Demonstration of Removing the Butt Plate on G&g Airsoft Rifle

Structural component of a long gun

The beefcake of a gunstock on a Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic burglarize with Fajen thumbhole silhouette stock. i) butt, two) forend, 3) rummage, 4) heel, 5) toe, 6) grip, 7) thumbhole

A gunstock or ofttimes simply stock, the dorsum portion of which is also known equally a shoulder stock, a buttstock or but a barrel, is a part of a long gun that provides structural back up, to which the barrel, action, and firing mechanism are attached. The stock also provides a means for the shooter to firmly brace the gun and easily aim with stability by existence held confronting the user's shoulder when shooting the gun, and helps to counter muzzle rising by transmitting recoil straight into the shooter's torso.^[one]

The tiller of a crossbow is functionally the equivalent of the stock on a gun.^[2]

History and etymology [edit]

An early hand cannon, or gonne, supported by a simple stock

The term stock in reference to firearms dates to 1571 is derived from the Germanic word Stock, meaning tree trunk, referring to the wooden nature of the gunstock.^[iii]

Early on mitt cannons used a uncomplicated stick fitted into a socket in the breech terminate to provide a handle. The modern gunstock shape began to evolve with the introduction of the arquebus, a matchlock with a longer barrel and an actual lock mechanism, dissimilar the hand-applied friction match of the hand cannon. Firing a hand cannon requires careful application of the match while simultaneously aiming; the use of a matchlock handles the application of the slow match, freeing up a hand for support. With both hands available to aim, the arquebus could exist braced with the shoulder, giving rising to the bones gunstock shape that has survived for over 500 years.^[iv] This greatly improved the accurateness of the arquebus, to a level that would non be surpassed until the appearance of rifled barrels.^[5]

Ironically, the stocks of muskets introduced during the European colonization of the Americas were repurposed as paw-to-hand war clubs^[six] ^[7] by Native Americans and Start Nations when fragile accessories were damaged or scarce armament exhausted. Techniques for gunstock hand weapons are being revived by martial arts such as Okichitaw.

Anatomy of a gunstock [edit]

A gunstock is broadly divided into two parts (see in a higher place), with the boundary roughly at where the trigger is. The rear portion is the butt (1), and front portion is the fore-end (2). The fore-end (or forestock, forearm) affixes and supports the receiver, and relays the recoil impulse from the barrel via a recoil lug. The butt (or buttstock) is braced against the shooter'south shoulder for stability and too interacts with the trigger hand, and is further divided into the comb (3), heel (4), toe (5), and grip (6). The stock pictured above has a thumbhole (seven) style grip,^[eight] which allows a more ergonomic vertical hold for the user's mitt.

In some mod firearm designs, the lower receiver and handguard supersede the fore-stop stock, leaving but the butt portion as the recognizable "stock", even though they serve the same part as the traditional fore-end.

Styles and features of stocks [edit]

The most basic categorization of stock types is into one-piece and two-piece stocks. In a one-piece stock, the butt and fore-end are a continuous monolithic piece, such as that normally found on conventional commodities-action rifles. Two-piece stocks use split pieces for the butt and fore-end, such as that usually establish on break-action and lever-activeness firearms. Traditionally, two-piece stocks were easier to make, since finding a quality wood blank suitable for a long jumpsuit stock is harder than finding short blanks for a ii-piece stock.^[eight]

In one-piece rifle stocks, the barrel besides varies in styles between the "European" type, which has a drop at the heel to favor quick shooting using iron sights; and "American" type, which the heel remains horizontal from the grip to favor more than precision-oriented shooting using scope sights. In that location are also in-betwixt designs (such every bit the Weatherby Mark V) with a "halfway" heel drop where the front half of the buttstock stays leveled.

