Cheek Risers

[Thaddeus]

I'm looking for suggestions on cheek risers - we are thinking about some sort of custom-designed riser that would be available through the Appleseed store.


Suggestions? Ones that you like, or ones that you don't like? Or what would be your ideal cheek riser?


Post ideas here or send directly to Thaddeus.


Thanks!

[HammBone]

bradleycheekrest.com

[Mrs. Smith]

Thaddeus, search "cheek riser for rifles" on Amazon.  You'll see a number of options in the $10-$20 range,  and most of them have a Velcro patch that could easily accept an Appleseed patch if you put Velcro on the back of them.  A bit more budget-friendly than Bradleys, if not as nice.

[Thaddeus]

Thanks, but I'm looking for specific suggestions - which cheek risers do Appleseeders like, or dislike?

[Mrs. Smith]

Understood!
THIS one worked well on my AR - Laces on, medium height https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCK4P3F/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_h753AbYCP7ZTZ

THIS is the one on my hunting rifle - the scope required tall rings to clear the lens -   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZPX5B5/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_v953AbB78WFMK

And THIS is the one I loan at events for low rings that just need a little boost -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FHJ2VM/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_Ib63Ab3YJR72B

[Kimber Custom]

I've used these on AR's to good effect: https://www.amazon.com/Command-Arms-Set-Cheek-Pieces/dp/B003RCCZK6/ref=sr_1_13?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1524605441&sr=1-13&keywords=cheek+riser

I think these are the best on solid stocks (granted it's not a loaner type) https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Kydex-Adjustable-Cheek-Scoped/dp/B01A4X76IQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1524605441&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=cheek+riser&psc=1

For loaners I use pool noodles and duct tape

[MCZplus]

This is what I have put on all of my rifles. It comes with an insert for taller needs. I did not need it for any of mine.
https://www.amazon.com/VooDoo-Tactical-Buttstock-Cheek-Coyote/dp/B0084GS2WA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524605629&sr=8-3&keywords=voodoo+tactical+buttstock&dpID=41SKJk5yqkL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

[Savage22]

I've used this one and I'm happy with it:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/153569/beartooth-products-comb-raising-kit-20-rifle-model-buttstock-cover-neoprene?utm_medium=email&utm_source=service&utm_campaign=shipping-confirmation&utm_content=product-shipped-today-product-description-link

Comes with a variety of foam inserts so you can adjust the height. Stays put, won't slip on the stock. The only downside is that its a big pain to put on the stock to begin with. You have to stretch the neoprene cover over the foam without moving the foam.

[Kennebago]

Karsten-style. Saddle cheeckpieces are pug-ugly but they work.

I would prefer in all ways to have an integral riser and clamp system on my rifles, but they're another animal.

For smaller adjustments, or for "strap-on" solutions, Triad's modular stock pack works relatively well. It could be made of tougher nylon, but it's relatively good quality and it ships with enough Velcro to raise comb height a decent amount.

[airplanejoe]

I'm on Kennebago's side. I too use Karstens. Very good kit, but understand that you will have to drill two 1/4" holes on your stock.
aj

[The Wolfhound]

http://www.accu-riser.com/categories/Accu%252dRiser-Cheek-Pads-and-Comb-Raisers/

Great folks to deal with.  Buy direct and they cover shipping.  Their products can be found elsewhere but go direct.

[Nashville Stage]

These are some great suggestions! Keep 'em coming; I like seeing the different options.

Personally, I like the Tac-Ops style of cheek pad/cover. It has a nice suede surface for your face to rest on, a zipper pouch for tools/ammo/DOPE cards, infinitely adjustable straps, 1/4-3/8" of padding for thickness, and it's fully velcro lined on the underside for adding additional layers to build up height. I like the quality & the lack of needing to drill into my stock for attachment hardware.

https://www.tacticalworks.com/TacOps-Cheek-Pads/
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/stock-hardware/cheek-pieces/rifle-stock-packs-prod31860.aspx
Here's a similar version: https://www.triadtactical.com/Triad-Stock-Pack.html

[Kennebago]

Tac Ops / Tactical Works is hands down my favorite stock pack, big +1 on that.

Some of the Triads are convenient because they come packaged as a kit with strips for height, but the Tac Ops is better built.

Also, standard Tac Ops straps are generally long enough to fit over a Karsten, even with tall scope arrangements.

[Lomshek]

It just about looks like Appleseed could spec some that would work better for what we need than are available on the market.

Ideally we need one that extends the riser further forward than most of the ones linked go to enable a good turkey neck.  Everything removable I saw linked places the riser way far back like the average bench shooter would use.

Features needed are quick on/off & adjustable (velcro straps), forward extended riser, non-slip inside, only increases height not width, 3 heights (1/4", 1/2" 1") or velcro on pads of different heights.

Look at where this lady's cheek bone is for example.  Way forward by her thumb.



Compare that to where this cheek pad is located.  Way back for a nice bench position.



A longer adjustable "tail" that wraps around the rear of the butt to let the pad move further forward would work but it might also need a stiffener under the riser because the front of the riser would maybe extend over the wrist of the stock.

Hope that helps.

