Hey all,
Wow, thanks for all the input! I do appreaciate it.
I do wish to clarify a few things:
For those who brought up the difference between utilitarian tools and works of art, I do get that, believe me! In fact, that's part of the reason I like my Mosin as much as I do- it may be wood and steel, but still very utilitarian, and I don't worry about stock dings...
As for the polymer/wood etc. debate, that wasn't really what I was getting at.
It's not a question of wood v. plastic- I have seen some excellent polymer stocks that I would pick up it a heartbeat; for that matter, I've had the privilege to shoot a few. Namely, a National-Match AR-15 rifle with OD furniture, and a Remington 700 with a heavyweight polymer stock that was owned by the local SWAT sniper. Both of these were excellent examples of polymer furniture that suited the intended use of the weapon in question. Both were high quality, lacked any 'cheap' feel, and added to the quality and appearance of the weapon.
What I have an issue with is profile and contour- especially in forearms. Some of these stocks appear huge, feel huge, and fit poorly in the hand. I think it would feel like trying to get one's hand around a large, greased watermelon- you can't get enough purchase to effectively grip the surface. What I want is a
slim stock- one that just fills the hand, but does not overwhelm it. In fact, one of the best examples I handled recently was a spoterized Gew. 98 that had been given a nice treatment (not a bubba job at all) of stock reshaping and barrel shortening. It had slim, efficient lines all the way back to the butt, and it fit and balanced well in the hand. If I had had $300 dollars, I would have bought the gun on the spot, cheap scope (which I would have replaced with quality irons) and cost of 8mm Mauser be d*mned. I've seen wood stocks on new production factory rifles that I would rather burn as firewood than consider for this so, again, it is not a wood v. polymer issue.
So, in short, yes this rifle concept was conceived as a utilitarian tool. I don't mind polymer- for this application, in fact, I welcome it. I simply want a rifle that has a clean, plain stock that carries and points well, and can take the abuse that a tool will suffer.
Upland- I'd gladly get an 03A3 as you suggested, IF: I had money, and could find an 03A3 for that price locally.
To others who suggested an M70 featerweight- if I could find one that I could afford, you all have no idea how quickly I would jump on it. In fact, it is the lines of that rifle that I appreciate- clean and simple. No extraneous bumps, frills, angles or excess material. I also despise what I refer to as the 'fishbelly-' stocks with an excessive 'vertical profile.'
Ugaary- that is gun porn of the highest order. Don't tempt me so!
Anyway, I hope I've clarified myself a tad. Again, this is not a 'material' debate, but one of contours, fit and profile. To a certain extent, it is about not only a certain amount of cosmetic excess (a prime example are some of the new Remington and Benelli shotguns which, through extensive use of contours and angles, appear to be attempting to look 'futuristic' and 'space age.' In reality, it ends up looking like rubbish, and the excess gets in the way). Maybe this helps with my point? Or maybe I'm just confusing you all.
Anyway, please keep chatting, and keep up the pics! Gun porn for everyone.
-Chris