Collapsable or folding stocks are often seen on military machine carbines, SMG/PDWs, their civilian-derived versions and some machine pistols. A collapsible (or telescoping) stock makes the weapon shorter and more compact for storage, carrying and concealment, and tin can be deployed just before shooting for better command. A butt hook, which is an attachment to the butt of the gun that is put nether the shooter's arm to prevent the burglarize from pivoting forward from the weight of the butt is sometimes used in competitive rifle shooting.^[9] These stocks are also used on combat shotguns similar the Franchi SPAS-12 to allow the stock to collapse when non in use.^[10]

Grip [edit]

Dissimilar styles of gunstock grips

The grip is at the front portion of the butt that connects with the fore-cease, and is held by the shooter's trigger hand during firing. The dorsum surface of butt forepart near the grip is called the tang. Many grips accept roughened textures or even finger grooves engraved into the sides to increment the firmness of the shooter'south hold. Some grips accept a thumb rest (or groove) carved near the tang to give a more ergonomic hold for the trigger finger.

The grip varies widely in styles. A directly grip stock (A) proceeds smoothly from toe to the trigger, giving a almost horizontal property angle for the trigger paw, while a full pistol grip stock (East) contains a split up stand-out grip slice, providing a nigh vertical angle for the trigger mitt for maximal ergonomics, and is unremarkably found on modern military machine rifles such as the ubiquitous AK-47 and M16/M4 families of assail rifles. In between the two extremes, the semi-grip stock (B) is perhaps the most common sporting rifle stock, with a steeper angle cut into the stock to provide a more diagonal angle for the trigger hand. Modern target-manner stocks accept generally moved towards a fuller, more than vertical grip, though built into the stock rather than made as a dissever piece. Anschütz grip stocks (C), for example, apply a about vertical grip, and many thumbhole grip stocks (D) are similar to pistol grips in shape.

Comb [edit]

Variations in gunstock combs

The comb is another surface area of wide variation. Since the rummage must support the shooter's cheek at a peak that steadily aligns the aiming eye with the weapon'southward sights, higher sights such as telescopic sights require higher combs.

The simplest form is a straight comb (A), which is the default form seen in all traditional rifles with fe sights. The Monte Carlo comb (B) is normally found on stocks designed for use with scopes, and features an elevated comb to lift the cheek college, while keeping the heel of the stock low. If the elevated comb is of a rounded dome shape, it is ofttimes called a hogback comb. A cheekpiece (C) is a raised section protruding from the side of the stock, which provides a more than conformed support for the shooter's cheek. There is some confusion between these terms, as the features are often combined, with the raised rollover cheekpiece (D) extending beyond the top of the stock to form essentially an exaggeratedly wide and high Monte Carlo comb.^[8] ^[11] ^[12]

Some modern buttstocks have a movable rummage piece called a cheek balance or cheek rise, which offers adjustable comb height that tailors to the shooter's ergonomic preference.

Fore-end [edit]

The fore-ends tend to vary both in thickness, from the splinter fore-ends common on British side-by-side shotguns to the wide, flat bottomed beavertail fore-ends found on benchrest shooting guns, and in length, from the short AK-47 style to the long Mannlicher stock that runs all the way to the muzzle. Virtually common on sporting firearms is the half-stock, which extends roughly half the length of the barrel.^[viii] ^[thirteen]

Stock measurements [edit]

Stock measurements are important regarding target rifle stocks if competing in IBS or NBRSA registered matches. The target rifle stocks must come across certain dimensional and configuration criteria according to the class of competition engaged in. Stock dimensioning is especially important with shotguns, where the typical front-bead-simply sight requires a consistent positioning of the shooter'due south eye over the centre of the barrel for good accuracy. When having a stock custom congenital or bent to fit, there are a number of measurements that are important.^[eight] ^[14]

