Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is a drop-in replacement stock designed to enhance the ergonomics and aesthetics of your Winchester 70 short action rifle. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks are well-known for their quality and affordable options, and this stock aims to provide a comfortable and functional upgrade over the factory stock, especially for shooters who prefer a thumbhole design. This stock combines classic aesthetics with modern ergonomics, promising an improved shooting experience in the field or at the range.
I was looking for a way to improve the accuracy and handling of my trusty Winchester 70 short action. The original synthetic stock felt cheap and lacked the rigidity needed for consistent shot placement. I wanted a stock that would provide a more solid bedding surface, better ergonomics, and a touch of personalization.
My first impression upon unboxing the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock was positive. The Forest Camo finish looked great, and the hardwood felt solid and well-finished. The thumbhole design seemed comfortable, and the overall build quality appeared to be high for the price point.
Compared to other aftermarket stocks I considered, such as those from McMillan or Bell and Carlson, the Boyds stock offered a compelling balance of quality and affordability. While the higher-end stocks might offer slightly better performance or features, the Boyds stock seemed like an excellent value proposition for a significant upgrade over the factory stock. I chose this stock because of its attractive price, the thumbhole design, and the reputation of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks for producing reliable and functional stocks.
My initial reaction was excitement. The stock looked and felt like a substantial upgrade, and I was eager to install it on my Winchester 70 and see how it performed. The fit and finish gave me confidence that it would improve the rifle’s overall accuracy and handling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock during a deer hunting trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was typical for late fall: cold, with intermittent rain and snow. I spent several days hiking and glassing for deer, and I had ample opportunity to evaluate the stock’s performance in real-world conditions.
The Forest Camo finish provided excellent concealment in the wooded environment. The thumbhole design allowed for a secure and comfortable grip, even with gloved hands. The stock felt significantly more solid than the original synthetic stock, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the rifle’s stability and accuracy.
The stock was relatively easy to install. The Factory Barrel Channel required minimal fitting, and the action seated properly without any major adjustments. After a quick sight-in at the range, I was confident in the rifle’s ability to deliver accurate shots at reasonable distances.
The only issue I encountered was that the forend felt a little slick when wet. I would consider adding some grip tape or texturing to improve the grip in adverse weather conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or splitting, and the finish has proven to be durable and resistant to scratches and dings. The stock remains solid and provides a stable platform for accurate shooting.
The only noticeable wear and tear is some slight discoloration of the finish in areas where I frequently handle the rifle. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the stock’s performance. The stock is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and I occasionally apply a light coat of gun oil to protect the wood.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory synthetic stocks, the Boyds stock represents a significant upgrade in terms of durability, ergonomics, and aesthetics. It provides a more comfortable and stable shooting platform, resulting in improved accuracy and confidence in the field. It far outperforms the original stock that came on my rifle.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. Boyds has built a reputation for providing quality hardwood stocks at reasonable prices.
- Gun Model: Winchester 70 Coyote, Sears Model 53A, Sears Model 53, Sears Ted Williams Model 73, Winchester Model 70. This makes the stock highly versatile across numerous rifle variants.
- Action Type: Winchester 70 Short Action. It’s designed specifically for short actions, ensuring proper fit and function.
- Floor Plate: 1 Piece Floor Plate. Accommodates the factory one-piece floor plate.
- Barrel Channel: Factory Barrel Channel. This means it is designed to fit a standard factory barrel contour without requiring additional gunsmithing.
- Stock Style: Featherweight Thumbhole. The thumbhole design enhances ergonomics and provides a more secure grip.
- Finish: Forest Camo Finished. The camouflage finish provides concealment in wooded environments.
- Material: Hardwood. Offers a more rigid and stable platform than synthetic stocks, generally.
These specifications are significant because they determine the stock’s compatibility, fit, and overall performance. The Featherweight Thumbhole design improves ergonomics and recoil absorption. The Factory Barrel Channel ensures easy installation and compatibility with the rifle’s original components.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock significantly improves the rifle’s accuracy and handling. The rigid hardwood construction provides a more stable bedding surface for the action, resulting in more consistent shot placement. The thumbhole design offers a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control and reducing felt recoil.
The stock’s strengths include its enhanced ergonomics, improved accuracy, and durable construction. A potential weakness is the lack of texturing on the forend, which can make it slippery in wet conditions. Overall, the stock meets and exceeds expectations for a drop-in replacement stock in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is well-designed and comfortable to use. The thumbhole design promotes a natural and relaxed grip, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The stock’s weight is well-balanced, contributing to the rifle’s overall stability.
The stock is user-friendly and requires minimal fitting. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the stock. It is a great way to add a modern touch to a classic rifle.
Durability & Maintenance
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is built to last. The hardwood construction is durable and resistant to cracking and splitting. The finish is also relatively durable and resistant to scratches and dings.
The stock is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional application of gun oil will keep it in good condition for years to come. The durable finish helps to protect the wood underneath.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is compatible with a variety of accessories and customization options. The stock can be easily pillar bedded for even greater accuracy. Also, sling swivel studs can be installed for attaching a sling or bipod.
The stock is also compatible with aftermarket recoil pads, allowing shooters to further customize the rifle’s recoil absorption. The Factory Barrel Channel design also facilitates the use of aftermarket barrels with similar contours. The possibilities are numerous and allow for personalized optimization.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The thumbhole design provides a comfortable and secure grip, improving control and reducing fatigue.
- Improved Accuracy: The rigid hardwood construction provides a more stable bedding surface for the action, resulting in more consistent shot placement.
- Durable Construction: The hardwood and durable finish ensure that the stock will withstand years of use in the field.
- Easy Installation: The factory barrel channel design allows for easy drop-in installation without significant gunsmithing.
- Attractive Aesthetics: The Forest Camo finish gives the rifle a modern and stylish look.
Cons
- Slick Forend: The forend can be slippery when wet, requiring the addition of grip tape or texturing.
- Finish Wear: The finish may discolor slightly over time with frequent handling.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is perfect for hunters looking to improve the accuracy and handling of their Winchester 70 short action rifle. It is also a great option for recreational shooters who want to upgrade the aesthetics and ergonomics of their rifle. Anyone who values a solid feel and enhanced control will appreciate this stock.
This product may not be ideal for competitive shooters who require the absolute highest level of accuracy and adjustability. They might be better served by higher-end stocks with more advanced features. Also, individuals with very large hands might find the thumbhole design to be somewhat restrictive.
Must-have accessories or modifications include sling swivel studs and a recoil pad upgrade. Consider adding grip tape to the forend for enhanced grip in wet conditions.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is a solid and worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to improve the performance and aesthetics of their Winchester 70 short action rifle. The stock offers a compelling combination of enhanced ergonomics, improved accuracy, and durable construction at an affordable price. The Forest Camo finish adds a touch of style.
The price of $199.99 is justified given the stock’s quality and performance benefits. It represents an excellent value for shooters seeking a significant upgrade without breaking the bank. I would personally recommend this stock to anyone looking to enhance their Winchester 70 experience.
If you’re ready to take your Winchester 70 to the next level, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Short Action 1 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is an excellent choice. Upgrade today and experience the difference!