Let’s Dive into Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 is a stock designed to enhance the accuracy and feel of your Remington 700 BDL short action rifle with a heavy or varmint barrel. Hogue, a name synonymous with quality grips and stocks, aims to deliver a product that improves both the shooter’s experience and the rifle’s performance. Does it live up to the Hogue name?
For years, I’d been chasing consistent accuracy with my custom Remington 700 build. My original factory stock was letting me down, exhibiting inconsistent barrel contact and flex. I needed a stable platform, something that would truly bed the action and provide a solid foundation for precision shooting.
Upon unboxing, the Hogue stock immediately impressed with its solid feel and tactile rubber overmold. The weight was substantial, hinting at the internal bedding block’s promise of rigidity. The rubberized texture felt secure and comfortable in hand, promising a confident grip even in adverse conditions.
I considered alternatives like the Bell and Carlson Medalist and the Manners MCS-T. Ultimately, the Hogue’s price point and reputation for reliable, functional designs steered me toward it. I was hoping for a simple, effective solution, and the Hogue seemed to fit the bill.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The stock felt right, but the real test would be on the range. I was eager to see if the full bed block lived up to the hype and if it could truly transform my Remington 700 into the accurate rifle I envisioned.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my local shooting range, where I subjected the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 to a battery of accuracy tests. I mounted it on my Remington 700 BDL short action with a heavy profile .308 barrel. I used various factory and hand-loaded ammunition.
Conditions were mild, with a slight breeze, but I wanted to see how the stock performed under ideal circumstances. The immediate result was…concerning. My groups were inconsistent, and I noticed that the barrel was making contact with the forend of the stock.
The ease of use was initially straightforward, installation was a breeze, dropping right in. I quickly realized that my confidence in this stock was misplaced. The first-time experience left me frustrated and questioning the stock’s design.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing and experimentation, my opinion of the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 has soured. Despite attempts to modify the stock to improve barrel clearance, the inconsistent barrel contact remained a persistent issue. The initial promise of enhanced accuracy was never realized.
Durability-wise, the stock held up well, with the rubber overmold proving resistant to scratches and wear. Cleaning was simple, and the stock maintained its tactile feel. However, the durability is irrelevant if the stock doesn’t perform its primary function: providing a stable and accurate platform.
Compared to my previous experiences with properly bedded actions, the Hogue stock was a significant disappointment. The lack of a truly free-floated barrel and the inconsistent performance made it a downgrade from even the factory stock in terms of accuracy. My frustration grew with each range session.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012
Specifications
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 is specifically designed for Remington 700 BDL short action rifles with heavy or varmint barrels. It features a full-length aluminum bedding block intended to provide a stable and consistent platform for the action. The stock is constructed with a rubber overmold for enhanced grip and comfort.
These specifications should translate to improved accuracy and a more comfortable shooting experience. The aluminum bedding block should provide rigidity and eliminate stock flex, while the rubber overmold should offer a secure grip in all conditions. The reality, unfortunately, falls short of these expectations.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012‘s performance is, frankly, unacceptable for a product in this price range. The lack of a free-floated barrel and the inconsistent barrel contact result in mediocre accuracy and inconsistent shot placement. This stock simply does not do its job effectively.
The main weakness is the design flaw that prevents the barrel from being truly free-floated. The rubber overmold extends too far into the forend, causing unwanted contact. Hogue needs to address this design flaw to improve the stock’s performance. The only strength I found was that it installed easily.
Unfortunately, the stock fails to meet expectations. I expected a noticeable improvement in accuracy, but the results were worse than my original stock. I am incredibly disappointed with its performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 is generally good, with quality materials and a solid feel. The rubber overmold provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The weight is substantial, adding to the rifle’s overall stability.
The stock is user-friendly and requires no modifications for installation. However, the design flaw that prevents a free-floated barrel negates any positive aspects of the ergonomics and build quality. It’s comfortable, but it doesn’t deliver on its core promise.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 appears to be durable and capable of withstanding years of use. The rubber overmold is resistant to scratches, dings, and other forms of wear and tear. The full-length bedding block seems to be very solid and should last.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The stock’s robust construction and quality materials suggest a long lifespan. The durability of the stock is one of its few redeeming qualities.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 does not come with any accessories. Aftermarket accessories, like cheek risers, can be added if needed to enhance the fit and comfort. The sling swivel studs allow for standard sling attachment.
It’s also compatible with many aftermarket bottom metal options, like those from Manners. The stock’s drop-in design makes it easy to customize. However, given the stock’s fundamental design flaws, customizing it is like putting lipstick on a pig.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012
Pros
- Easy drop-in installation.
- Durable rubber overmold provides a comfortable and secure grip.
- Solid build quality with a full-length aluminum bedding block.
- Compatible with aftermarket accessories and bottom metal.
- More durable than many polymer stocks.
Cons
- Barrel makes contact with the forend, preventing a free-floated barrel.
- Inconsistent accuracy and shot placement.
- Overpriced for the level of performance offered.
Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012?
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 might be suitable for someone seeking a durable and comfortable stock for general hunting purposes, where ultimate accuracy is not paramount. If you just want something more rugged than your factory stock, it will work. People who value simplicity and ease of installation might also be drawn to this stock.
However, anyone looking for a truly accurate and consistent platform for precision shooting should skip this product. Competitive shooters, varmint hunters, and anyone seeking to maximize their Remington 700’s accuracy should look elsewhere. A quality bedding job on your existing stock would be a better investment.
A must-have modification would be carefully relieving the forend to fully free float the barrel, however, this may require specialized tools and skill. Even then, there is no guarantee of improved accuracy. This stock is best avoided.
Conclusion on Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012 promises a lot but ultimately fails to deliver on its core promise of enhanced accuracy. The design flaw that prevents a free-floated barrel is a critical weakness that undermines the stock’s potential. While the build quality and ergonomics are decent, the poor performance makes it difficult to recommend.
The price of $220.96 is simply not justified for a stock that performs no better (and perhaps worse) than a factory stock. The value proposition is poor. There are far better options available at this price point.
I would not personally recommend this stock. My experience was disappointing, and I believe there are superior alternatives on the market. Spend your money wisely and explore other options before settling on the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Short Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel Full Bed Block 70012. Seek out a stock with a truly free-floated barrel for improved accuracy.