Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock offers a classic, functional upgrade for a rifle that’s often overlooked in the modern shooting world. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is known for providing affordable, quality hardwood stocks, and this particular model aims to breathe new life into the Remington 788, a rifle celebrated for its accuracy but often hindered by its utilitarian factory stock. This stock promises improved ergonomics, aesthetics, and potentially, enhanced shooting performance.

My journey to this product started with a classic “gun show rescue.” I picked up a used Remington 788 in .308 Winchester for a song, knowing it had the potential to be a tack driver. However, the original stock was plain, felt cheap, and frankly, looked like it belonged on a farm implement rather than a rifle.

Unboxing the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock, I was immediately impressed by the heft and feel of the hardwood. The finish, while basic, was even and ready for customization. The build quality seemed solid, with no obvious flaws or inconsistencies.

I considered a few synthetic options, but ultimately, I wanted to retain a classic look and feel. Other hardwood stock manufacturers existed, but the Boyds option consistently received high marks for value and fit. The other options were considerably more expensive with the same quality.

My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise. It wasn’t a custom-grade piece of art, but it exceeded my expectations for a stock in this price range. I was excited to see how it would transform my 788.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my local shooting range, where I spent an afternoon zeroing the rifle with the new stock installed. The weather was typical for late autumn: cool and slightly damp. The improved ergonomics of the Prairie Hunter stock were immediately noticeable compared to the original.

The stock provided a more comfortable and stable cheek weld, improving my sight picture. I found it much easier to maintain consistent accuracy, especially during longer strings of fire. There were no immediate issues with the fit; the action nestled snugly into the stock with minimal play.

There were no surprises, but the improved feel and stability translated directly into tighter groups on paper. The Boyds stock made the 788 feel like a completely different rifle. The 1/2″ rubber recoil pad also did a good job of soaking up the recoil.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including a few hunting trips in varying conditions, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. It has accompanied me on several whitetail hunts.

The stock has held up well to the rigors of outdoor use, with only minor cosmetic wear and tear. The finish has proven reasonably durable, though I’ve applied additional coats of protective oil to safeguard against moisture. I have used CLP to protect the stock.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional oiling is all that’s required. It’s significantly easier to maintain than some laminated or painted wood stocks. No signs of splitting or cracking have shown.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket stocks, the Boyds offering strikes a good balance between affordability and performance. It may not be a high-end custom stock, but it vastly outperforms the factory original and offers a significant improvement in shooting comfort and accuracy. It is a great value for the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

• The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock is specifically designed for Remington 788 rifles with a short receiver. This ensures a proper fit and function.
• It features a factory barrel channel, accommodating barrels with dimensions of Point A = 1 13/64″ and Point B = 13/16″. These dimensions should be carefully checked against your barrel to ensure compatibility.
• The center-to-center distance of the action screws is 6 3/4″. This measurement is crucial for proper installation and secure mounting of the action.
• The overall length of the stock is 31 1/2″. This determines the rifle’s overall length and influences its handling characteristics.
• It comes equipped with a Boyds 1/2″ rubber recoil pad. This helps to mitigate felt recoil and improve shooting comfort.

These specifications are important because they dictate the stock’s compatibility with your specific rifle and influence its overall ergonomics and shooting performance. Accurate measurements and proper fit are essential for safe and effective use. The correct length of pull is also vital to shouldering the weapon.

Performance & Functionality

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock significantly improves the handling and shooting experience of the Remington 788. The enhanced ergonomics provide a more comfortable and stable shooting platform.

Its strengths lie in its improved ergonomics, solid construction, and enhanced aesthetics compared to the factory stock. Areas for improvement might include a more refined finish and perhaps the option for adjustable cheek risers.

It definitely meets expectations. It is a significant upgrade over the factory stock, delivering improved comfort, accuracy, and aesthetics at an affordable price. It’s a great replacement stock.

Design & Ergonomics

The stock is crafted from hardwood, providing a solid and durable feel. The weight adds to the overall stability of the rifle, though some may prefer a lighter option.

The design is user-friendly, with a comfortable pistol grip and a well-defined cheek rest. Some minor fitting may be required depending on the specific rifle, but overall, the installation process is straightforward. Instructions are provided from Boyds.

Durability & Maintenance

The hardwood construction ensures good durability, capable of withstanding typical hunting and shooting conditions. The finish is adequate, but additional coats of protective oil are recommended for enhanced weather resistance.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and oiling. The stock is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, facilitating thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock is primarily a standalone stock, but it can be further customized to suit individual preferences. Aftermarket recoil pads, cheek risers, and sling swivel studs can be added.

The stock is compatible with most standard Remington 788 accessories. These accessories include scope mounts, slings, and bipods. Boyds offers other options to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the rifle.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Factory Barrel Channel Stock