Synthetic stock, how do you remove hollow sound?

[Lt. Dan]

Okay guys and gals, I have a question for you. Most who have read my posts know that I prefer wood stocks over plastic ones but occasionally a synthetic stock is all that is available or offered.
I just recently received a Beeman Qb78s .177.
It is scary accurate with dime size groups at 25 yards. My gripe with this little rifle is the hollow sound the stock makes. I know I've read on here where some of you have filled the stock with ______________? Dang I can't remember what you filled it with. Can you give me some suggestions please?

[Fate]

You have other things to think about that factor into the answer to your question.

I've filled synthetic stocks with duct seal and aluminum bedding bars... but then, I was looking more for accuracy in a gun used mostly on a bench or a bipod, but my methods added weight, a good thing to me.

Others, merely wanting the hollow sound gone and retain the lightness, have used several fillers... from rags to expanding insulation foam.

It might be good to reveal your intentions and needs, so when others chime in they can respond with those in mind.

[Blowpipe Sam]

I'm assuming that the butt plate is removeable.  I've tried different stuff but the easiest and cheapest thing that I have found is to stuff the hollow space with empty plastic shopping bags.  Unlike sticky stuff the bags can be removed if you decide you don't like them.  And believe me having a handy reservoir of plastic bags along when you are out in the woods can be nice.  Rags can get wet and mold.  Foam insulation is a pain to work with and it's permanent.

[Lt. Dan]

You have other things to think about that factor into the answer to your question.

I've filled synthetic stocks with duct seal and aluminum bedding bars... but then, I was looking more for accuracy in a gun used mostly on a bench or a bipod, but my methods added weight, a good thing to me.

Others, merely wanting the hollow sound gone and retain the lightness, have used several fillers... from rags to expanding insulation foam.

It might be good to reveal your intentions and needs, so when others chime in they can respond with those in mind.

Thanks Jeff, I should have thought to add that. My intentions are only to remove Hollow sound  not add weight.  I'm shooting with bipods or off a tripod.  Range is <30 yds, and just plinking or shooting spinners.

[Lt. Dan]

I'm assuming that the butt plate is removeable.  I've tried different stuff but the easiest and cheapest thing that I have found is to stuff the hollow space with empty plastic shopping bags.  Unlike sticky stuff the bags can be removed if you decide you don't like them.  And believe me having a handy reservoir of plastic bags along when you are out in the woods can be nice.  Rags can get wet and mold.  Foam insulation is a pain to work with and it's permanent.

Just before posting I had added rags, I hadn't thought about them getting wet....hmm.
I hadn't thought about using plastic bags.   I don't EVER want to use spray foam insulation again. Clean up and mess is a PITA.


I thought about putting some styrofoam in a blender and then pouring and packing it tight, just don't know it that has been tried and it didn't work.

[mobilehomer]

Upholstery foam is also good. Cut it large and stuff it.

[Lt. Dan]

Upholstery foam is also good. Cut it large and stuff it.

Another cool idea.  I think I might have some of that in the attic. Will it draw (wick) moisture in? I mean like a sponge would?

[19Sheridan57]

  Get a jar of plumber’s putty( or play- dough ) put some into a few plastic freezer bags , & stuff those into the stock. The freezer bags let you remove or add more, without a mess. One pound  makes a big difference.

[cosmic]

 Spay cooking spray into the stock and then use Low expanding foam to fill it..

[mobilehomer]

Upholstery foam is also good. Cut it large and stuff it.

Another cool idea.  I think I might have some of that in the attic. Will it draw (wick) moisture in? I mean like a sponge would?

Mine hasn't as far as I know. Haven't checked since I installed a few years ago. You could put it in some storage bags to make sure.

[Allen Rice]

I have used the construction foam product, "Great Stuff" with excellent results.  First, remove the butt-plate and drill a hole just large enough to fit the fill nozzle provided with the product.  Then, drill a small hole on the bottom at the far end of the hollow stock to allow air to escape.  Now, discharge the foam through the fill hole - continue until the foam just starts to emerge out the air hole.  allow the foam to cure, cut away any excess that escapes through the holes you drilled, and reassemble the butt-plate.  Permanently fixed - No more hollow sound. 

Good Luck,
ar

[Blowpipe Sam]

I have used the construction foam product, "Great Stuff" with excellent results.  First, remove the butt-plate and drill a hole just large enough to fit the fill nozzle provided with the product.  Then, drill a small hole on the bottom at the far end of the hollow stock to allow air to escape.  Now, discharge the foam through the fill hole - continue until the foam just starts to emerge out the air hole.  allow the foam to cure, cut away any excess that escapes through the holes you drilled, and reassemble the butt-plate.  Permanently fixed - No more hollow sound. 

Good Luck,
ar

I'll add a suggestion that makes cleanup a little easier.  Stick a patch of duct tape or a double layer of painter's tape a couple of inches square on the stock where you are going to drill your holes.  Drill through the tape.  Any foam that escapes will stick to the tape and not your stock.  Pull the tape off and the foam goes with it.  Then just trim any that sticks out of the hole. I neglected to do this last time and now I have gummy looking blemishes on my Winchester 1100 stock.

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

Hi Carter.

Say...Steve-P 52 uses the foam packing that comes with an order of pellets (like the foam that P.A uses)... to fill the rear cavities of his composite stocked rifles.
I have one of his Hatsan Edge rifle stocks on my Hatsan Striker and it works Great....It's Light Weight.... &... It's Free Too !


Best Wishes - Tom

[Ribbonstone]

Another vote for expanding foam....but it's a PIA if you forget to plug unexpected exits or over fill from the (removed) butt plate.

trick is finding the hole...plughging them can be as easy as pounding balls balls of Al. foil into the exits.

Does deaden the hollow sound nicely.

[superchikn]

There is also latex stick a foam.  Water cleanup is good! 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Daptex-Plus-12-oz-White-Window-and-Door-Foam-Sealant-18836/100357216
I have used this several different times.

[cosmic]

That is what I said.. Low expanding foam...

[Lt. Dan]

Tom Steve-P 52 emailed me yesterday and told me he uses the foam packing that comes with an order of pellets to fill the rear cavities of his composite stocked rifles and he really likes it. That's what I'm going to try first. It seems easy and quick, and I an abundance of it. It's easy to cut and trim and will be simple to pack the cavity with.

I have abandoned the latex foam idea either.

[mr007s]

My first air rifle was a Gamo whisper with a hollow stock. I purchased a cheap pillow made with memory foam. The foam was stuffed tight in the stock and worked well for me.

[Lt. Dan]

Tom Steve-P 52 emailed me yesterday and told me he uses the foam packing that comes with an order of pellets to fill the rear cavities of his composite stocked rifles and he really likes it. That's what I'm going to try first. It seems easy and quick, and I an abundance of it. It's easy to cut and trim and will be simple to pack the cavity with.

I have haven't abandoned the latex foam idea either.

Sorry, I  meant to say " I haven't abandoned the latex foam idea either."

[maraudinglizard]

I used hot melt glue in my Benjamin Trail pistol, solve the noise problem. It didn't add that much weight to either. As for my other hollow plastic stocks, I just live with the noise, most are for plinking anyway.