FT Blog: Time to Off-set?

Back in 2014, I ordered a Warren Edwards Fully adjustable FT stock, and first impressions were not great, since the EV2 action didn’t seem to fit too well without some encouragement. However, for a few months, I enjoyed using the Beast as I called it. It was big, heavy and suited me; accommodating my similar!

But I still had ideas for improved woodwork. Stock number three saw me go back to Gary Cane and then for number four, which should have been my last for the EV2. But the one thing it did not have when it was ready, was the 15mm off-set grip I requested. Thus, as much as I liked No4, and still shot well with it, it was not right, and not what I wanted. Having Seen Andy Calpin using his new Warren Edwards off-set grip design, for his Air Arms FTP 900, I knew that was right. Least I thought it would be, but it was still going to be a gamble.

Off-set

As such, I went for the much cheaper option of Edwards at £600 over Gary Cane’s at a not inconsiderable £1000 when I placed my order in August for my off-set stock. When we called to Warren’s in Sheffield, I must admit the upgrades in his whole operation from 2014 were very impressive. Better machinery, choices of laminate and a whole range of shaped blanks to try for fit. I picked up the example grip coded ‘ X ‘, and instantly knew it was for me. The same for the forend. This even surpassed my Gary Cane experience, and it instantly made me feel the result was going to be exactly what I wanted- and it was! He even had the Green and Silver laminate I wanted on the shelf; destiny!

So, having used the off-set stock now for a couple of months, what is different? Well basically it’s the pistol grip! The mechanism allows about 20mm of useful sideways movement, so it comes out to where you want it. This takes the strain off the tendons in the wrist and allows for much better shot control, that’s the main difference for me. Since using it I have noticed my groups have tightened up and I know instantly if I pull a shot. The control really is that much better and improved. Special thanks go to John Ostler for making up the offset trigger, needed to go with the stock design. The trigger now allows a nice straight back pull, if somewhat off-set from the barrel centre! Steyr have had this for some time, and I first saw John Costello using it back in 2009. However, I didn’t ask to try it then, since I was just a lowly number and Costello a (young) FT God! Wish I had!

Supreme quality

I have to say though, it’s not just the grip. When the stock turned up, the colours and the finish were outstanding. As good as anything I have had on any of my other five previous custom builds! Given it was only four months start to finish, that too is a plus point for Warren, I know one of my international friends has been waiting over a year for a Stock from Gary C, which is some considerable time. Indeed, it was another factor that made Edwards number one contender for me. With this stock I’ve had it made deep and wide but in a traditional style, with posts on the drop-down hamster. So, none of that silly looking extended scaffolding pole/bar, that most seem to think you must have on an FT gun these days.

Elevated

Ok if you’re going to ‘anti-aircraft’ abroad, where the shoots often have stupidly high angled shots, I can already shoot at +25° and I have extended posts if I need them. Truth is, if I need to constantly shoot at higher than 25°, I will probably be walking off the course and to the nearest refreshment location! The cheek piece assembly is a work of art too, with as many adjustment options as a Rubik’s cube! Setting the butt hook has taken about six weeks to get it where I feel it is working best; but it’s all worthwhile! Sitting and kneeling are now so steady, it’s easy to hold the fine cross hair on a pellet mark at 50m. Standers took a bit longer to come up with the hand position I needed, but now it’s there, I am regularly doing 60 Silhouette shots per session, as well as FT standing. This, despite the stock being 12 oz heavier than the last one.
Credit where credit is due, this is the best stock I have ever had, and I highly recommend Warren Edwards, for not only FT stocks, but HFT, Benchrest or just treating yourself to something special for the plinking range! So yes, it’s another beast though not quite as big as the original!

Contact: Warren Edwards Custom Stocks, 07867695795