Let’s Dive into Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock offers a classic aesthetic and functional upgrade to a widely popular rifle platform. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is known for providing quality hardwood stocks at an accessible price point, making this a compelling option for those looking to refresh or customize their Remington 700. Let’s delve into what makes this stock a noteworthy choice.
My own rifle, a trusty Remington 700 BDL short action, had seen better days; the factory synthetic stock, while functional, lacked the character and feel I desired. I yearned for the warmth and classic look of wood. The Boyds stock offered a promise of improved aesthetics and potentially enhanced recoil absorption.
Unboxing the Boyds stock revealed a nicely finished piece of hardwood, with a pleasing grain pattern. The weight felt balanced, and the overall impression was one of solid construction, far superior to the hollow feel of the factory synthetic. It immediately gave my rifle a more substantial and refined presence.
Compared to other aftermarket stocks, such as those from McMillan or Manners, the Boyds stock stands out with its considerably lower price. While those premium options offer advanced features and materials, the Boyds stock provides an excellent value proposition for a classic wood stock. I was prioritizing aesthetics and a traditional feel over cutting-edge tactical features, making Boyds the clear choice.
My first impression was excitement; the stock looked even better in person than in the pictures, promising a significant improvement to my rifle’s overall appeal. I was eager to install it and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on benchrest accuracy and handling. The range offered a controlled environment to assess the stock’s impact on my rifle’s performance. Installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a bit of patience.
The stock performed admirably in sunny conditions. The wood felt solid and provided a comfortable cheek weld.
The ease of use was immediately apparent, as the rifle felt more natural and balanced in my hands with the Boyds stock. The factory stock always felt a bit ‘plasticky’ and cheap. I had no problems adapting to the new feel and dimensions.
After the first range session, I noticed a slight improvement in my perceived recoil, likely due to the added weight and the inherent dampening properties of wood. The fit was snug and secure, with no unwanted movement or flex.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock has held up remarkably well. There are no cracks or splits in the wood. The finish has proven to be durable.
The stock shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only minor scratches visible after repeated handling in the field. It has proven to be remarkably resistant to impacts and abrasion. I’ve bumped it against trees and rocks without any major damage.
Maintenance is simple; I wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use to preserve the wood and protect it from moisture. This keeps it looking great and helps prevent warping. Oiling the stock takes very little time or effort.
Compared to my previous experience with the synthetic stock, the Boyds stock offers a superior feel and improved recoil absorption. The rifle is now more enjoyable to shoot, and the overall aesthetic is significantly enhanced. The difference is night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock
Specifications
- Barrel Dimensions: Point A = 1 1/4″ and Point B = 3/4″. These dimensions are crucial for ensuring compatibility with the barrel profile. Boyds caters to factory barrel contours with this stock.
- Center to Center of Action Screws: 6 1/2″. This measurement dictates whether the stock will properly fit the receiver. A mismatch here will render the stock unusable.
- Over All Length of Part: 31 1/2″. This contributes to the rifle’s overall balance and handling characteristics. Longer stocks are typically preferred by taller shooters.
- Recoil Pad: Comes with Boyds’ 1/2″ Rubber Recoil Pad. This pad helps to mitigate recoil, making shooting more comfortable. It’s a welcome addition, especially for larger calibers.
- Action Length: Short Action. This stock is specifically designed for Remington 700 short action rifles. Using it with a long action will not work.
- Gun Make: Remington. It is engineered for Remington rifles and should provide a perfect fit.
- Gun Model: Remington Model 700 SPS ADL, Remington Model 700 XHR, Remington Model 700 CDL, Remington Model 700 XCR, Remington Model 700. This impressive compatibility means its suitable for a broad range of 700 variants.
- Gun Type: Rifle. Intended for a rifle platform, and will not fit other firearms.
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. A well known aftermarket gunstock manufacturer.
These specifications are critical because they dictate compatibility and influence performance. Getting the right stock for your rifle action ensures safe and reliable operation, and the overall user experience is greatly affected by stock fit and dimensions.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock performs its job admirably, providing a solid and stable platform for the Remington 700 action. Accuracy is enhanced due to the improved rigidity compared to many factory synthetic stocks. Recoil management is also improved.
The strengths of this stock lie in its improved aesthetics, comfortable ergonomics, and enhanced recoil absorption. The primary weakness is that, being a wood stock, it requires more care and maintenance than a synthetic alternative.
It definitely exceeds expectations for its price point, delivering a significant upgrade in both form and function. It’s a noticeable improvement over the factory synthetic stock.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive, with a well-shaped and finished hardwood construction. The stock feels solid and substantial in hand.
The ergonomics are well-thought-out, providing a comfortable cheek weld and a natural grip. There is little to no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, this stock should last for many years. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to maintain its condition.
Minor repairs, such as refinishing scratches, can be easily accomplished with basic woodworking skills. A complete overhaul would require more advanced techniques.
Accessories and Customization Options
The stock comes with a pre-installed 1/2″ rubber recoil pad. Customization options include bedding the action, refinishing the stock, or adding adjustable cheek pieces.
It is compatible with standard Remington 700 BDL accessories, such as sling swivels and bipod studs. The Boyds stock offers a solid base for further customization to fit individual needs.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock
Pros
- Dramatically enhances the aesthetic appeal of the rifle. The beautiful wood finish adds a touch of class.
- Offers improved recoil absorption compared to factory synthetic stocks. This makes longer shooting sessions more comfortable.
- Provides a more solid and stable shooting platform, potentially improving accuracy. The rigidity of the wood contributes to consistent performance.
- Excellent value for the price. It’s a significant upgrade without breaking the bank.
- Straightforward installation process. Even those with minimal gunsmithing experience can install it.
Cons
- Requires more maintenance than a synthetic stock. Wood needs to be cleaned and oiled regularly.
- Wood is susceptible to moisture and temperature changes, potentially affecting accuracy over time. This is less of an issue with laminated stocks, but it’s still a consideration.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who want to enhance the aesthetics and feel of their Remington 700 rifle without spending a fortune. It’s also great for those looking to replace a damaged or worn-out factory stock.
Competitive shooters seeking the ultimate in precision and adjustability might prefer a more advanced, albeit more expensive, stock from a manufacturer like McMillan or Manners. Anyone averse to basic wood maintenance should also skip this product.
Essential accessories include action bedding compound for improved accuracy and sling swivels for carrying the rifle. Some may find it advantageous to install an adjustable cheek riser for improved eye alignment with optics.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock is an excellent choice for those seeking to upgrade their Remington 700 with a classic wood stock. The improved aesthetics, enhanced recoil absorption, and solid construction make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is definitely justified, considering the significant upgrade in both form and function compared to the factory stock. It offers a high-quality product at an accessible price point.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington 700 BDL Short Action Rifle Stock to anyone looking to breathe new life into their Remington 700. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference a quality wood stock can make!