Best (temporary) method to raise rifle comb

[steve white]

The trouble with clip on scopes for drillings, or for the mile-high scope mounts on older mauser rifles is that the cheek weld is lost. What are the very best methods to temporarily raise the comb, in your opinion? In the case of the drilling, it has to be removable so that the shotgun sighting is not elevated when you are finished with the rifle.

I saw a unique comb riser online, but was in a hurry and skipped past it in my research and never made it back to check it out. It did not appear to be padded at all, though a bit of padding never hurts, no pun intended.

One concern I have is that the sides of the comb not be enlarged on the sides in such a way as to push my face out of alignment with the sights. Another would be that the comb attachment not scratch or scar the stock. Leather comes to mind.

 

[rookhawk]

Leather lace on or Velcro on comb riser is one option.

The better option would be to get a different optic mount that is extremely low mounted, thus repeating the stock geometry with the iron sights.

 

[small bore]

You might take a look at the Bradley Cheek Rest offered by a small company in Oregon. Brad makes several adjustable models in kydex. Some are covered in leather or fabric. All are mounted on a padded base to protect the stock and are made to be easily mounted and dismounted. I ordered one today for a Safari Express with a walnut stock.

 

[steve white]

Kydex...hmm...I rather think that is what I saw/skipped past. Thanks

May be a random suggestion, but is it even possible to tastefully have a nice stock cut and fitted with an adjustable rest as seen on some target rifles and shotguns? It could then move up and back down--but there's no way I would want the stock messed up. It would have to be done by someone very talented IMO.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Cut-up an old towel or sheet and wrap the stock (piling more in the comb or adding a piece of foam pipe wrap), then tape the crap out of it with 100mph tape. Make sure you have a layer of cloth going all the way around the wood so you avoid getting any adhesive from the tape on your stock and damaging it. You can build/shape the cheek piece as you need.

 

[samson7x]

May be a random suggestion, but is it even possible to tastefully have a nice stock cut and fitted with an adjustable rest as seen on some target rifles and shotguns? It could then move up and back down--but there's no way I would want the stock messed up. It would have to be done by someone very talented IMO.

Longriflesinc does this on fiberglass stocks. Haven’t seen any in wood though.

I use those foam pool noodles cut in half and vet tape wrapped around the stock for temporary setups.

 

[thoma018]

try Tourbon neoprene stock riser, should work.

 

[GuttormG]

May be a random suggestion, but is it even possible to tastefully have a nice stock cut and fitted with an adjustable rest as seen on some target rifles and shotguns?

Any gunsmith or stockmaker worth considering should be able to make a nice solution.

 

[Sabre]

The person who recommended Bradley Cheek Rest had the correct answer for your question.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Several years ago I bought a neoprene cheek riser that came with inserts of different thickness. Called Bear or Grizzly or something similar. Then I figured out my shotgun actually needed longer LOP instead and I switched to slip-on recoil pad.

If it was me I would change the Mauser to 3-position Model 70 style. Keep the original safety and bolt shroud for resale purposes. It's not difficult to switch them if needed. Those safeties can be picked from several sources for $200-$300. The Model 70 style is much handier for hunting. Mauser flag safety requires thumb and forefinger to disengage from full safe before mounting the rifle. Winchester safety can be disengaged with just thumb as the gun is mounted or even after it's mounted. And of course scope can be mounted low above Winchester safety. Personally, I think changing the safety would be more aesthetic than stacking on a cheek riser booger or chopping up your existing (classic?) stock. I installed 3-position Parkwest safety on my 404 build on 98 Mauser. It's not difficult ... usually. Some bubba gunsmith had warped the back end of my bolt when welding on a scope relief bolt handle. Took a while to sort that out.

 

[samson7x]

Any gunsmith or stockmaker worth considering should be able to make a nice solution.

View attachment 705203

This yours? Who did the work? Looks very nice.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Raising the stock comb enough for scope to clear the Mauser flag safety will undoubtedly change felt recoil ... for the worse. Scope will need to be raised significantly. You will also have to reach underneath the scope with thumb and forefinger to disengage flag from full safe and pull it all the way over to fire. Awkward. Or you can carry it on position 2 with flag straight up and risk your bolt opening inadvertently.

Another option is mount your scope low, leave the flag in fire position, and carry the gun with an empty chamber. Not advisable for dangerous game.

A third option would be change to Timney "deluxe" Mauser trigger with trigger block safety on the side of receiver. These require some minor whittling to the bolt shroud and the stock but certainly nothing like chopping a chunk out for adjustable cheek rest. Those trigger/safeties are ~$160-$180. Spend another Andy Jackson and you'd have Winchester safety with shroud requiring no modification to stock. Of course you'd not have the very fine Timney trigger. Timney deluxe side safety is quick and easy to operate but should be installed by someone who knows what he's doing. Timney doesn't have position 2 so gun must be off safe to cycle. Importance of that feature is debatable ... hugely.

Here's what my Mauser in 404 looks like with Model 70 safety and thick 30mm scope mounted with just a cigarette paper's thickness between it and bolt handle. I can mount it quickly with my eyes closed and crosshairs are instantly in full view when I open them. Perfect.

 

[Lance Hopper]

Rick Lowe Custom Leather in FL. makes exactly what you’re looking for. Very tasteful, almost looks like the guns were intended to have it.