Looking for some thoughts on a custom build for a teenage daughter. My daughter is almost 18 yrs old, 5'4", 85lbs and isn't going to get any bigger. Has anyone else built a rifle for a smaller person? What do you recommend for stock length?
Custom build for a teenager?
- Thread starter thaught
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bigngreen
Well-Known Member
Look at a Weatherby Camilla and have her hold it and see how it fits, it's designed for females and it absolutely was a game changer for my daughter, I can't hardly hold it but it fits her like a glove!! I'm a huge advocate of getting especially females the right stock and balance to their rifle as it's a game changer and builds confidence right out of the gate!!
I was going to custom build my daughter a rifle till she tried one of these on and I realized I'd just be throwing money away building what already exists, though some day I'm going to have the stock duplicated in nicer wood for her.
I was going to custom build my daughter a rifle till she tried one of these on and I realized I'd just be throwing money away building what already exists, though some day I'm going to have the stock duplicated in nicer wood for her.
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I"m in Bigngreen's corner on this one. Pick out something like what he mentioned, take the money saved and go on a hunt somewhere like Wyo for lopes.
As she matures, things will change then and then you could look at the idea of something a bit more up scale.
Build some trophy memories
As she matures, things will change then and then you could look at the idea of something a bit more up scale.
Build some trophy memories
Doublezranch
Well-Known Member
I built all 3 of my kids rifles. They were 14 when my 2 oldest received theirs, and my youngest was 11. All big caliber rifles that they absolutely love to shoot because they fit them. Bigngreen is right on the money with this one. You have to get a gun that fits them right and is comfortable.
Doublezranch
Well-Known Member
willfrye027
Well-Known Member
My wife likes her Camilla.
wish I would have gotten it in 243 instead of 6.5 bleedmore. It's a pretty short barrel and muzzle blast is somewhat unpleasant...but it fits her well and it's what she wanted!
wish I would have gotten it in 243 instead of 6.5 bleedmore. It's a pretty short barrel and muzzle blast is somewhat unpleasant...but it fits her well and it's what she wanted!
1894C
Well-Known Member
Built my wife who's 5'4 110 lbs a 7-08ai off a Remington 700 short action in a mcmillan RMR LOP 12.75" with a #3 krieger finished at 24". Shes killed a lot of stuff with that rifle. Shoots 160 accubonds lights out.
codyadams
Well-Known Member
My wife is 5'4" and about 140, and I am putting a rifle together for her now. She loves the feel of my other manners EH-1 stocks, so I had one built with a 12.5" LOP that perfectly fits her, and will have a 20" barrel, and ready to hunt will be about 8.5 lbs, and short and handy for her, and chambered in 7 Sherman Max, and since she doesn't mind muzzle brakes, will have an efficient brake to mitigate any recoil and make it nice to shoot.
With females, keep in mind the generally have longer necks, higher cheek bones, and shorter LOP, and prefer a little lighter guns when compared to a guy, even of the same physical size. Recoil can also be an issue if they are not experienced with firearms and recoil management. They need a higher cheek rest than a same sized male does. If you don't want to spend the money of a custom, look at what BNG said, the Weatherby is a great option if it feels good to her. If you build one though, pay special attention to the level of the cheek and drop at comb, possibly talk to the stock maker of your choice prior to ordering. Also, keep in mind the size of objective scope you will use, the larger the scope the higher it will set, and the higher you will need the cheek to be, possibly even consider an adjustable cheek rest.
Things I have found from building for a VERY particular woman. I literally had to call Manners, and tell them specifically the pattern that she wanted the camo of her choice sponged on the stock. When I took the stock out of the wrapping and showed it to her, I was holding my breath hoping it was right for her ha ha.
With females, keep in mind the generally have longer necks, higher cheek bones, and shorter LOP, and prefer a little lighter guns when compared to a guy, even of the same physical size. Recoil can also be an issue if they are not experienced with firearms and recoil management. They need a higher cheek rest than a same sized male does. If you don't want to spend the money of a custom, look at what BNG said, the Weatherby is a great option if it feels good to her. If you build one though, pay special attention to the level of the cheek and drop at comb, possibly talk to the stock maker of your choice prior to ordering. Also, keep in mind the size of objective scope you will use, the larger the scope the higher it will set, and the higher you will need the cheek to be, possibly even consider an adjustable cheek rest.
Things I have found from building for a VERY particular woman. I literally had to call Manners, and tell them specifically the pattern that she wanted the camo of her choice sponged on the stock. When I took the stock out of the wrapping and showed it to her, I was holding my breath hoping it was right for her ha ha.
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Cody has it right. Alot to consider for women. I'm with you Cody, my wife is an artist and has a "critical eye". LOL But It's a joy to work through, a labor of love, if you will.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
My daughter, Taylor, has been shooting a 6.5SLR for about 7 years. She just turned 18. 5'1" & 110lbs or so now, started using it when she was like 4'2" & 70ish? She has put some great animals on the ground with it since she was 12. It is built on a 12.5" LOP Manners PRS2 (used to have a 12.5" T2A).
codyadams
Well-Known Member
Absolutely ha ha, the process of building her rifle together has been really fun, and in the end it will truly be "her rifle".
