Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is a meticulously crafted replacement stock designed to elevate the performance and aesthetics of your Remington 700 long action rifle. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks has a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable gunstocks, and the Prairie Hunter model is a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship. This particular stock is designed for rifles with a one-piece hinged floor plate and a bull barrel, catering to shooters who demand both precision and a classic look.
I was looking to upgrade my old Remington 700 long action rifle that had served me well for years, but the original synthetic stock felt cheap and lacked the stability I needed for long-range shooting. I needed a stock that would not only improve accuracy but also provide a more comfortable and secure grip. The description of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock seemed to check all the boxes.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the hardwood. The weight felt substantial and reassuring, indicating a solid and well-built product. The finish was smooth and even, and the inletting appeared precise, suggesting a good fit for my action and barrel.
I considered a couple of other options, including a laminate stock from a different manufacturer and a chassis system. However, I opted for the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock because I preferred the classic look and feel of a traditional wood stock. Plus, the price point was incredibly attractive, especially compared to the chassis system.
My first impression was one of excitement and anticipation. I couldn’t wait to install the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock on my rifle and see how it improved its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock at my local shooting range. I focused on benchrest shooting at distances ranging from 100 to 300 yards. The weather was dry and mild, providing ideal conditions for testing accuracy.
The stock felt incredibly comfortable and stable, providing a solid platform for consistent shot placement. The bull barrel channel allowed my heavy barrel to free-float properly, which noticeably improved accuracy. The one-piece hinged floor plate felt much more secure and reliable than the aftermarket floor plate I had previously installed.
One minor issue I encountered was the need for slight bedding to achieve a perfect fit between the action and the stock. While the inletting was generally precise, a little bit of Acraglas bedding compound ensured optimal contact and eliminated any potential movement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. The finish has held up well to minor bumps and scratches, and the stock has maintained its structural integrity. I have also used the rifle in moderately wet conditions during a hunting trip, and the wood remained stable with no signs of warping or swelling.
Cleaning and maintaining the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is straightforward. I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of gunstock wax to protect the finish.
Compared to the original synthetic stock, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is a significant upgrade in both performance and aesthetics. The increased stability and improved ergonomics have made a noticeable difference in my shooting accuracy and overall comfort.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks
- Gun Type: Rifle
- Gun Make: Remington
- Gun Model: Remington Model 700
- Action Length: Long Action
- Additional Features: Finished
- Configuration: Prairie Hunter
- Floor Plate: One-Piece Hinged
- Barrel Channel: Bull Barrel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is specifically designed for Remington 700 long action rifles with a hinged floor plate and a bull barrel. This ensures a proper fit and free-floating barrel for optimal accuracy. The “finished” designation means the stock comes with a durable coating, ready for immediate use.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock significantly enhances the overall shooting experience. The improved ergonomics and stability contribute to increased accuracy and reduced felt recoil. The free-floating bull barrel channel is crucial for consistent shot placement, especially at longer distances.
The primary strength lies in its solid construction and improved ergonomics, resulting in a more stable and comfortable shooting platform. A potential weakness is the possibility of needing minor bedding adjustments for a perfect fit, although this is common with aftermarket stocks. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock largely meets and exceeds expectations, considering its affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the hardwood providing a solid and durable feel. The weight is substantial but not excessive, striking a good balance between stability and maneuverability. The stock’s ergonomic design, with its comfortable grip and raised cheekpiece, promotes a natural and consistent shooting position.
The design is user-friendly, and most shooters will find it easy to adapt to the stock’s ergonomics. There’s no significant learning curve, making it suitable for both experienced and novice shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
Given proper care, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock should last for many years. The hardwood construction and durable finish provide good resistance to wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and waxing. Any minor scratches or blemishes can usually be easily touched up with appropriate wood finishing products.
Accessories and Customization Options
The stock itself doesn’t come with any accessories, but it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories designed for the Remington 700 platform. This includes bipods, slings, and cheek risers.
Because it’s designed for the Remington 700, it works with most accessories designed for that platform. You can easily add sling swivel studs or QD mounts if desired.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Durable Hardwood Construction: Provides a solid and stable shooting platform.
- Improved Ergonomics: Enhances comfort and control for better accuracy.
- Free-Floating Bull Barrel Channel: Maximizes accuracy potential with heavy barrels.
- One-Piece Hinged Floor Plate: Offers a secure and reliable magazine release.
- Affordable Price: Represents excellent value for the quality and features offered.
Cons
- Minor Bedding May Be Required: Achieving a perfect fit may necessitate slight bedding adjustments.
- No Included Accessories: Does not come with sling swivel studs or other accessories.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is perfect for hunters and target shooters who want to upgrade their Remington 700 long action rifle with a high-quality, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing wood stock. It’s also an excellent choice for those who prefer the classic look and feel of wood over synthetic or laminate stocks. This stock is particularly well-suited for individuals who use bull barrels and demand consistent accuracy.
This stock isn’t ideal for someone looking for a drop-in solution with zero fitting required. Some minor bedding might be required. Also, if you are looking for a modern tactical look, this is not the stock for you.
A must-have modification would be adding sling swivel studs if you plan on using a sling. A quality bedding compound like Acraglas may also be necessary to ensure a perfect fit.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is an excellent upgrade for any Remington 700 long action rifle. It offers a significant improvement in accuracy, ergonomics, and aesthetics compared to factory synthetic stocks.
The price is more than justified by the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and performance. It represents a fantastic value proposition for shooters looking to enhance their rifle without breaking the bank.
I would highly recommend the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock to anyone seeking a classic, accurate, and reliable stock for their Remington 700. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference a quality stock can make!