Slim, trim fullstocks? Barrel balance?

[Zonie]

When I decided to build this "boys rifle" I used a GM .36 cal, 13/16" octagon 42" straight barrel.
I cut its length down to 37 inches.

Because I wanted to build a "slightly smaller" rifle I used a L&R "Small Manton" (or a "John Bailes of London" as TOTW calls it) Flintlock.

I used a #2 CM Reading stock from Pecatonica River because it would give me the extra wood to shape into a Northampton County gun.
That extra wood when combined with a narrower butt plate allowed me to offset the butt plate to give about 5/16 of cast to the stock.
Although it is a "Boys Rifle" I built it for me to shoot so I made the length of pull 14 inches.

While there are several things that are not "PC" about it, it turned out to be an excellent squirrel/rabbit rifle that is not at all muzzle heavy. In fact, I think a swamped barrel would make the gun butt heavy and "twitchy".

 

[J.D.]

To balance out longer barrels, or guns for youths I hollow out the stock and add lead to the stock to balance the barrel. It adds total weight but really helps the balance and makes for steady shooting. The butt plate covers the lead.

Where EXACTLY do you create THE balance point?

Wherever the balance feels right for you.