In the accuracy arena, where 1/8th of a minute-of-angle increments can make a significant difference, overall rifle balance can play a huge part. Among the more useful aids in achieving stock/rifle balance will be the addition of weight to the buttstock.
by Norman E. Johnson

The counterpoised riflestock has particular application in the benchrest rifle where the rifle rests on special supports, usually consisting of sand filled bags as an interface. The front support is positioned along the forend of the rifle and the rear sandbag support immediately forward of the buttplate. As a heavier barrel is installed on the rifle there is an increased uplifting of the buttstock with some loss of rifle stability and control. Adding some form of weight here does the trick. Some use clay as a filler in those composite stocks which are hollow. Wood stocks allow a different choice in counterpoised weight control.

Read more in our December 2012 issue. Back issues are available.

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