.

 

[Chesty Puller]

My guess is that the pillars aren't straight and the depth of the inlet is somewhat off. If it sets crooked in the barrel channel just remove the amount needed to relieve it from touching. As for the action, magwell area you can coat the bottom and sides of the action with inletting black or use lipstick then drop it into the stock lightly tighten screws, let sit few minutes, remove action and any place the inlet black is on the stock you will need to remove. Little bit at a time. Recoat action if needed and repeat process until no more black shows on stock. This is how you inlet parts into a muzzle loader stock and others don't see why it shouldn't work for your problem.

Perhaps as I've just eyeballed it. I have contact on both sides above mag well currently. The screws went in pretty easy would this mean it is center? I will try the lips stick trick as I was try to think of a way to show highs and lows. That will do it.

 

[RL338]

The first thing I do with a new B&C stock is chuck up a small drum sander in the drill press and relieve around the action screw so the bottom metal drops in smoothly. I’ve had to do this to every one I bought. A couple I’ve had to shimmed the back action screw to level the bottom metal.

 

[Chesty Puller]

The first thing I do with a new B&C stock is chuck up a small drum sander in the drill press and relieve around the action screw so the bottom metal drops in smoothly. I’ve had to do this to every one I bought. A couple I’ve had to shimmed the back action screw to level the bottom metal.

Is this what you mean as bottom metal? Because on my stock there is a step right here creating a high and definately not level. Trigger gaurd side appears to be level and flush. Stock photo is were step is and raises high.

 

[RL338]

What I’m referring to is the bottom.
Every stock for B&C needed to be cleaned up so the bottom metal/trigger guard drops in smoothly. That’s the biggest issue I’ve found with them on the Wby MarkV and Vanguards.

 

[Chesty Puller]

Pretty sure the problem is at the action screw area get big movement when this is torched down but the oppisite side of where you are talking about RL338. The barrel rises as it pivots on that high, which also burries the saftey slide into stock. I think if rear block area was milled flush to the world the rest would be ok. As dry fit looks and lines up fine with screws started barrel even fairly center. I dont think it will be too tough. I will get back to you guys after Christmas I do have 20 reloads ready to test as well. I loaded 165g sierra TGK with A4350. 30-06 and was my only hunting rifle for years its been unfired for several years. Thanks alot guys merry Christmas.

 

[Slimfinn]

+1 on using the lip stick to see where it is contacting. And like RL said you typicaly need to clean up the overspray and splatter on the B&C stocks I've even had some masking tape that never got removed.

 

[walkinhorseman]

If you have a gunsmith that you have confidence in, spend the $150. It’s not sounding like you would come out of this with a happy result by doing it yourself. Bedding a rifle is not like changing a tire. Even the better brands like H-S Precision ands McMillan require some fitting.

I would expect to pay a better gunsmith as much as $300 to bed a rifle with pillars.

 

[cloverleaf]

If you have a gunsmith that you have confidence in, spend the $150. It’s not sounding like you would come out of this with a happy result by doing it yourself. Bedding a rifle is not like changing a tire. Even the better brands like H-S Precision ands McMillan require some fitting.

I would expect to pay a better gunsmith as much as $300 to bed a rifle with pillars.

I'd run that by a Gunsmith, but I'd be surprised if he didnt tell you to send it back to B&C. Why would he want to risk his reputation on that project if it wasnt right to begin with? IMHO. I sent one back to Boyds because the barrel channel was too far off center. Eventually they went back and found me one that fit right. Just my .02. Cheap or not it sure wasnt free! I can see why you want it soon though- cool looking stock! CL

 

[Dr. Vette]

I've had two B&C that fit poorly. Same style stock for same model rifle.

The first one I modified to fit, as it was close enough. The forend bent too high, and it was a challenge to remove enough material to free float the barrel.
The second one was much worse. B&C gave me the old "it fits our in house action" line, and wanted me to send in my rifle plus the stock to show that they didn't fit. Needless to say I did not. That stock sits in my storage area because I don't feel right selling it to someone else.

Feel free to contact them and see if their policy has changed.

 

[JD338]

I bought a B&C stock for my Weatherby Mark V Euro 416 Wby. I was pleasantly surprised when it fit perfectly, no tweaking to make it fit required.
I've since sold that rifle.

JD338

 

[RL338]

I bought a B&C stock for my Weatherby Mark V Euro 416 Wby. I was pleasantly surprised when it fit perfectly, no tweaking to make it fit required.

My 7mm-08 and 460 Wby were the only 2 drop-ins that required no work. It seems post covid their quality has taken a turn.

 

[Chesty Puller]

Thanks guys, have not done anything and have not spoke with smith about fit yet. If I could take to machine shop like my old job it would be done. He did give loose quote prior to me getting stock about 150 for bed as I told him it would already have pillars but I expect that price to go up a touch with the fit issue. He is a machinist by trade as was I and I seem to trust a machinist to do the right thing. Him being a smith and knowing the tricks of his trade will know how to clearance a barrel easier than me fumble around for hrs in lipstick (which is a fine Idea) but still Id just rather work a little OT pay up and learn a bit in the process. I do think B&C makes a good product and they say this could need trimmed. Hopefully the good Dr. Vette's second stock is a rare one. Almost sure once the high spot near the action screw is dealt with all will be right in 30-06 land. If it is not perfect his rep will be fine as I like the dude, his shop, and the people he has working for him.

 

[Chesty Puller]

I'd run that by a Gunsmith, but I'd be surprised if he didnt tell you to send it back to B&C. Why would he want to risk his reputation on that project if it wasnt right to begin with? IMHO. I sent one back to Boyds because the barrel channel was too far off center. Eventually they went back and found me one that fit right. Just my .02. Cheap or not it sure wasnt free! I can see why you want it soon though- cool looking stock! CL

I think it will be all good, I am just ignorant on the subject and after studing it a bit think it wont be a tough job for a smith to handle. Put a little coin in the shop to as he gets the good powders and primes and rooting for them to stay open and avaible for my needs. I need need need all the time lol. Thanks I do think it is super cool man. SS on snow oh yeah! Shop opens at 10am guess who will be the at 959 haha. See what he has to say. Chesty

 

[cloverleaf]

Sounds like you have a plan. In all honesty, I am not familiar wit B&C products. My experience with one Boyds stock sure dosent make me an expert. Best of luck and enjoy! CL