Obviously, the preferred material used when making a rifles buttplate can be a matter of opinion. While the maker of the buttplate may like one material because it is easier to use and work with, the other person making a rifles buttplate may like another material because even though it may be harder to work with, they believe it produces a better product. Personally, I like a metal buttplate because of its durability and ease of cleaning but, as I stated before, this can be subjective because if Iam choosing with comfort in mind, I may decide to use some type of foam rubber to help manage the firearms felt recoil.
Now if you are like me you may want to consider something like an adjustable buttplate. What feels right for me today may feel off to me tomorrow and having the option to make some minor adjustments from my day-to-day shooting is kind of nice. Maybe it has to do with the stance that I am shooting in at the time. Being able to add spacers on the buttplate section would adjust the length of pull the rifle has and this may feel better while shooting in a prone position while I may want to remove them and get the rifle tucked in tighter for a standing unsupported position. In any matter, I like having the option of adjustment.
Before fitting a buttplate on a stock, the stock should be cut and trued to accept whatever type of plate you are installing. Remember to give yourself a little bit more material than expected to allow room for adjustment during fitting. Fitting a flat buttplate is by far the easiest to do as it only requires that you mark the plates position on the stock, Mark your screw holes and secure the plate. Finally, use the marks made to the stock to shape the wood allowing for a clean looking finished product.
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