There are two aphorisms to which I have my own subscriptions:
1.They say that an ‘Idle Mind is a Devil’s Workshop’ – I’m about to prove it wrong!
•In my moments of solitude my thoughts wander seeking solutions to many a problem that confront me and I dare admit that I have solved a many! Hence a fertile mind even when idle is capable of creating something extraordinary!
2.Necessity is the mother of invention!
•If you need something desperately and if it’s not available, you then begin inventing to create what you desire.
One such thing that has been bugging me for a long time was - How to fit a Cheek Rest / Pad to my Samurai 3G’s (modified IHP35 0.22cal) because IHP stocks do not come with a built-in Cheek Rest / Pad. In fact most Indian made ARs do not come with one and if they do, it’s more of an apology that serves no useful purpose.
As there are no add-on Cheek Rest / Pads available as an accessory locally or nationally, I even tried on the net – the result was - some were made of rubber that had to be fixed permanently or others made of canvass filled with sponge / foam with Velcro fasteners and they all cost US$ 40/- upwards. These were not appealing and were costly too.
While calling on a friend at his office a few days ago, I saw a uniquely shaped ‘Napkin / Tissue’ holder on his table which was made of 0.5mm SS. The shape so fascinated me that ‘I imagined it sitting onto my Samurai stock in the form of a Cheek Rest / Pad. So I borrowed it from him and went to work.
DIY steps
1.Made a template out of duplex board of the dimensions of the Tissue holder
2.Bought a 1ft x 1ft soft rubber sheet – 3mm thickness from the local Hardware shop
3.Put the template on to the rubber sheet & cut the profile using a sharp paper cutter
4.Fixed the cut rubber pieces on to the Tissue Holder with anaerobic adhesive (This operation needs extreme care & dexterity as contours have to match prior to the quick setting adhesive)
5.Finally the edges were given a smooth finish with fine grained emery paper after which a coat of Carnoba wax was applied to give it a classy look.
Voila!!!
I now have a Classy Looking - One of a Kind Cheek Rest / Pad that could be….
• SNAPPED ON when required &
• SNAPPED OFF when not required!!!!
NOTE:
The shape & contour of the top of my Cheek Rest may not be suitable to some as the size & contour of the cheek bone varies from person to person – this can be overcome by re-shaping the Top Part by adding extra foam / sponge material to give the shape / curvature to suit the shooter.
Further Cheek Pads / Rests are ideally meant for those who use a scope on their weapons. The fact is scopes are always 1cms to 1.5cms higher than the rear sight. This elevation is taken care of by the Cheek Pad / Rest that helps to align the line of sight (cross hair to target) without getting a pain in the neck! BTW if patience is not your virtue – for DIY sake cultivate it!!!
Please view this video clip - (Why Cheek Rest / Pad)
Total Cost:
1. Rs.100/- for the Tissue Holder
2. Rs.35/- for the rubber sheet
3. Rs.50/- for the adhesive
Total cost = Rs.185/- as compared to US$ 40 = Rs.2000/ approx. charged by overseas vendors.
Finally for the cost of the fun I had in conceptualizing & sourcing the material, making it + the joy of seeing the final product and testing it = PRICELESS!!!
Cheers
Briha
> The pic are appended below for viewing
But I shall grant you this -> *your* mind is still a naughty devil's workshop! 
WHY ? After all, it was the Devil who taught the Man to employ and enjoy his senses. You teach us lessons in beautiful application of mind, art and perseverance. Refreshing and good to see such DIY arrows shoot off your quiver every now and then - gives us ordinary folks a chance or two to try our hands on such "joy-giving shapes". 
