Let’s Dive into Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 promises a significant upgrade to the popular Remington 700 BDL short action rifle. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless rifles come through my hands, and the stock is often the first thing to be upgraded. This Hogue stock, with its renowned overmolded rubber construction and pillar bedding system, aims to enhance accuracy, comfort, and overall rifle performance, all wrapped in a Ghillie Green finish perfect for blending into various environments.
My own Remington 700 BDL has been a faithful companion for years, but its factory stock always left something to be desired in terms of both feel and stability. I was looking for a stock that would not only improve my rifle’s accuracy potential but also provide a more secure and comfortable grip, especially in adverse weather conditions common during late-season hunts. The promise of improved recoil absorption was also a major draw.
Upon unboxing the Hogue stock, the immediate impression was one of quality and durability. The overmolded rubber felt incredibly tactile and provided a confident grip, even with wet hands, while the Ghillie Green color was a perfect match for my hunting grounds. The stock felt solid, not cheap or flimsy, and the molded-in features like the palm swells felt naturally ergonomic.
Compared to other aftermarket stocks I’ve used, like the Magpul Hunter 700 and the Bell and Carlson Medalist, the Hogue offers a different approach. The Magpul is more modular, while the Bell and Carlson focuses on rigidity; the Hogue prioritizes comfort and vibration dampening. I chose the Hogue for its reputation in taming recoil and its ease of installation, hoping for a quick and noticeable improvement to my rifle’s handling and accuracy. My first impression was excitement – this felt like a substantial upgrade that would make a real difference in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 to the Test
First Use Experience
The first opportunity to test the Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 came at my local shooting range, followed by a coyote hunting trip in the high desert. The range session focused on re-zeroing the rifle and assessing group sizes at 100 and 200 yards. The hunting trip involved carrying the rifle over varied terrain and taking shots from improvised rests in cool, dry conditions.
The improved grip and recoil absorption were immediately noticeable. The Hogue stock significantly reduced felt recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable, especially when shooting heavier loads. There was virtually no learning curve; the stock felt natural and intuitive right from the start.
One slight initial issue arose during installation: the action screws needed careful tightening to ensure proper seating and consistent torque. Once addressed, this proved a minor inconvenience but highlighted the importance of proper installation technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. There are no signs of wear and tear on the overmolded rubber, even after exposure to harsh weather and rough handling in the field. The Ghillie Green finish has also held up well, resisting scratches and fading.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. Compared to the factory stock, the Hogue provides a much more stable and consistent platform for the action, which translates to improved accuracy and confidence in my rifle’s performance. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800
Specifications
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 is specifically designed for Remington 700 BDL short action rifles with standard barrel contours. The stock features Hogue’s signature overmolded rubber construction, providing a comfortable and secure grip in all weather conditions. The internal PillarBed system ensures a solid and consistent connection between the action and the stock, enhancing accuracy by minimizing stock flex.
The Ghillie Green color provides excellent camouflage in a variety of environments. The stock is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the factory stock, requiring minimal gunsmithing for installation. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the rifle’s accuracy, handling, and overall reliability in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 performs exceptionally well, significantly improving the rifle’s accuracy and handling. The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and non-slip grip, even when wet or wearing gloves. The PillarBed system ensures that the action is securely bedded in the stock, which is crucial for consistent accuracy.
One notable strength is the recoil absorption, which reduces felt recoil and makes follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable. The only potential weakness is that the overmolded rubber can be slightly sticky in extremely hot and humid conditions. Overall, the stock meets and even exceeds expectations, delivering a noticeable improvement in performance and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 features a well-thought-out design with excellent ergonomics. The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, while the palm swells fit naturally in the hand. The stock is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to carry and maneuver in the field.
The stock is very user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills to install. There is a slight learning curve in properly torquing the action screws, but this is a relatively minor issue.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 is built to last, thanks to its durable overmolded rubber construction and robust design. The stock can withstand harsh weather conditions, rough handling, and repeated use without showing signs of wear and tear. Maintenance is simple and straightforward: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed.
Repairing the stock is also relatively easy, as replacement parts are readily available. The Hogue stock is designed to provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. This includes scope mounts, bipods, slings, and cheek risers. The stock also allows for the installation of a Limbsaver recoil pad for even greater recoil absorption.
The Hogue stock is a versatile platform for customization, allowing shooters to tailor their rifle to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800
Pros
- Improved Accuracy: The PillarBed system provides a stable and consistent platform for the action, resulting in improved accuracy.
- Enhanced Comfort: The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.
- Recoil Absorption: Significantly reduces felt recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
- Easy Installation: A drop-in replacement for the factory stock, requiring minimal gunsmithing.
Cons
- Overmolded rubber can be slightly sticky in extremely hot and humid conditions.
- Proper torque of action screws is crucial for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800?
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 is perfect for hunters, target shooters, and anyone looking to improve the accuracy and handling of their Remington 700 BDL short action rifle. It’s especially well-suited for those who hunt in adverse weather conditions, where a secure and comfortable grip is essential.
Those who should skip this product include shooters who prioritize extreme lightweight builds or prefer highly adjustable, modular stock systems.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper action screw tightening during installation. A Limbsaver recoil pad can further enhance recoil absorption.
Conclusion on Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 is a worthwhile upgrade for any Remington 700 BDL owner looking to improve their rifle’s accuracy, handling, and comfort. The price is justified by the significant improvement in performance and the durability of the stock.
I would personally recommend this stock to anyone looking for a reliable and effective upgrade to their Remington 700 BDL. If you’re ready to take your rifle’s performance to the next level, the Hogue Remington 700 BDL S.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 70800 is an excellent choice. Go ahead and give your rifle the upgrade it deserves!