When assembling the shape of the stock, where should you start first?

Starting with the heel end when assembling the shape of the stock is important because it provides a stable foundation for the entire assembly. The heel end is the part of the stock that sits against the shoulder when aiming or holding the firearm. By beginning at this crucial area, you ensure that the most critical aspect of the stock is properly shaped, allowing for better ergonomics and alignment with the shooter’s body.

Focusing first on the heel end helps in achieving an accurate fit with the shooter’s shoulder, which is essential for comfort and control during use. If this area is not shaped correctly, it can lead to improper alignment and can affect the overall performance of the firearm.

Other areas like the fore end, pistol grip, and recoil lug can be shaped later since they do not directly affect the interface with the shooter in the same way. By establishing a solid foundation at the heel, subsequent adjustments and fine-tuning of the other components can be made with greater precision and relevance to the handling characteristics of the stock.