I will hopefully be picking up a factory take off wood stock from another forum for my 10/22. I will be cutting this down to fit my son so that I can take the barrel and action out of my 10/22 stock and drop it in the shortened one. What is the best way to measure proper length of pull for my son so that I know where to cut the stock? I am aware that, per the ATF, I have to keep the OAL of the rifle over 26". Thanks.
The method most use is to bend the arm 90 degrees and place the butt of the stock in the corner formed. The trigger finger should just reach the trigger when the finger is hooked as it should be.
If I may suggest, Brownells sells a 10-22 youth stock that would be the better choice, IMHO. The length of pull is 11-1/2" vs the 13-12" of the regular carbine. The advantage of the youth stock is that the distance from the wrist of the stock to the trigger is shorter than the regular stock. Small hands can get a proper "hand shake" grip and not drag wood. There is no way to adjust this with a regular stock cut down in length.
Here is the link to the stock;
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-forend-parts/rifle-stocks/ruger-10-22-youth-stock-prod16635.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Ruger__10/22
I cut down two stocks to get a shorter length of pull. I have to admit that I didn't think about the issue of shorter hands not being able to get a good handshake grip and reach the trigger. :-[ The length of pull on a "standard" 10-22 is 13.5" (I think). I measured 1.5" with a compass and drew a line on the stock with the pencil end as I followed the shoulder pad of the buttstock with the other end. Cutting at that line gave me a 12" LOP. Did the same with another stock to get an 11" LOP. I was so proud of myself, too, for coming up with this fix and now I realize that I really haven't accomplished anything unless I can figure out how to reduce the distance from the pistol grip to the trigger. Bondo?
Humbly,
brian
The other issue with cutting down a standard stock is that the grip is pretty wide for small hands. The factory compact stock is narrower. On the other hand you could make the stock a straight grip which allows the child to choke up on the trigger like a base ball bat. I cut the below stock for my daughter when she was young.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/mac66/103_5845.jpg)
consider buying a axion stock, it has 4 positions
good for little yoots and works all the way up to adult sizes
just an alternative suggestion
TAZDevil
When I cut down my daughters stock I also shortened the forend and thinned the stock a lot with a draw knife, spoke shave and rasp. Now to get a 16" barrel. It may also help to add some weight to the but to help the balance.