For the women and the Children: Shortened 10/22 stocks

[ErikAnderson]

The Problem
During the past few Appleseeds, I've watched shooters, mostly woman and children, struggle with their too-long-for-them OEM Ruger 10/22 stocks.  In looking for an expedient method to improve this situation, I began looking around at what I could do to remedy the problem.

The Solution
Given the the large number of '$1,000 10/22' owners that I observe on the internet proudly displaying their tricked out rifles, I'd come to the conclusion that there were a number of unused/unwanted OEM Ruger stocks that were sitting in closets, work benches, garages, and basements. Given that, in my experience, the 10/22 is the most popular AS rifle, I figured these surplus stocks could be cut down for women and youth and after a three minute swap, they'd be more capable of making it further down the AS trail.

The Action
I posted an ad to a local firearms board in the KC Area asking people to donate to the AS project and to check us out.  (http://kcguntrader.com/viewad.asp?id=50013989613100539).  I talked with the webmaster and he put it on the 'Webmasters Picks' list so it would stay on the top of all the ads.

The Results
Thus far, I've had four stock donated, two more scheduled for pickup and I was contacted by a gunshop who gave me some leads on where I might be able to find them en mass.   When I've met those who donate, I give them a flyer, the 3 minute Appleseed speech, invite them to join us, and thank them kindly for their donation. It's been warmly received in all cases! In addition, I now have contact names of several local leaders around KS with respect to both firearms groups and land owners.  I expect that with a few more phone calls and visits, we will have more sites and support for the program.

My intent with the stocks is for the shooters to use them during AS and then give them back, just as anything else we loan out.  If I can find them in the quantities that have been alluded to by some of my contacts, I may be in a position to mail them out to Instructors if needed, or let the shooters take them home with them.  Perhaps I can fashion a nice Appleseed branding plate too.......

If you are experiencing the same dilemma at your AS, you might try posting local gunshop and internet ads. I've had favorable results.

[cmidkiff]

Great job Erik...

On the one that my daughter uses, the stock was cut off straight, and a 1/2" piece of firm foam rubber mounted with shoe gue.  It works better than the original curve, easier to cut, and has held up for over a year, even doing double duty as a loaner.

I'll take 3, with swivels and slings, 1, 3, and 5" shorter than stock.

Thanks

[ben1775]

This is a great idea! 

Here I've just been buying them off ebay. 

Could of spent that money on another LTR.

Ben

[SamD]

Something I have been doing for a little while.
Well worth it. Several Appleseeders have sent them to me for saw work and distribution.
I highly encourage it, with AZGromits admonition to the shooters to pass them on and pay it forward

Sam

[RobT2K]

Any tips or instructions(pics?) on how to make a shorter one for a child?  I'd like to have a spare that my daughter can shoot with. Right now she is sticking with her single shot bolt action marlin because it fits her better than the Ruger.

[Buzzworth]

I have a Svage cub (for kids) the LOP (Length of pull) is 12" 
Measured from the middle of the trigger arch to the end of the butt stock in a straight line
I have two carbine stocks that I will be cutting down 
One of them will be a robo stock that I can add or remove wood to change LOP and add or remove a check pieces for proper check weld 
Now just to carve out some time to do it 

[ErikAnderson]

Just picked up another and scheduling a pickup tomorrow.  Now to get cutting!

Rob, as G/B indicated he cut his straight.  I've got enough (and a willing 5 year old daughter and indulgent bride) that I might cut one curved to start (perhaps less extreme than OEM). 

You'll have to figure out what's right for you and your kids. Just remember that you can always add or take away material until you get the perfect fit. 

As I'm just embarking on this journey, I'll likely bump my head on the learning curve. When I do, I'll pass along my mis-steps so others can avoid them.