I decided to replace my fixed pinned 6-position stock with an Ace Skeleton 7.25" entry stock. When i bought it from del-ton they offered me the carbine buffer and spring for $11. I wasn't sure if i needed since my rifle is a carbine. However i wasn't sure due to the fact i have a pinned stock at position 5 i believe. I called S&W and they had no idea. I bought the new buffer and spring to be on the safe side. anyone have any experience with ace stocks (i've read lots of good stuff about them) and if i really needed the new buffer and spring? Also how much of a PITA is installing the new stock going to be?

I don't have experience with ACE stocks specifically, but you didn't need to buy the new buffer. Since you are not changing the gas system of your rifle, you don't need to change the buffer. As for the installation, it seems like it's fairly straightforward to install the ACE stock. The main gripe was that the foam rubber padding was difficult to slip onto the tube; a drop of oil was recommended. But, it does look like you need a A1/A2 rifle type receiver extension to mount the stock to. It does NOT mount onto the carbine type buffer tube.

 

In order to remove your original stock, you'll need a stock wrench, or an otherwise large pair of pliers large enough to fit over the castle nut (in case you don't care about the finish on the castle nut). Clear the weapon, remove the upper from the lower (to make it easier to handle), remove the buffer spring, loosen the castle nut and then unscrew the buffer tube. Then, follow the instructions for the ACE stock that came with it. All told, it shouldn't take you longer than a few minutes.

I forget what spring and buffer you need.. my guess would be a carbine one.. the stock is fairly short.. I had the entry one and it was really really short..

but it was a great solid stock! run one on my Saiga as well..

 

 

it also came with an extension tube along with the carbine buffer and spring. that should be what i need right?

this what i have now on it:

 

it also came with an extension tube. that should be what i need right?

 

Yup! You are good to go. I wasn't sure if it came with one or not.

 

The type of buffer you would use "should" be matched to the gas system of your rifle, unless you're using heavier weight ammo. So the one that came with it OR the one that came with your gun is fine. Since you're installing a new stock anyway, stick the new one and keep the old one around as a spare.

cool, thanks a TON for all your help! I'm sure i'll have more questions as i start to put it on

Not 100% sure on the entry one, however the regular Ace Skeleton stock uses the full length a2 stock buffer tube. You need the full one for it as it is the top piece of the stock.

 

For the entry stock, I believe it uses the carbine one, in which case you should be good to go.

it came with an extention tube, and i bought the carbine buffer and spring to be on the safe side, so hopefully i'm good.

look into getting an H1 buffer instead of the stock one. depending on your luck, you may have to modify the stock or buffer tube to allow easier assembly. i had to dremel drum sand the back end of the tub and stock to get it to fit properly. otherwise itd be so tight you have to hammer it off.

Do NOT use oil to install the foam sleeve - it will deteriorate the foam and it will never dry. Use a solution of soapy water. When it drys your foam won't move.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

thanks for all the help, i appreciate it

Do NOT use oil to install teh foam sleeve - it will deteriorate teh foam and it will never dry. Use a solution of soapy water. When it drys your foam won't move.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

Big +1. It will still be a PITA more then likely though.

Do NOT use oil to install the foam sleeve - it will deteriorate the foam and it will never dry. Use a solution of soapy water. When it drys your foam won't move.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

thank you VERY much for that advice, i used some hot soapy water and it slid right on easy as pie. thanks a lot.

Now we need pics!!

Now we need pics!!

 

lol, don't worry i got ya covered. i didn't put the stock on yet, i just put it togethor. i will be putting it on monday hopefully, then the pics will be up seconds after!!!!