Abstract: A rifle stock is configured to receive a barreled action having an attached barrel and a lower surface which also has a downward protrusion. A shell having an exterior surface defines an exterior and an interior of the stock. The shell has opposed sidewalls extending from a bottom portion and an intermediate portion. A span element which is preferably a planar element and at least in part encompassed by fill material spans between the opposed sidewalls. The span includes a structural element that connects to the shell, a transverse intermediate portion, vertical end portions, and a forward edge for a protrusion receptacle which is defined in part by fill material in the stock and in part by the span element. The protrusion receptacle receives a downward extending protrusion of the rifle action. The fill may comprise rigid foam, composite materials, carbon fiber, or combinations of these materials.