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PSE Rifle Stocks

PSE Rifle Stocks

True Composite stocks have evolved within the last few decades but the initial use of glass fibre materials has recently graduated into carbon and Kevlar products which represents the cutting edge. PSE Composites hail from Cork in Ireland and are run by Edmund Graef and his sons. Edmund’s background CV is a desirable read for any engineering candidate and his experience and qualifications across a wide range or manufacturing sectors have now been brought to rifle stocks.

PURITY OF DESIGN

Using carbon composite sheet, pre-impregnated with adhesive polymers, a monocoque construction is created that is effectively moulded to the precise form required including inlet. Integral carbon fibre I-beams results in a stock that is ultra-stiff in both lateral and torsional axes. So now the strength exhibited is all based on a 360° skin that surrounds the external profile. Also as no inlet machining is required, no strength is lost, likewise the multi directional layered `rovings` (windings) of carbon fibre are left untouched and undamaged.

Unlike Gel coats applied to glass reinforced composites which can include various dyes and patterns, coating here is a sprayed Dura-coat layer on the carbon fire. The colour is up to the buyer with gentle stippling applied to hide the underlying woven texture.

COSMETICS

If you require a barrel channel of less than 36mm, it can be `back-filled` although this is purely cosmetic as the stock will neither receive nor require any additional strength. The recoil lug pocket just in front of the action is deliberately left oversized so no enlargement is required. PSE recommend bedding this area to assure solid contact, transferring recoil from the lug to the stock.

Integral pillars allow constant bolt torque to be maintained without any crushing forces applied. The lightweight design allows weight to be deliberately added where specified to assist in controlling recoil momentum. When aligned with or above the bore, added mass minimises muzzle lift. A broad range of options are available and my example boasted a 1” thick recoil pad, side-mounted flush cups for quick release biathlon-style sling and a standard stud under the forend to accept a bipod.

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Length of pull at 13 1/8” was a little short but easily increased with additional spacers. An adjustable cheekpiece complemented a functionally simple build with a thumbscrew adjuster to alter settings. The tapered nose and sleek profile allowed bolt removal without adjustment. Deep stippling assured a solid grip on the vertical pistol grip and rounded hexagonal forend; flattened on the sides for Picatinny rail fitment parallel to the bore line should you choose. A subtle ridge down the front of the pistol grip helped locate the inside of the knuckles precisely and was a nice touch! Reach to trigger was perfect and as usual, a thumb-up style suited this design.

LIGHTWEIGHT, I KID YOU NOT

The Sporter used the same build this time in dark green, with lightly stippled coating that added visual bulk to its slim profile. Weighing in at 715 grams with an inlet set up for the standard hinged BDL floorplate; upon first handling I had my doubts as I see many stocks made slim purely to save weight. Adding a 243 barrelled action pleasantly surprised me!

The slender, squared forend showed a 24mm barrel channel and happily floated the factory sporter tube, with no flexing that can lead to wandering zeros due to barrel contact. Three QD sling studs are fitted (two up front and one on the butt). The rifle is light to carry yet on firing from any position and held firmly and recoiled smoothly.

The Monte Carlo cheekpiece complemented the openly curved and swooping grip nicely. Length of pull and reach to trigger were good. The 13 ½”, L.O.P. was closer to the norm although taller shooters may add a spacer or two. A good cheek weld could be maintained with 50 and 56mm scope.

ENGINEERED TO PERFECTION

Both stocks were beautifully made, finished and specified, the design really appealing to my techy tastes. These two catered well for the opposing ends of the custom hunting rifle market before getting too specific to rulebook requirements for competition guns. Be careful with bedding as you don’t want or need to be cutting away stock material from this design so breaking down the 360° build!

At around 30-40% lighter than laminate stocks and most other composites, I can see a lot to like here, especially for a hill stalking rifle or a varminter built lightweight to carry. The deliberate addition of weight in desired locations allowed fantastic recoil control and maintained vision of the target for any required follow up shots.

  • PSE Rifle Stocks - image {image:count}

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  • PSE Rifle Stocks - image {image:count}

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  • PSE Rifle Stocks - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • PSE Rifle Stocks - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • PSE Rifle Stocks - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • PSE Rifle Stocks - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • ETAC:
  • Ultra-Light carbon/Kevlar: 700 grams
  • Light glass/carbon: 850 grams
  • Heavy glass/carbon: 1000grams
  • ETAC with bottom metal: 1090g
  • colours available: FN Green, Tactical Green, Tactical Black
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