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I’m seeking some assistance regarding the purchase of a New Winchester Super Grade French Walnut chambered in .308 caliber. Upon receiving the rifle, I noticed that the port ejector spacing on the wood was far “too short” for the length of the ejector port. Should the end of the ejector port (Right and Left) not align with wood cut-out? All replies are appreciated.
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Addendum:
To me, Winchester is the last remaining stanchion of bolt action rifles; even though they are assembled in Portugal. The inletting seems to be very good, more so than the ‘past’ New Haven models in which I own two. There seems to be an issue with the port ejector recess as not being symmetrical in both the long and short actions (Either too long or too short), whereas this is truly an eyesore. More so, in terms of being a collectible, this facet would detract from its appearance. And, the French Walnut being advertised as AAA French Walnut is classified as Grade III stock. Though the grade or classification of the wood could be considered subjective, the standards vary from manufacturer to manufacturer; using different grading scales or various nomenclature to define the ‘grade’. One gun manufacturer may classify the wood as ‘Grade A’, whereas another gun manufacturer may consider the ‘Grade as AA’. This is strictly business 101.
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
November 7, 2015
Offline
Spacing may make more sense when viewed with the bolt open, bevel would serve little purpose if continued all the way to the back of the port. I have a 2009 (2010?) vintage SG and the bevel extends past the back end of the port and has a different radius opposed to the front end. A Boyd stock I added to a 670 carries the lowered line all the way back to the receiver. I suppose symmetry isn’t something they were trying to achieve here. All three are very attractive to me, as are the vintage stocks.
Mike
Thank you very much Mike for the detailed, precise information. Your synopsis relating to bevel as extending all the way back to the port as being insignificant or serving no purpose could very well be true, yet I like the pronounced bevel whereas the front ‘Right’ sits a tad higher than the rear. I believe this shows attention to detail; my opinion. The radius has to be ‘symmetrical’ for me (As pictured by Winchester on their Website) Naturally, Winchester is somewhat tight lipped about this flaw while others have varying opinions. I collect firearms and am somewhat embarrassed in not recognizing the port ejector spacing. I even own two Winchesters, one being built for me in New Haven, CT. which is fully documented – (Winchester .300 Win Mag (D.B.M.). That rifle I will never sell for it provides a 1/4 minute at 100 yards. Though the ejector port spacing could be construed as insignificant, I do not believe that a custom rifle would ever display that flaw. In fact, I know that to be so. Well, in all honesty I have been given some information regarding the aforesaid stating that the CNC machinery was not calibrated correctly and that a large amount of French Walnut stocks were ordered by Winchester and their ‘stuck with them’. Whether this is true is unknown to me.
However, Winchester/Browning is taking care of the problem as they are in possession of the rifle at this point. Winchester stated that there are no short action French Walnut .308 stocks nor for any other caliber ‘in stock’. I could opt for a new French Walnut stock but the time frame is unknown and Winchester stated that the French Walnut could be discontinued. Winchester (Derek Combs) offered a Super Grade stock if worse came to worse. But, the Super Grade stock is of less cost and does not wear the Fleur Di Lis pattern like the French Walnut. This is taking away from the originality and providing a band aid approach which I care not for. At this time, I would just like to have the ejector port opening enlarged to be symmetrical with the ‘opening’ > Right to Left. The French walnut stock on the rifle is fairly good, about 90 percent but has good mineral streaking. Would I rate it at AAA as advertised?: Maybe AA but it’s O.K. If Winchester can stain, sand, and finish without any distractions, I’ll be happy with that. That facet is really my concern. Thank you again for the input. Even though I agree with you, I disagree as a collector.
* As a side note, Winchester cannot display an image, then sell the same item as being different. This is clearly false advertisement and misrepresentation. Is Winchester concerned, not likely. However, I believe that Winchester goes the extra mile to satisfy the customer. I’m glad I’m dealing with Winchester for their customer service is outstanding and their workmanship has always been present, irrespective of the above material.
Below is an actual picture (photo) on the Winchester website of a Super Grade French Walnut .308. “Notice the symmetrical ejector port spacing” as I wish to have. Tom Mercurio
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
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