Sight line, a datum line along the line of visual aim, extending axially to all points necessary for shotgun stock reference measurements.
Length of pull, the length measured from the back stop of the barrel to the trigger. Many newer stock designs have an adjustable length of pull. Other relevant length measurements afflicted past the length of pull include length to sight (LTS) and length to handstop (LTH).^[15]
Drop at heel, the distance from the sightline to the heel of the butt. Sometimes as well called the meridian of the buttpad or buttplate height.
Drop at comb, the altitude from the sightline to the rummage. Sometimes also chosen the elevation of the cheek rest or cheekpiece tiptop.
Bandage is sometimes too chosen beginning.^[fifteen]
- Bandage off, the distance from the middle of the butt to the Sight line, to the right side equally seen from the rear. Often used past those shooting from the correct shoulder.
- Cast on, the distance from the middle of the butt to the Sight line, to the left side equally seen from the rear. Oft used by those shooting from the left shoulder.
Pitch, the vertical bending of the butt of the stock, adamant by a directly line from heel to toe, referenced perpendicular to the Sight line.
Cant, the angle of the barrel of the stock, rotated around an axis parallel to the bore line, referenced to nix degrees if pointing vertical to the basis.^[15]
Bore line, A datum line concentric with the barrel bore and extending axially to all points necessary for rifle stock reference measurements.
Recoil arm, the vertical distance between the diameter axis and the contact point of the stock against the shoulder where the recoil acts. If the recoil line corresponds to the bore line, the firearm can recoil straight backwards and minimize cage rise.^[sixteen]
Corporal line, the bottom edge of the barrel of the stock, or equally determined past a directly line from grip to toe.
Corporal angle, the bending of the corporal line referenced to the bore line at the corporal intercept betoken.
Corporal intercept betoken, the point on the bore line forward of the bolt face where (if) the corporal line intercepts the bore line.
Handguard rotation, only institute on firearms where the handguard tin can be rotated.^[15]

Accurateness considerations [edit]

M16A1 cutaway rifle (elevation) and M16A2 (below) with a "straight-line" stock configuration

In addition to ergonomic problems, the stock tin also take a significant impact on the accuracy of the rifle. The fundamental factors are:

A secure fit between the stock and action, so that the rifle does not shift nether recoil
A stable cloth, that does not suffer from changes in shape with temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to a degree that could adversely impact accuracy

A well designed and well built wooden stock can provide the secure, stable base of operations needed for an accurate rifle, but the properties of wood brand information technology more difficult than more stable synthetic materials. Wood is even so a height choice for aesthetic reasons, however, and solutions such as bedding provide the stability of a constructed with the aesthetics of wood.^[17] ^[18]

Flare-up or automatic shoulder fired small arms can incorporate the "straight-line" recoil configuration. This layout places both the center of gravity and the position of the shoulder stock nearly in line with the longitudinal axis of the barrel bore, a feature increasing controllability during burst or automatic fire.^[16]

Adjustability [edit]

Traditional gunstocks have a permanently-shaped buttstock that is fixed in length of pull and rummage meridian, and cannot tailor to the anatomical variation between different users. If the user wants a more comfortable head position to achieve amend natural point of aim, and so an additional cheek pad (which add to the comb peak) or a thicker buttplate (which add to the length of pull) demand to exist installed. These improvisations might not be ideal equally they might still non achieve optimal fitting to a person's ergonomics.

Modernistic manufacturing and gunsmithing techniques can produce gunstocks with variable comb heights and buttplate positions. This can exist achieved either past having interchangeable modules or using spacer blocks, which tin increase the vertical and horizontal thickness. Alternatively, the buttstock can be built with a movable rummage (known as a cheek riser) and/or buttplate, which use one or more guide rails to control position changes. These moveable parts can be adjusted using a leadscrew usually turned with a knurled wheel, or take them slide freely along the guide rails and and so attached to desirable positions with set screws or thumbscrews. Some more complex designs as well allow horizontal shifting and tilting of the cheek riser, as well as vertical shifting and slanting of the buttplate.

Construction [edit]

Traditionally, stocks are made from wood, generally a durable hardwood such as walnut. A growing option is the laminated wood stock, consisting of many thin layers of wood bonded together at high pressures with epoxy, resulting in a dumbo, stable blended.^[18] ^[17]

Regardless of the cloth really employed, the general term "furniture" is oft applied to gunstocks past curators, researchers and other firearm experts.

