All About the Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock: Start Here
The Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock is a seemingly simple accessory designed to enhance the ergonomics of specific lever-action rifle stocks. Crafted from durable G10 material, this component aims to extend the length of pull, offering a more customized fit for shooters who find their standard configuration slightly too short. I found myself in the market for such a modification after noticing a consistent, albeit minor, discomfort during shoulder transitions and follow-through shots with my lever-action rifle. While I considered fabricating a custom shim myself, the availability of a purpose-built solution from a reputable manufacturer like Midwest Industries quickly swayed my decision. My initial impression upon receiving it was one of solid construction; the G10 material feels robust and dense, a far cry from cheap plastic alternatives. This immediate sense of quality, coupled with the straightforward design, offered a small but welcome feeling of satisfaction and anticipation for improved comfort.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My primary testing ground for the Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock was my home workshop and my dedicated shooting range. The installation itself was straightforward, taking less than five minutes. I tested its fit and feel during dry-fire drills, practicing shouldering the rifle and cycling the action, paying close attention to any changes in comfort or perceived length of pull. The conditions were dry and mild, so extreme weather testing wasn’t applicable at this stage.
The ease of use was immediately apparent; no specialized tools or complex instructions were required. A simple Allen wrench was all that was needed to secure the plate. There were no immediate issues or surprises, just a snug, secure fit that integrated seamlessly with the existing stock.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, this spacer has become a permanent fixture on my lever-action rifle, seeing regular use during range trips and occasional handling during maintenance. It has held up remarkably well, with no discernible signs of wear, cracks, or looseness developing. The G10 material has resisted minor scuffs from being leaned against workbench surfaces and has shown no degradation from exposure to the typical dust and grime of a shooting environment.
Maintenance has been virtually non-existent; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean. Compared to previous attempts at custom stock modifications or the use of less refined accessories, the Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock offers superior durability and a consistently reliable performance. It has proven to be a robust and dependable enhancement.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock is precisely engineered with key specifications that underscore its functionality. It is constructed from G10, a highly durable composite material known for its strength and resistance to impact and environmental factors. This specific model is designed to add a .5-inch extension to the length of pull, a critical measurement for rifle fit and shooter comfort.
The G10 construction ensures longevity and resilience, meaning it won’t degrade like some plastics or warp under stress. The addition of .5-inch to the length of pull is a significant adjustment for many shooters, offering a more personalized fit that can improve accuracy and control. It’s important to note that this spacer is only compatible with MI Lever Stock models, a crucial detail for potential buyers.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock performs exceptionally well. It reliably extends the length of pull by the advertised .5-inch, providing a more comfortable and natural shoulder-to-stock weld. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for shooters with longer arms or those who prefer to wear bulkier clothing, such as hunting jackets.
The main strength of this spacer lies in its precise fit and the tangible improvement in shooter comfort. It effectively eliminates any feeling of the rifle being too short or cramped. While its function is quite singular, it excels at that function without introducing any new operational quirks or drawbacks.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock is a testament to functional simplicity. The use of G10 material gives it a solid, dense feel, conveying a sense of ruggedness and durability. Its black finish is understated and blends seamlessly with most rifle stocks.
Ergonomically, the spacer is designed to be unobtrusive. Once installed, it becomes a seamless extension of the stock, with no sharp edges or awkward contours. The USA origin also speaks to a level of manufacturing quality that is often desired by firearm accessory consumers.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its G10 construction and intended purpose, the Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock is built for considerable durability. Under normal use for a rifle accessory, it is expected to last for many years, if not the lifetime of the rifle it’s attached to. The material is inherently resistant to cracking, chipping, and warping.
Maintenance is minimal; the G10 surface can be easily cleaned with common household cleaners or gun cleaning solvents. There are no moving parts or complex mechanisms that require special care. Potential failure points are virtually non-existent, barring extreme misuse like deliberate destruction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock itself is an accessory designed to modify an existing stock, rather than being a platform for further accessory attachment. It is a singular piece of G10 that serves a specific purpose. There are no included accessories with this particular product.
Customization options are also non-existent for the spacer itself; its design is fixed to provide a specific .5-inch length-of-pull increase. Compatibility is strictly limited to MI Lever Stock models, meaning it cannot be adapted for use on other brands or types of rifle stocks.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock
Pros
- Adds a precise .5-inch to the length of pull, significantly improving fit for many shooters.
- Constructed from durable and robust G10 material, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear.
- Easy to install with basic tools, requiring no specialized gunsmithing knowledge.
- Made in the USA, often a signifier of quality manufacturing standards.
- Provides a subtle yet effective enhancement to shooting comfort and control.
Cons
- Strictly compatible only with MI Lever Stock models, limiting its application.
- Offers no further customization beyond its intended function.
- A singular black color option might not match all rifle aesthetics.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock?
This lever spacer is ideal for owners of specific Midwest Industries lever-action rifle stocks who find their current length of pull to be slightly too short. If you’re a shooter who has trouble achieving a consistent cheek weld or feels cramped when shouldering the rifle, this accessory could be a game-changer. It is particularly useful for those with longer arms or who prefer to layer up for cold-weather shooting.
Those who require a sterile, medical-grade component or need a highly adaptable stock accessory should look elsewhere. If you do not own an MI Lever Stock, this product will unfortunately be incompatible. I would also recommend ensuring you have a basic set of Allen wrenches on hand for installation.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock
The Midwest Industries Lever Spacer Plate Stock successfully addresses a specific need for improved rifle fit with its simple yet effective design. Its G10 construction provides a durable and lasting enhancement, and the .5-inch addition to the length of pull offers a noticeable comfort and control improvement for many shooters. While its compatibility is limited to specific Midwest Industries stocks, for those who qualify, it represents excellent value and a worthwhile upgrade. I would certainly recommend this component to any owner of a compatible MI Lever Stock who feels their rifle could benefit from a slightly longer reach.