[Mike AKA Bandaid]

I used this one from "Beartooth Products" last week. I liked it. It was adjustable for height, and didn't move on me. It rained off and on, and didn't seem to mind the rain. At $20 it was inexpensive, and seems well made.

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Beartooth-No-Loops-Comb-Raising-Kit-2.0/productDetail/Stocks-and-Recoil-Pads/prod99999049626/cat100039

[TallSteve]

My wife just installed one of these on her M1A.  It applies easily without drilling.  It worked very well in our last KD event.  She obtained her Long Range Rifleman. 
https://www.giholsters.com/product-p/rg1000.htm

Highly adjustable. 
We then got some leather from the craft store and glued that onto the Kydex.  Makes for a nice adjustable cheek riser.  It also extends forward from the adhesion point and works well for Turkey Necking. 

[azmule]

+1 on this $20 neoprene sleeve and foam spacers set - I've had one of these on my loaner scoped 10/22 for years, and just add/remove foam as needed depending on the borrower.

I used this one from "Beartooth Products" last week. I liked it. It was adjustable for height, and didn't move on me. It rained off and on, and didn't seem to mind the rain. At $20 it was inexpensive, and seems well made.

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Beartooth-No-Loops-Comb-Raising-Kit-2.0/productDetail/Stocks-and-Recoil-Pads/prod99999049626/cat100039

[Thaddeus]

Thanks to everyone who responded on cheek risers. We're going to take the best suggestions from everyone and work with a nationally-known vendor to put together an Appleseed cheek riser with the best ideas. Hopefully we'll have some prototypes by early summer.


Also, be on the lookout for a new product coming out in a few weeks - I think our Appleseeders will like it!

[DrRichP]

Oh no, no more pipe foam and vet wrap?

[Roswell]

Oh no, no more pipe foam and vet wrap?

I was about to say the same thing except; Pool noodles, duct tape and vet wrap. 

[Laredo]

Oh no, no more pipe foam and vet wrap?

I was about to say the same thing except; Pool noodles, duct tape and vet wrap. 

Standard material in my shoot bag!

[AF5US]

Oh no, no more pipe foam and vet wrap?

Riiiiiiiiiight.  Because every shooter, always, looks at the "How to Prepare" page - every single time 

How many slings does an instructor loan on an average event?  I think our "adapt, improvise and overcome" cheek risers will be safe for a long time. 

[Charles McKinley]

And for the cost of one bought cheek riser I can get a year+ of materials, not worry about it not being returned and the student takes home a more functional rifle.

I may outfit a few of my personal rifles with an Appleseed cheek riser though.

When are the mats coming?

[Lomshek]

Oh no, no more pipe foam and vet wrap?

Riiiiiiiiiight.  Because every shooter, always, looks at the "How to Prepare" page - every single time 

How many slings does an instructor loan on an average event?  I think our "adapt, improvise and overcome" cheek risers will be safe for a long time. 

Ain't that the truth.  I just made up a batch of quick adjust slings with different attachment options so we can quickly outfit anyone who needs a sling without having to monkey around.  Should ed up with 15 or so total.

[Thaddeus]

Answering Charles McKinley -


The mats are on order - since we asked for both some design changes and an Appleseed logo, it's taking a while. They hopefully will be arriving sometime mid-June.


Answering Lomshek -


Have you tried out the Appleseed sling connectors? I've got a couple and they get used every time I instruct. Work well.
http://store.rwvaappleseed.com/product81.html

[Charles McKinley]

Thanks

[Lomshek]

Answering Lomshek -


Have you tried out the Appleseed sling connectors? I've got a couple and they get used every time I instruct. Work well.
http://store.rwvaappleseed.com/product81.html

Thanks!  Yes I've seen those and they look great.  I meant that I have a few slings with each of the common mounting systems like Uncle Mikes sling swivels and QD buttons plus a few that I just zip tie onto the rifle.  I like the zip ties because they don't come loose and they can hook into picatinny rails if the shooter has that.

[Mike AKA Bandaid]

One more suggestion. Whit loans these out for students that need a little cheek rest. I really like them too.
http://www.kyrifle.com/product-page/quick-weld-kydex-cheekrest-small-rifles

[Veritas]

Just got done with my shoot in Bonfield, IL and was wondering if there was a professionally made alternative to Laredo's solution of foam + wrap but realized it's a great option and can't think of a single riser I've seen that beats it out. The Beartooth adjustable riser comes close, but even that's not as good. The only downside I'm seeing is that it doesn't look as polished as a professional riser.

With the foam + wrap, you can file down the foam to your exact specification and shape it just right so that you have a customized pocket for your cheek to sit every time. It takes some work, but is individualized and could theoretically increase consistency. If you want to add or subtract on the fly you can just add more or less wrap layers. I use a standard 3 layers of wrap on my shaped foam piece so that if I lose or gain weight I can add or subtract accordingly.

[RedLeg]

One thing to keep in mind is that if these are to be used as loaners, they need to accommodate left handed and/or left eye dominant folks.  Of all those presented, I only saw two that I could even consider using myself (left eye dominant shooter).  The Voodo Tactical listed at Amazon and the Beartooth neoprene with the foam riser inserts.

I'll be ordering one of each to see how well they work.  Fortunately, I have enough meat on my face that I haven't had to use one unless the scope is mounted extremely high (see-through rings anybody?)