Folding, collapsible, or removable stocks tend to be made from a mix of steel or alloy for strength and locking mechanisms, and wood or plastics for shape. Stocks for bullpup rifles must take into business relationship the dimensions of the burglarize's action, also as ergonomic issues such every bit ejection.

Woods stocks [edit]

Gun stock structure on a lathe from the 1850s (photo circa 2015)

While walnut is the favored gunstock wood, many other woods are used, including maple, myrtle, birch, and mesquite. In making stocks from solid wood, one must have into account the natural backdrop and variability of woods. The grain of the wood determines the forcefulness, and the grain should catamenia through the wrist of the stock and out the toe; having the grain perpendicular to these areas weakens the stock considerably.^[17]

In addition to the type of wood, how it is treated tin can have a significant touch on on its properties. Woods for gunstocks should be slowly stale, to prevent grain collapse and splitting, and also to preserve the natural colour of the wood; custom stockmakers volition buy blanks that accept been stale two to three years and and so dry it for several additional years earlier working it into a stock. Careful selection can yield distinctive and bonny features, such every bit crotch effigy, feathering, fiddleback, and burl, which can significantly add to the desirability of a stock. While a basic, directly grained bare suitable for a utilitarian stock might sell for The states$20, an exhibition class blank with superb figure could price in the range of US$2000. Blanks for one piece stocks are more expensive than blanks for two piece stocks, due to the greater difficulty in finding the longer blanks with desirable figure. Ii piece stocks are ideally made from a single blank, and then that the wood in both parts shows similar color and figure.^[nineteen]

Laminated wood [edit]

Laminated wood consists of ii or more than layers of wood, impregnated with glue and attached permanently to each other. The combination of the ii pieces of wood, if laid out correctly, results in the carve up pieces moderating the effects of changes in temperature and humidity. Mod laminates consist of one⁄16 inch (i.6 mm) thick sheets of wood, usually birch, which are impregnated with epoxy, laid with alternate grain directions, and cured at high temperatures and pressures. The resulting composite material is far stronger than the original forest, free from internal defects, and nearly immune to warping from heat or wet. Typically, each layer of the laminate is dyed earlier laminating, frequently with alternating colors, which provides a pattern like to wood grain when cut into shape, and with bright, contrasting colors, the results tin be very striking. The disadvantage of laminate stocks is density, with laminates weighing near 4 to 5 ounces (110 to 140 g) more walnut for a typical stock.^[xviii]

While wood laminates have been bachelor for many years on the custom market (and, in subdued form, in some military rifles), in 1987 Rutland Plywood, a maker of wood laminates, convinced Sturm, Ruger, Savage Artillery, and U.South. Repeating Arms Company (Winchester) to display some laminate stocks on their rifles in a light-green, chocolate-brown and black pattern (often called camo). The response was overwhelming, and that marked the starting time of laminated stocks on product rifles.^[18]

Injection molded synthetic [edit]

While setup costs are high, once fix to produce, injection molding produces stocks for less than the cost of the cheapest forest stocks. Every stock is about identical in dimension, and requires no bedding, inletting, or finishing. The downsides are a lack of rigidity and thermal stability, which are side effects of the thermoplastic materials used for injection molding.^[18]

Hand-laid composite stocks [edit]

A hand-laid composite stock is composed out of materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar, graphite cloth, or some combination, saturated in an appropriate binder, placed into a mold to set up, or solidify. The resulting stock is stronger and more stable than an injection-molded stock. It can also be equally trivial as one-half the weight of an injection-molded stock. Inletting and bedding can be achieved by molding in as part of the manufacturing process, machining in the inletting after the stock is finished, molding directly to the activeness as a separate procedure, or molding a machined metallic component in place during manufacture. Stop is provided by a layer of gel coat applied to the mold earlier the material is laid up.^[18]

Metallic [edit]

Some high production firearms (such as the PPS-43, MP-forty, and the Zastava M70B) make utilise of metallic frames in order to accept a thin simply strong stock that tin be folded away to make the weapon more compact. Withal, fifty-fifty a skeletonized steel stock is oftentimes heavier than the equivalent solid wooden stock. Consequentially, less cost-sensitive designs like the FN Minimi make utilize of lighter-than-steel materials such as aluminium alloy or titanium. A few designs, like the Accurateness International Arctic Warfare, use a metallic chassis which securely beds the functional components of the firearm, with non-structural polymer panels attached externally like a beat for ergonomics and aesthetics.

