In Part 1 of this ‘Hamster’ special, we discussed the merits of adding a hamster/stock forend raiser block. This time out, we’ll show how going D.I.Y is an option!
So you like the idea of adding a forend raiser block/hamster to your rifle, but you really don’t want any added expenditure?
OK; how about taking the D.I.Y. Route? It can be fun, satisfying, fairly cheap, and highly effective.
So here’s how.
Qualified?
Let’s start by stating the obvious, that whilst this is a fairly logical, straight forward process that most will be able to complete, DIY work really isn’t for everyone, and you certainly don”t want to mess up a decent gun. So only attempt this mini project, if you feel confident.
Before we start, it makes sense to make up a mock-up of the raiser block using a piece of stiff foam, and tie this in place under the gun, just to check that you arrive at the correct length and depth. Remember if HFT competition could be on the cards, then the magic figure is 150mm max depth allowed, measured from the centre of the barrel to the base of the forend/stock riser.
What Do I Need?
To create your own stock raiser/hamster, you’ll need the following:
- A small block of wood 6-10inches in length, and 2-3inches wide rough guide. 10mm depth is probably enough. Check all dimensions when holding the rifle in the proposed main shooting position, again with a foam mock-up.
- Two socket headed bolts 2-3 inches, dependent upon the depth of the wooden block and the overall depth required. Remember the bolts need to be long enough to pass through the block, the spacer and then sink into the stock by at least half inch.
- Two small tubes either metal or plastic, to act as spacers
- Two small screw inserts/receivers
For the block, a local timber yard or wood working company can be ideal, and off-cuts might well be cheap. Mahogany is hard to work with but ideal as it allows for strength in only a thin piece. Most hardwood off-cuts should be fine however.
Sourcing the bolts should be easy from the likes of Screwfix, although you may need to cut them down with a hacksaw held in a vice. As for the inserts to be countersunk into the stock, again Screwfix is a good place to start.
Sourcing the small tubes to act as spacers can be the trickiest part, but again various DIY outlets can help.
Stage 1
This project depends upon having a rifle with enough depth to receive two screws, and obviously the stock needs to be wood. Remove the stock from the rifle, and safely set aside the action. Ideally have a friend hold the stock firmly upside down on a stable surface, or gently grip it in a large vice, just enough to keep it upright.
Begin by carefully drilling two holes into the underside of the stock, 2-4 inches apart ideally, and only deep enough to receive the inserts. Gently widen the holes to the correct size, so that the bolt receivers can be recessed into the holes. Apply a small amount of adhesive, and tap the receivers into the holes flush. Let these fully dry.
Measure the distance between the centre of each hole, and then mark out the same measurement on the block of wood, to be used for the Hamster. Now we should have two marks on the block, and both holes can be drilled completely through, just wide enough for the fixing bolts. Gently countersink the lips of each hole on the block if deemed necessary, so the bolt heads will sit flush.
Stage 2
The spacer tubes (either plastic or metal) now need to be cut down to size, dependent upon the desired depth. (Remember that maximum total depth for HFT of 150mm).
Stage 3 – Assembly
Now everything can be assembled. Insert both bolts through the raiser block, through each spacer, and into their respective countersunk receivers in the stock. If they won’t tighten, they could be too long, and you may find the bolts need to be carefully cut slightly shorter using a hacksaw, with the bolts held in a vice. Once they are the correct length, they should feed into the receivers, then nip up with an allen key, pulling in snugly, with everything tight.
If you’ve got to this stage, hopefully it’s job done; and with the riser/hamster in place.
Handling can really be transformed, and you may be surprised just how easier the rifle is to shoot, especially when tackling those tricky high rise tree shots or the dreaded standing shots, all for relatively little outlay.
Feel smug? So you should.
Range & Country
