Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is a replacement stock designed to enhance the ergonomics and aesthetics of your Ruger rifle. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is known for providing high-quality, affordable hardwood stocks, and this particular model aims to offer a lightweight and comfortable shooting experience. Its thumbhole design and featherweight profile are intended to improve accuracy and handling, making it a popular choice for hunters and sport shooters alike.

My old Ruger 77 MKII’s factory synthetic stock had become slick over the years and didn’t fit me well, leading to inconsistent accuracy. I was searching for a replacement that would provide a better grip, improved ergonomics, and a classic look without breaking the bank. I needed a stock that would be durable enough for hunting in various weather conditions.

My first impression upon unboxing the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock was that the wood finish was beautiful and the thumbhole design felt very natural in my hand. The stock felt solid, yet surprisingly lightweight. The build quality appeared excellent, with tight tolerances and a smooth, even finish.

I considered stocks from Bell and Carlson and Hogue, but ultimately chose the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks offering because of its combination of classic aesthetics, thumbhole ergonomics, and attractive price point. The other options, while excellent, were either too expensive or didn’t offer the traditional wood stock appearance I desired. I was excited to give my Ruger a new lease on life with this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks stock.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock at my local shooting range, followed by a weekend deer hunting trip in the Pennsylvania mountains. At the range, the improved grip and thumbhole design allowed me to maintain a more consistent hold, resulting in tighter groupings at 100 yards. The stock felt comfortable even after shooting several rounds.

During the hunting trip, the weather was typical for late fall – cold and damp. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks stock provided a solid grip, even with slightly wet hands, which was a significant improvement over the slippery synthetic stock I had previously. There were no issues related to the environment during the hunt.

Installing the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock was straightforward, requiring minimal gunsmithing knowledge. I did need to adjust the trigger pull slightly to accommodate the new stock geometry.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock has held up exceptionally well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to various weather conditions during multiple hunting trips. The finish remains vibrant, and the wood has not warped or cracked.

Maintaining the stock is simple. I regularly wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. An occasional application of a quality wood oil helps to preserve the finish and prevent drying.

Compared to my previous stock, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock far surpasses it in terms of ergonomics, aesthetics, and overall shooting experience. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks offering has improved my accuracy and made my Ruger feel like a completely new rifle.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

• The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is specifically designed for the Ruger 77 MKII Short Action rifle. This ensures a proper fit and reliable performance.
• It features a factory barrel channel, which accommodates standard factory barrels without modification. This simplifies the installation process and avoids the need for gunsmithing.
• The stock is constructed from hardwood, providing a balance of strength and weight. This ensures durability while maintaining a comfortable carry weight.
• The thumbhole design enhances ergonomics and grip. This allows for more consistent and accurate shooting.
• The featherweight profile reduces overall rifle weight. This makes it easier to carry for extended periods during hunting trips or range sessions.

Performance & Functionality

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock significantly improves the rifle’s accuracy and handling. The thumbhole design provides a secure and comfortable grip, which helps to stabilize the rifle during aiming and firing.

The stock’s rigidity and precise fit contribute to consistent barrel harmonics. This leads to improved shot-to-shot consistency.

The only potential weakness is that the factory barrel channel might be too tight for some aftermarket barrels, requiring some minor fitting. Overall, the stock exceeds expectations, transforming the Ruger 77 MKII into a more accurate and enjoyable rifle to shoot.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is excellent, with high-quality hardwood and a smooth, even finish. Its weight is comfortable for carrying in the field.

The thumbhole design is exceptionally ergonomic, providing a natural and secure grip. There is no significant learning curve, as the stock feels intuitive and comfortable from the first use.

Durability & Maintenance

The hardwood construction ensures that the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is durable and long-lasting. With proper care, it should withstand years of use in various hunting and shooting conditions.

Maintaining the stock is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional oiling will keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock does not come with any specific accessories, but it is compatible with standard Ruger 77 MKII accessories. This includes scope mounts, slings, and bipods.

While the stock itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the hardwood can be refinished or stained to suit individual preferences. Aftermarket recoil pads can be added to further enhance comfort and reduce felt recoil.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

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Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is perfect for hunters and sport shooters looking to upgrade their Ruger 77 MKII with a more ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing stock. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate the classic look and feel of a hardwood stock.

Individuals who prefer synthetic stocks or require extreme weather resistance might want to consider other options. A high-quality scope and sling are must-have accessories to complement the upgraded stock.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger 77 MKII Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is an excellent upgrade for any Ruger 77 MKII owner seeking improved ergonomics, enhanced accuracy, and a classic aesthetic. The price is justified given the quality of materials, improved performance, and overall shooting experience.

I would definitely recommend this stock to anyone looking to breathe new life into their Ruger 77 MKII. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference a quality stock can make!