Non-fixed stock [edit]

Telescoping stock [edit]

M4 carbine with a telescoping stock

A telescoping stock (alternatively collapsible stock) is a buttstock that can retract into and shorten itself (telescoping) in society to make the whole weapon more than meaty. Telescoping stocks are useful in assuasive a rifle, submachine gun, shotgun or fifty-fifty a light motorcar gun to be stored or maneuvered in places information technology would otherwise have trouble fitting. The user can either slide in ("collapse") the buttstock to render the weapon more portable and concealable, or extend ("deploy") it for better accuracy.

Some telescoping stocks, such equally those on the M4 carbine and Benelli M1014, have more than one length of pull setting, assuasive the stock to exist adjusted for different users.

Folding stock [edit]

An AK-103 with its stock folded

Some buttstocks can have a hinged attachment to the receiver and can be folded forward to shorten the overall length of the gun. The hinge usually has a locking mechanism to forbid adventitious or unwanted movements of the buttstock. When stability is not needed, the gun can be folded down to salvage space, be concealed, or held with one hand or nearer to the core; when stable aim is needed, the buttstock can be quickly extended and held to the shoulder.

About folding stocks bend left or right depending on factory design or user preferences. Some are however designed to curve up and down, and commonly made of a minimalistic "skeletonized" frame to fit over and envelop the receiver. Some compact weapons (e.1000. machine pistols) take foldable buttstocks with more than ane articulations to permit even more shortening.

Bump stock [edit]

A bump stock allows semi-automatic firearms to shoot at a faster rate of fire that somewhat mimics fully automatic fire.

A bump fire stock or crash-land stock utilizes the recoil of a semi-automatic burglarize to facilitate a faster rate of fire without requiring any modification of internal mechanisms to catechumen the firearm to an automatic firearm.

The term "bump fire" was originally an improvised technique to shoot an AR-15 faster by having the shooter applying a non-rigid forward push on the receiver (by gripping the handguard or via a foregrip) and having a loose hold on the pistol grip. When the gun shoots, the recoil shifts the receiver backwards, moving the trigger conversely frontwards (from the receiver'south frame of reference) and relaxes the pulling force on the trigger, assuasive it to reset. When the shooter's forward push overcomes the recoil momentum and shifts the receiver dorsum towards the front, the trigger is "bumped" against the shooter's finger and gets depressed once again, firing off another round, which produces some other recoil that repeats the higher up process. This allows a cycling rate of firing much faster than what the shooter's own finger can typically achieve, but is normally inaccurate due to the shooter often having to fire from the hip to still concord the gun firmly.

A crash-land stock replaces the manual forward push with a spring mechanism at the interface between the receiver and the pistol grip/buttstock. The user only has to simply hold the trigger back against the grip, and the spring-assisted frontward push button will itself piece of work against the recoil to cycle the shooting. This allows an increased rate of burn that can reach several hundred rounds per minute, and is far more consistent in functioning compared to the manual bump fire.

For handguns [edit]

The Luger Arms Pistol with its wooden holster attached

The CZ Škorpion with its folding wire stock extended.

Many handguns as well support the utilise of shoulder stocks to handle recoil. An case is the Luger P08 "Arms Pistol", which has a wooden mill holster that can be fastened to the pistol grip and used every bit an improvised buttstock. Some aftermarket manufacturers also make accessories for popular semi-automatic pistols such as Glocks, including grip modules that accept built-on folding stocks, or even "conversion kit" that allows the pistol to exist mounted into a carbine-shaped enclosure with a shoulder stock.

