FN Browning Auto-5 buttstock replacement.

[Mack The Knife]

Would it be possible to replace a straight gripped FN Browning Auto-5 buttstock such as...




with a wood or composite buttstock with a Prince of Wales grip such as...



or...



without resorting to any major gunsmithing?

Thanks.

Mack The Knife

[The Doc]

Would it be possible to replace a straight gripped FN Browning Auto-5 buttstock such as...
with a wood or composite buttstock with a Prince of
without resorting to any major gunsmithing?

I guess the reason you want to change the butt is that you do not like straight grip ? Or is there another problem with the stock such as a major crack or something ?

You know, the bulky square chamber of this repeater and straight grips look good together. A classier look I would say.

Prince of Wales grips ? errr might not look as classy.

It can be done by a good gunsmith, may be you can get in touch with one of our forum members Bobby Sidhu .

best,

RP.

[Mack The Knife]

RP,

I prefer straight grips but this one has a crack and needs to be replaced.

[The Doc]

this one has a crack and needs to be replaced.

Now that is unfortunate. May be AC can help since he knows about stocks.

RP.

[penpusher]

Mack The Knife,

A cracked stock can be repaired.If done properly and depending upon where the crack is,the repair would not be visible. A properly repaired stock should last as long as a new one.

Try this site http://www.gunstockmaker.com/

[cottage cheese]

Hi Rusty,

Doc has a point.

A couple of approaches to this:

1. Make an entirely new stock- Relatively easy job but that will mean throwing an original stock which is pretty criminal. Also it'll be a challenge trying to match up the grain, texture and shade to the hand guard.

2. Often cracks are reparable and if you don't mind doing a thorough degrease and clean up, you could epoxy your way to a pretty good repair- depending on the nature and placement of the crack you'll need epoxy, latex tubes for a secure bind and maybe some stock repair pins.

3. You can graft a 'toe' to the grip area of the stock....you'll have to nip a bit of the bottom face to get the toe to fit on a flat face....after than its pins and epoxy....also you'll have similar challenges with regard to wood match and. Grafting is a fairly common practice... but more to do with repairing severely marred or splintered areas.

I'd vote for the original stock to be repaired... its just so gorgeous in a retro way.

regards,
cc

[lazybones]

Hi Mack The Knife:
Looks do-able from the photos. Might be a good idea to use a plywood cutout first to establish that the new stock profile gives you a comfortable line of sight.
If you decide to do it yourself; "Do it Yourself Gunsmithing" by Jim Carmichel is a great stock making and fitting guide. I'll be glad to lend you my copy.
Ashok

[HSharief]

You can repair, but maybe look into getting an entirely new set. I think you can find one for around $200. Maybe get some woodsmith to make an entire set for you. I remember CauveryCowboy had one made for a 682 when I was in Hyd a couple of years back.

I just googled it and found quite a few hits. Here's one :
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDeta ... ?sku=93200
not bad for $48, eh ?

Add: Found a few on ebay too. I'd say go with the new/replacement "set" and while you're at it, do a complete Bluing job and make it "new". IF the owner wants it "restored".

[Mack The Knife]

penpusher and CC,

It's actually more than just a crack. There is a through and through clean diagonal break through the grip which was jointed at some point of time before I saw the gun in the late 80's.

When I used this gun the crack started to open up after just five shots.

I have attached two pics of the gun and a schematic cross-section for your reference. If you still think the stock is repairable, I could work on it but in the meanwhile I would like to get a replacement. Hence, my original question.







Thanks.

[Mack The Knife]

Thanks Ashok but I am not interested in making a stock. However, should you have a book on the Browning A-5 then that is something I would like to read.

Sharieff, thanks for the heads-up.

[penpusher]

Mack The Knife,

There does not seem to be any way you would be able to reinforce the crack.A new stock seems to be the only way to go.Lots of stocks advertised on the net for the A5.Would in all probability require some fitting but nothing that you would not be able to handle.

[to_saptarshi]

If you still think the stock is repairable, I could work on it but in the meanwhile
I would like to get a replacement. Hence, my original question.

No I dont think repairing is a good option here.

Replacing it with a composite buttstock with a Prince of Wales grip is possible and would not hamper the functioning of the gun, but you may need to modify or bend the lower tang to fit it properly with the compostie stock.

Regards
Saptarshi

[Mack The Knife]

penpusher,

The only replacements I see are the Classic or Prince of Wales type of stock. What I need to know before shelling out is whether the inletting is the same and whether the rearward extension of the trigger guard would fit.

[Mack The Knife]

but you may need to modify or bend the lower tang to fit it properly with the compostie stock.

Regards
Saptarshi

Quite right. That is one of my concerns. However, bending the lower tang may not work if it is not long enough for the screw holes to match.

[indian]

hi Mack The Knife

nice gun out there do you own that A5??i thought you had a Brno....