Stock blank question

[Ezra]

So, I will eventually be starting my first rifle from a stock blank after my retirement this coming January.  I have the lock and Rice is building my barrel.  Is there a standard rule of thumb regarding how to determine my overall blank stock length?  Because all I’m thinking is length of pull (~14”) plus barrel length (48”).  Maybe add 2-4” just in case.  The rifle is just a full stock early York school.  Caliber is .50.  I look forward to your comments.

Ez

[Ky-Flinter]

Ez,

The trigger(s) will be about 2" behind the end of the barrel, so add that for sure.  And beware of checking on the ends of your blank that you might like to trim away.  Then, depending on how the blank is shaped, you may have to shift your pattern around some to get the best fit, grain flow thru the wrist, etc.  How long?  I'm thinking 68" minimum, but the longer the better!

-Ron

[TommyG]

I always draw a plan on craft paper of the particular gun I am going to build.  A lot easier to work out all the variables(LOP, drop,etc.) on paper than on the stock itself.  From there, transfer with tracing paper to the stock itself or make a template.  However, if you are simply looking to purchase a stock blank, I usually add 18" to the length of the barrel for a rough blank

[Mike Brooks]

16" + the length of the barrel.

[Clowdis]

Inlet the lock and triggers before you cut the stock for the buttplate. This way you can get the trigger pull length right on the money. Just be sure to allow a little extra wood at the toe to allow for moving the buttplate backward or forward.

[jerrywh]

I always figured mine the same as Mike Brooks.  Back  of barrel plus 16"

[Mike Brooks]

I always figured mine the same as Mike Brooks.  Back  of barrel plus 16"

Great minds etc......