Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a replacement stock designed to breathe new life into your trusty Remington 700. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks has a reputation for providing quality, affordable alternatives to factory stocks, and this thumbhole model aims to enhance both aesthetics and ergonomics. It’s specifically designed for left-handed shooters using a right-hand action on a long-action Remington 700 with a factory barrel channel, a niche configuration that caters to a specific set of users.
My journey to acquiring this stock began with a desire to improve the handling and accuracy of my aging Remington 700 BDL. The original stock, while functional, felt dated and lacked the ergonomic features I craved for comfortable, consistent shooting. I was seeking a thumbhole design to provide a more secure and stable grip, and the fact that this model was designed for my specific left-hand/right-action rifle was a huge selling point.
Upon receiving the stock, my initial impression was one of satisfaction with the aesthetic appeal. The hardwood grain was attractive, and the overall finish appeared well-executed. The weight felt appropriate for a hunting rifle stock, not too heavy to become cumbersome, but substantial enough to inspire confidence in its durability.
I considered other options, including synthetic stocks from companies like Hogue and Bell & Carlson, but ultimately chose the Boyds stock for its classic wood construction and the unique thumbhole design specifically tailored for my left-hand/right-action needs. I was excited to see if this stock could transform my rifle into a more accurate and enjoyable shooting platform. This design specificity set the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel apart.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel was at my local shooting range. After carefully installing the stock on my Remington 700, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in the rifle’s balance and feel. The thumbhole design provided a much more secure and comfortable grip, allowing for better control and reduced felt recoil.
I tested the rifle in sunny, dry conditions. The stock’s finish provided a good grip, even without gloves. The ergonomic advantages of the thumbhole design were immediately apparent, leading to improved accuracy during initial target practice.
There were no immediate issues, but I did observe that the factory barrel channel was very snug, requiring some minor sanding for a truly free-floating barrel. This wasn’t unexpected, but it’s worth noting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a hunting trip in the fall, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. It has held up well to regular use, showing no signs of cracking or warping. The finish has remained intact, despite exposure to various weather conditions.
While there are some minor scratches from use in the field, they don’t detract from the overall appearance or performance. I clean the stock regularly with a standard wood cleaner and apply a light coat of gunstock wax to protect the finish. It’s easy to maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep it in good condition.
Compared to the original factory stock, the Boyds stock offers a marked improvement in ergonomics and handling. The thumbhole design provides a more stable and comfortable shooting platform, leading to improved accuracy and confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. This assures a level of quality and familiarity within the gunstock market.
- Hand: Left. This is specifically for left-handed shooters who prefer a right-hand action.
- Gun Make: Remington. It is tailored for Remington rifles.
- Gun Model: Remington Model 700 SPS ADL, Remington Model 700 XHR, Remington Model 700 CDL, Remington Model 700 XCR, Remington Model 700. This provides a comprehensive list of compatible models.
- Gun Type: Rifle. This confirms its intended use with rifles.
- Action Length: Long Action. It is specifically for long action rifles.
- Additional Features: Finished. The stock comes pre-finished, saving time and effort.
These specifications matter because they ensure compatibility with your specific rifle model and action type, guaranteeing a proper fit and function. The “Finished” aspect saves you the time and effort of staining and sealing the wood yourself, allowing for immediate installation and use. The left-hand design caters to a unique need, making it a valuable find for southpaw shooters using right-hand actions.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel significantly enhances the rifle’s overall performance by improving ergonomics and recoil management. The thumbhole design allows for a more secure and stable grip, promoting consistent shooting form and reducing fatigue. The stock’s rigid construction contributes to improved accuracy by providing a solid platform for the action.
The stock’s strengths lie in its ergonomic design, attractive aesthetics, and improved handling. A potential weakness is the possibility of needing minor fitting adjustments, particularly with the barrel channel. However, this is common with aftermarket stocks and is usually easily addressed with some basic gunsmithing skills.
The stock exceeds expectations in terms of ergonomics and aesthetics, offering a noticeable improvement over the factory stock. While minor fitting may be required, the overall improvement in handling and accuracy makes it a worthwhile upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel features a classic thumbhole design made from hardwood, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern ergonomics. The weight is well-balanced, not too heavy to be cumbersome, but substantial enough to provide a stable shooting platform. The thumbhole provides a secure and comfortable grip, allowing for better control and reduced felt recoil.
The stock is generally user-friendly, but some gunsmithing knowledge may be required for proper fitting, particularly with the barrel channel. Sanding or shimming may be necessary to achieve a free-floating barrel and optimal accuracy.
Durability & Maintenance
The hardwood construction of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel suggests a long lifespan with proper care. The finish is durable enough to withstand regular use in the field, but it’s essential to protect it from excessive moisture and impact.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring regular cleaning with a wood cleaner and occasional application of gunstock wax. Minor scratches can be touched up with appropriate wood stain, and any cracks or damage can be repaired by a qualified gunsmith.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel itself doesn’t come with any accessories, but it’s designed to be compatible with standard Remington 700 accessories. This includes various scope mounts, bipods, and slings.
The stock can be further customized with aftermarket recoil pads, cheek risers, and sling swivel studs to suit individual preferences. It’s also possible to refinish the stock with a different stain or finish to achieve a personalized look.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Pros
- Ergonomic Thumbhole Design: Provides a secure and comfortable grip for improved control and reduced felt recoil.
- Attractive Hardwood Construction: Offers a classic and aesthetically pleasing look.
- Improved Accuracy: Provides a more stable shooting platform for increased accuracy.
- Left-Hand/Right-Action Specificity: caters to the specific needs of left-handed shooters using right-hand actions.
- Relatively Affordable: Offers a good value compared to other high-end aftermarket stocks.
Cons
- Potential Fitting Required: The barrel channel may require minor sanding for optimal fit.
- Wood Finish Vulnerability: Wood stocks require more careful treatment than synthetic stocks in harsh weather conditions.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?
Perfect for: Left-handed hunters and sport shooters who own a Remington 700 BDL long action rifle with a right-hand action and are looking to improve ergonomics, handling, and aesthetics. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate the classic look and feel of a wood stock over synthetic alternatives.
Who should skip this product? Right-handed shooters, owners of short-action Remington 700 rifles, or those who prefer the durability and weather resistance of synthetic stocks should explore other options. Also, those who are unwilling to perform minor fitting adjustments or lack basic gunsmithing skills may find the installation process challenging.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality recoil pad is recommended to further reduce felt recoil and improve shooting comfort. A free-floating barrel is crucial for optimal accuracy, so ensuring proper clearance within the barrel channel is essential. Consider adding sling swivel studs for convenient carrying.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a worthwhile upgrade for left-handed shooters seeking improved ergonomics and a classic aesthetic. While minor fitting may be required, the improved handling and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified considering the improved ergonomics, aesthetics, and overall shooting experience. It offers a good value compared to higher-priced aftermarket stocks.
I would personally recommend this stock to any left-handed Remington 700 BDL long action owner looking to enhance their rifle’s performance and appearance. Upgrade your rifle and experience the difference a quality stock can make!