Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend promises a refresh or restoration for one of America’s classic pump-action rifles. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is known for providing affordable, quality wood stocks, and this forend aims to give Remington 760 owners a chance to replace worn or damaged furniture. This forend is designed to match the original profile of the older 760 models, preserving the rifle’s classic aesthetics while potentially improving its feel and function.
My faithful Remington 760 had seen better days; the original forend was cracked and loose after decades of service in the deer woods. I needed a reliable replacement that wouldn’t break the bank and would maintain the rifle’s original character. After a quick online search, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend seemed like a promising solution.
Upon unboxing, the forend’s laminate construction was immediately apparent. The finish felt smooth but somewhat artificial compared to the original walnut. It was lighter than I expected.
Compared to other aftermarket options, like synthetic forends or more expensive custom wood pieces, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend offered an appealing balance of price and purported quality. I chose this over a synthetic option to retain the classic look and feel of my 760.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, though the laminate finish did give me pause. I was hoping for a durable, aesthetically pleasing replacement that would breathe new life into my trusty old deer rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend to the Test
First Use Experience
The first range trip after installation was…underwhelming. I tested it at my local shooting range, focusing on cycling the action and observing any looseness or play. The action felt gritty and less smooth than with the original forend.
The weather was mild and dry, so I didn’t experience any adverse conditions. However, the laminate material felt somewhat slick in my hand compared to the original checkered walnut. This immediately impacted my confidence and speed when cycling rounds.
The installation was straightforward, but getting the action to cycle smoothly required some fiddling and lubrication. The fit wasn’t perfect out of the box, and it definitely needed a bit of work to break in.
After the initial use, I was disappointed with the feel and cycling of the action. It felt like a downgrade from the original forend, even in its damaged state.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend has held up physically, but the performance issues persist. There are no visible cracks or signs of significant wear, which is a plus. The finish remains intact.
While the forend itself is durable, the action remains less smooth than I would like. Cleaning and lubricating the action regularly help, but the underlying issue seems to be the fit of the forend itself. The interior walls contact the pump bars in a way that restricts easy travel.
Maintaining the forend is easy; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Oiling the laminate is not advised. Still, I have to spend more time cleaning the action to compensate for the forend’s impact on the smoothness of operation.
Compared to my experience with the original walnut forend, this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks replacement is a disappointment. The original had a superior feel and contributed to a smoother, more reliable action.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks
- Gun Model: Remington Model 76, Remington Model 6, Remington Model 7600, Remington Model 760. This forend is specifically designed as a replacement for these classic pump-action rifles.
- Gun Make: Remington
- Gun Type: Shotgun (Note: While the 760 is primarily a rifle, this is how it is categorized).
- Material: Hardwood Laminate. This provides a balance between cost and durability.
- Included Accessories: Standard (Forend only). No additional hardware is included.
- Gun Rail: Standard (No rail, designed as a direct replacement).
- Condition: New.
- Quantity: 1
These specifications matter because they dictate the fit, feel, and overall performance of the forend. The laminate construction impacts the weight and perceived quality. The precise fit (or lack thereof) dictates smooth operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend’s primary function is to replace the original forend and allow the user to cycle the action. Unfortunately, it only partially achieves this goal. The action is noticeably stiffer and less smooth than with the original.
The strengths lie in the forend’s basic durability and relatively low price. The main weakness is its impact on the rifle’s action, making it less enjoyable and potentially less reliable to operate quickly. It looks like a forend, but acts like a club.
It falls short of expectations. I was hoping for a seamless replacement that would restore the rifle’s original performance, but instead, it negatively impacts the rifle’s functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for a laminate stock; the materials feel solid, though somewhat cheap. The weight is lighter than the original walnut, which might be a positive for some, but it contributes to a less substantial feel. The checkering is minimal to nonexistent, impacting grip.
The design aims to replicate the original forend’s profile, but the ergonomics suffer due to the slick laminate finish. There is a noticeable learning curve in compensating for the stickier action and reduced grip.
Durability & Maintenance
The laminate construction should provide reasonable durability for years of use. It appears resistant to cracking and warping, which are common issues with older wood stocks. This should outlast a heavily-damaged original forend.
Maintaining the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend is straightforward; it can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. No special treatments or finishes are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as it’s designed as a direct replacement. Sanding and refinishing would be possible, but labor intensive.
It is compatible with the standard Remington 760 action and hardware, but other than perhaps adding grip tape or checkering, there are few aftermarket options for enhancing its function.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Durable laminate construction.
- Direct replacement design for easy installation.
- Maintains the classic look of the Remington 760.
- Resistant to cracking and warping compared to original wood stocks.
Cons
- Negatively impacts the smoothness of the rifle’s action.
- Slick laminate finish reduces grip.
- Fit and finish are not perfect; requires some fiddling.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend is perfect for someone on a very tight budget who needs a functional replacement and is willing to accept a reduction in performance. It is suitable for those who prioritize affordability over smooth operation and classic feel. This would be the choice for someone who has a badly cracked or damaged forend, and just needs the rifle to be usable again.
Someone should skip this product if they value the original feel and smooth action of their Remington 760. Someone looking for an upgrade or a truly seamless replacement should explore other (more expensive) options.
A must-have modification would be adding some form of grip enhancement, such as grip tape or stippling, to improve handling. Also, ensure to purchase a high quality gun lubricant, as this forend will require it.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend offers an affordable solution for replacing a damaged forend on a classic rifle. However, the price comes at a cost: reduced smoothness of operation and a less-than-ideal feel.
The price is justified only for those on a very tight budget who prioritize functionality over performance and aesthetics. It is certainly better than a broken or unusable forend, but a new forend that hinders smooth operation is not ideal.
I would not personally recommend this product unless the buyer is fully aware of its limitations and is willing to compromise on performance. There are better options available, albeit at a higher price point.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, functional replacement, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 760 Old Style Forend might suffice. But be prepared to make some concessions and perhaps consider investing in grip enhancements to improve handling.