Definition of "Hunting" stock?

[Mt_Medic31]

So, ordered the rule book from NRA site,
States the weight and all that for hunting class (9lbs), but no actual definition of restrictions or anything. My question is, could I get away with an A2 style stock, or do I have to stick with the A1?

[Mt_Medic31]

PS- I know there's no Thumbholes or pistol grips allowed, and the measurements below bore, etc.. But does an A2 style count as a pistol grip?

[lone ringer]

I'm not so sure I understand the difference of A1 and A2 stocks but if your definition of A2 as google images show (like an AR) they are not allowed. Looks is what hunting rifle is all about now and if you deviate from what we are using you will definitely be called for it specially at an important match. Look at a Mark Pharr stock (st, rt) Win, Rem, Ruger and other bolt action hunting stocks if you have a question. There may not be restrictions but your rifle at Nationals must fit their jig same as a Standard rifle and the rule does state a Hunting Style Stock. Dimensions may not exceed those described in 3.1 (d)

[Mt_Medic31]

Links to the respective stocks below.

A1 stock- http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/th ... ist/Detail

A2 stock- http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/th ... 700/Detail

I looked at the Mark Pharr stocks, looks alot like the A2, think I may be able to get away with it. And I doubt I'm gong to nationals any time soon, so shouldn't be a problem. lol.

[lone ringer]

Definitely go with A1, A2 looks like the forend is too big and does not taper like the ones we use. You could always ask Greg Connor's opinion.

[Jason]

Looking at just the pictures in the links, the A1 stock would be fine, although the comb does not look to be high enough to be ideal as a silhouette stock. The A2 style there wouldn't make hunter class at any of the big matches for sure.

[Trent]

If the Mark Pharr stocks are allowed in Hunter class then why wouldn't that A2 be allowed?? They are nearly the same aside from the forend on the A2 stock shown in the link.

Although, the specs state that the forend is 2 3/8" wide... isn't the limit set to 2 1/4" for silhouette? It would need 1/16" shaved off each side.

[Mt_Medic31]

I agree with Trent, the A2 and the Pharr stocks look alot alike. I am thinking of buying the A2, and grinding it down to the proper specs for width and depth. Maybe even a couple grooves since I hold in a "split" finger position. I really like the drop style grip, and the fact it has a Palm swell on it. That is one of my favorite features on the HS precision stock on my varmint gun.

[Jim T.]

I guess in my old age my eyes are giving out. I just don't see how the "Medalist Tactical" stock or A-2 stock "looks" like my Pharr stock. The A-2 stock is clearly a tactical/sniper stock pure and simple. The entire design is focused on prone/bi-pod shooting. Might want to also look at weights, seems like you have about 3/4 pound of weight wasted on excess mass that is of little use in offhand shooting. I wonder what this style has to do with a "hunter" rifle?? In closing, I would have no problem shooting against someone using one of these stocks, just a bunch of questions marks.

[lone ringer]

Those stocks you are looking at are 1 lb heavier than the Mark Pharr stocks and the comb is not as high, you may be better off getting a Remington synthetic take off stock in Ebay for a few bucks and using some Light Bondo or micro balloons to build up the pistol grip and comb areas to your liking.

[Jerry G]

Is that Lonie guy still working for H&S? You remember the guy that shot Weaver's wife in Northern ID. I would get either a Farr or a Wooster stock for hunter class.

[Jerry G]

I don't know where I got the H&S from. I haven't had my coffee yet this morning.

[Bob259]

...... I would get either a Farr or a Wooster stock for hunter class.

I agree 100% Jerry either one would be the way to go seeing it's going to be used for this sport... I use my Parr stocked rifle for hunting as well.

[nomad]

If I were running tech I would reject either the A1 or the A2.
The widened forearm on the A1 is (IMO) a no-no.
The A2 would fail on several points, not least of which is the grip. Straight, vertical grips of that style are NOT considered 'hunting'.
You might get the A1 past the jury but you certainly shouldn't get the A2 accepted.
That said, while running smallbore tech at the nationals in Raton, I once rejected a Winchester M75 TARGET with the bbl shortened (and NO other modifications) that was presented as a 'hunter' (!?)...and, on appeal, it got allowed! If I were starting from scratch, however, I wouldn't BEGIN with a questionable design.
2 things to wonder about:
1. Are you trying to produce a rifle with the most silhouette-friendly stock or are you trying to get into an argument with the match director and/or the folks at tech just because you want to argue a point? (Unless your 'initials' are William Zander, doing that doesn't make sense.)
2. Why reinvent the wheel? (The Pharr/Wooster/whatever established silhouette designs are pretty much THE standard. They didn't get that way because someone thought that they looked 'kewl'. They work for the game and they work well. So, you see lots of them on the line. And they're already fully accepted anywhere in the country, at any level match.)
Of course, until you win something somewhere, you can get away with almost anything. (On any of my average days, nobody would care if I shot a full-race bench gun off sandbags...) lol

[Mt_Medic31]

To Answer Nomad et. al.
1) See this link for Pharr: http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/20 ... robertson/ and tell me that's not a "vertical grip". They look pretty close to me, and the Pharr has a much higher comb.

2) The reason I want to do these stocks is I want a palm swell, and I hold a more vertical grip better, AND I am trying to get this in a stock I don't have to pay 400-1000 dollars for. I was planing to get the A2, plane/grind down the fore-end to meet specs, then drill out and lighten everywhere possible. I don't mind the bench work. I already ordered a Lilja #5 in 24" for it. So basically, I trying to put a Ferrari engine in a VW bug if that makes sense. I SOLD a gun to buy the project gun for this, and want to use this gun for hunting as well.

3) I am NOT looking for an argument or to try and slide something by. I am trying to apply what I've seen. Honestly, I saw a LOT of rifles shot in both classes that didn't really fit in hunting, at an NRA sanctioned state championship.

4) I'm still NEW at this sport, I came here for advice to hopefully help me improve at a faster pace. I am getting sick of the same old 2 answers. #1 Buy the most expensive stuff, and #2 some snide comment like I'm an idiot. Give me something I can use! Something like "Ok, don't wanna spend a ton of money, I would recommend you..." or, "When I was first starting out, I did...."

Thank you to trent and lone ringer for the suggestions.

In closing, I find the lack of help both from my emails and calls to the NRA, and here on this forum very frustrating. For a sport that is hurting for new members, this doesn't make much sense to me. Thankfully, with RARE exception, every person I have met in person at a match or practice has been VERY nice, welcoming, and helpful. Guess I'll stick to asking those people.