The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight Made a Bold First Impression
The lever action rifle. It’s an icon of the American West, a symbol of rugged individualism, and a platform steeped in history. Midwest Industries, known for their modern firearm accessories, aims to breathe new life into these classic rifles with the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight.
I’ve spent years tinkering with and customizing various firearms, always seeking that perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance. My lever action, a trusty Winchester passed down through my family, felt like it was missing something. The original wood stock, while beautiful, lacked adjustability and modern mounting options. I needed a stock that could maintain the soul of the rifle while providing a customizable platform for enhanced usability.
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My first impression was that this was a serious piece of kit. The polymer cheek piece felt solid and the M-LOK slots promised a world of customization. Picking it up, it felt surprisingly light, especially compared to the original wood furniture.
I considered a few other options before settling on this one. Magpul offers a similar stock for the Marlin lever actions, but I wanted something specifically designed for my Winchester. Some competitors offer more “tactical” looking stocks, but they often sacrifice the classic lever action feel. The Midwest Industries stock seemed to strike the right balance. I was eager to see if it lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight at my local shooting range, under relatively mild weather conditions. The range offered a variety of targets, from paper silhouettes to steel plates, at distances ranging from 25 to 100 yards. Installation was surprisingly straightforward. I replaced the factory stock with the Midwest Industries model in under ten minutes.
The immediate difference was the improved cheek weld. The adjustable cheek piece allowed me to achieve a consistent sight picture with my optic. The slightly angled pistol grip felt more natural than the straight wrist of the original stock. During rapid fire drills, I noticed a significant improvement in recoil management and follow-up shots. There were no immediate issues. Everything felt solid and secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight has proven to be incredibly durable. I’ve taken it on multiple hunting trips and range sessions in varying weather conditions. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The polymer cheek piece remains firmly in place.
Cleaning is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. It’s significantly easier to maintain than the original wood stock, which required regular oiling. This stock has exceeded my expectations. The improved ergonomics and customization options have made my Winchester more versatile and enjoyable to shoot.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight is designed as a drop-in replacement for factory Winchester lever action stocks. It maintains the factory length of pull, preserving the rifle’s original handling characteristics. The stock is constructed from high-strength polymer with an ambidextrous design to accommodate both left and right-handed shooters.
M-LOK™ compatible slots are strategically placed along the forend for attaching accessories like lights, lasers, and slings. The adjustable polymer cheek piece offers a customizable cheek weld for improved sight alignment. These features enhance the rifle’s utility for a wide range of applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight dramatically improves the ergonomics and customization options of a classic Winchester lever action. The adjustable cheek piece is a game-changer. It allows for a perfect cheek weld regardless of the optic or sighting system being used. Recoil management is noticeably improved, leading to faster follow-up shots and increased accuracy.
One potential weakness is the lack of QD sling mounting points directly integrated into the stock. It may require purchasing M-LOK QD sling mounts separately. Despite that, this stock exceeds my expectations by a mile. It transforms the shooting experience without sacrificing the rifle’s inherent charm.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-made. The stock is lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the rifle. The textured grip surfaces provide a secure and comfortable hold.
The design is sleek and modern, yet it retains a classic aesthetic that complements the Winchester’s lines. There is virtually no learning curve. The stock feels instantly familiar and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-strength polymer construction ensures that the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight can withstand years of use and abuse. It’s resistant to scratches, dings, and the elements. Minimal maintenance is required. A simple wipe-down is usually sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.
This stock should last for the lifetime of the rifle. Its robust design offers both durability and reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight features M-LOK™ compatible slots that allow for the attachment of a wide range of accessories. These include: tactical lights, lasers, vertical grips, and bipods. The adjustable cheek piece can be swapped out for different heights to further customize the fit.
The stock is compatible with most aftermarket Winchester lever action accessories. The versatility of M-LOK ensures compatibility with accessories from a wide variety of manufacturers. This provides endless options for customizing the rifle to suit individual needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight
Pros
- Adjustable cheek piece for improved sight alignment and shooting comfort.
- M-LOK™ compatibility for attaching a wide range of accessories.
- Lightweight and durable polymer construction for years of reliable use.
- Maintains factory length of pull preserving original handling characteristics.
- Ambidextrous design caters to both left and right-handed shooters.
Cons
- Lack of integrated QD sling mounting points.
- The cheek piece adjustment mechanism could be more robust.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight?
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters. It’s also good for anyone who wants to modernize and improve the ergonomics of their classic Winchester lever action rifle. It’s a great upgrade for those who use optics on their lever guns.
Those who prioritize historical accuracy above all else might want to skip this product. People who prefer the traditional look and feel of a wood stock might be turned off by its modern design.
Must-have accessories include M-LOK compatible sling mounts and a quality optic suited to the rifle’s intended purpose. A tactical light or laser could be beneficial for home defense or nighttime hunting applications.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight is a well-designed and thoughtfully executed upgrade for a classic rifle. It delivers a significant improvement in ergonomics, customization options, and overall usability. The adjustable cheek piece and M-LOK compatibility make it a versatile platform for a wide range of applications.
The price of $240.49 is justified by the quality of materials, the enhanced functionality, and the overall improvement in the shooting experience. The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Winchester Straight has transformed my Winchester from a range toy into a serious tool.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to breathe new life into their lever action rifle. It’s time to modernize your Winchester!