Car pistols such as the MAC-ten, Micro-Uzi and Škorpion vz. 61 often use a folding skeleton stock that can exist extended and braced during engagements to provide auto-fire stability.

Pistol brace [edit]

A pistol stabilizing brace (PSB) or arm caryatid is a device like in shape to a buttstock, but is meant to be in contact with or wrap effectually the shooter'due south forearm like a wrist caryatid or splint, instead of existence pressed against the shoulder. Information technology is mainly designed for pistols with carbine-style receivers (eastward.g. "AR pistols" and PC Charger), which are stockless out-of-manufactory to avert being legally classified as brusk-barreled rifles, equally an alternative measure of countering recoil and muzzle rise with one-handed shooting. The brace can be mounted onto the pistol via an M4-fashion buffer tube, or via a Picatinny rails interface.

Even though the bulkier end of a brace tin can nevertheless be leaned against the shoulder like a shoulder stock, doing so would invite the same legal complications as shoulder stocks practise.^[twenty] On December 18, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives filed a notice to the Federal Register titled Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with "Braces", proposing a series of criteria used to evaluate whether pistols with fastened stabilizing braces are firearms that should exist regulated past the National Firearms Deed,^[21] only withdrew the notice five days later.^[22]

Legal issues [edit]

In some jurisdictions, the nature of the stock may modify the legal status of the firearm. Examples of this are:

Calculation a shoulder stock to a firearm with a barrel shorter than sixteen inches (41 cm) changes it into a short-barreled rifle (SBR) nether the Us National Firearms Deed.
Folding stocks, or stocks with separate pistol grips, are regarded equally assault weapon features and banned in some U.S. states and municipalities.
In the The states, plumbing equipment a crash-land stock to a semi-automated firearm causes it to be classified equally a machine gun by the Bureau of Booze, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, meaning they are effectively banned on the federal level. They are as well banned in Canada and the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland.

Gallery [edit]

AK-47 with a three slice stock consisting of barrel, grip and fore-end

References [edit]

^ Chuck Hawks. "Rifle Recoil".
^ "Online Etymology Dictionary, tiller".
^ "Online Etymology Dictionary, stock".
^ "Handgonne". Archived from the original on 2016-10-14. Retrieved 2008-01-03 .
^ Krenn, Peter (1991). "Test-Firing Selected 16th to 18th C. Weapons". War machine Illustrated. 33.
^ "Pitt Rivers Museum". Archived from the original on 2008-09-21.
^ "British Museum". Archived from the original on 2010-01-21.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "SAAMI Glossary, Southward". Archived from the original on 2007-10-31. Retrieved 2008-01-03 .
^ Targetshooting.ca Archived 2007-ten-11 at the Wayback Machine
^ Modernistic Weapons—SPAS-12 World.guns.ru Archived 2008-11-04 at the Wayback Car
^ "Rifle Stock Terms".
^ "SAAMI Glossary, C". Archived from the original on 2008-04-09.
^ "SAAMI Glossary, F".
^ "The Magic of Bandage-off".
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Configuring the Eliseo Tubegun Stock within AccurateShooter.com
^ ^a ^b Senich, Peter: The German Assault Rifle: 1935–1945, page 239. Paladin Press, 1987.
^ ^a ^b ^c Larry Lyons. "The Semi-Synthetic Solution". Guns & Ammo. Archived from the original (– ^{Scholar search}) on October 23, 2007.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Jon R. Sundra (Nov 1999). "The Stock Market". Guns Mag.
^ Ron Swartley (October 1990). "Gunstock blanks: how to buy the best - gunsmithing tips". Shooting Industry.
^ Kingery, Max G. "Open up Letter of the alphabet ON THE RESIGN OF "STABILIZING BRACES"" (PDF).
^ "Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with "Stabilizing Braces"". Federal Annals. 2020-12-18. Retrieved 2020-01-12 .
^ "SB Criteria Withdrawal Observe". Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-01-12 .

External links [edit]

Media related to Stock (firearm) at Wikimedia Eatables