Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a testament to form meeting function, specifically tailored for the left-handed shooter seeking enhanced ergonomics and classic aesthetics. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks has long been recognized for crafting quality aftermarket stocks, and this particular model aims to breathe new life into your Remington 700 BDL short action rifle, combining the benefits of a thumbhole design with a lightweight profile. For lefties like myself, finding truly comfortable and functional firearm accessories can be a challenge, and I was particularly interested to see how this stock addressed those needs.
For years, I’ve struggled with factory stocks that never quite felt right, leading to discomfort during extended range sessions and less-than-ideal performance in the field. The promise of improved grip and handling offered by the thumbhole design was the primary driver for my interest in this stock. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the rich, hand-rubbed oil finish and the overall quality of the hardwood. The stock felt solid yet surprisingly lightweight, a promising start to what I hoped would be a significant upgrade to my trusty Remington 700.
Compared to synthetic stocks, the Boyds hardwood offered a classic aesthetic that appealed to my traditional sensibilities, while other aftermarket options seemed either too bulky or overly tactical. The decision came down to finding the best balance of form, function, and value. Initially, I was both excited and a little apprehensive. Would it truly improve my accuracy, and would the thumbhole design be as comfortable as I’d hoped? Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel at my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment where I could focus on evaluating the stock’s impact on my shooting. The range offered a variety of distances and target types, providing a good initial test. The most immediate benefit was the improved grip and stability afforded by the thumbhole design.
Even in slightly damp conditions, the hand-rubbed oil finish provided a secure hold. The ergonomics felt natural and intuitive, allowing for quicker target acquisition and more consistent shot placement. There were no immediate issues or surprises after the first range session, only a feeling of improved control and a desire to put more rounds downrange.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a weekend hunting trip in the Texas Hill Country, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. I put it to the test under various conditions, from sunny days at the range to a dusty, drizzly hunting weekend. The hardwood stock held up exceptionally well.
There were no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond some minor surface scratches, which only added to the stock’s character. Cleaning and maintaining the stock has been simple, requiring only a light wipe-down with a gun-cleaning cloth and occasional reapplication of gunstock oil to preserve the finish. Compared to my previous experiences with the factory stock, the Boyds stock offers a significant improvement in comfort, control, and overall shooting enjoyment. It has truly enhanced my confidence and accuracy with my Remington 700.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is designed specifically for left-handed shooters with a Remington 700 BDL short action rifle. Its factory barrel channel ensures compatibility with standard barrel profiles. The stock is crafted from hardwood and finished with a hand-rubbed oil, providing both durability and an attractive appearance.
The short action length is critical for proper fit and function, ensuring reliable cycling and feeding of ammunition. The left-hand action design accommodates the unique needs of left-handed shooters, promoting comfort and natural ergonomics. The Featherweight profile helps to reduce the overall weight of the rifle, enhancing maneuverability and reducing fatigue during extended use. These specifications collectively contribute to a stock that not only looks good but also enhances the shooter’s performance and comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel performs its job admirably, providing a stable and comfortable platform for accurate shooting. The thumbhole design promotes a consistent grip and helps to reduce felt recoil. Its improved ergonomics lead to better control and more consistent shot placement, especially during rapid firing strings.
A key strength is its precise fit, which minimizes movement and ensures consistent barrel harmonics. A potential weakness is the factory barrel channel may require minor bedding for some aftermarket, larger profile barrels, but is to be expected when moving to larger barrels. Overall, the stock meets and even exceeds my expectations, providing a significant upgrade over the factory stock in terms of both performance and aesthetics.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel boasts excellent build quality. The hardwood construction feels solid and durable, and the hand-rubbed oil finish provides a smooth, comfortable surface. The thumbhole design fits the hand well, allowing for a natural and relaxed grip.
The learning curve is minimal. Most shooters will adapt to the thumbhole design quickly, finding it to be a significant improvement over traditional stock designs. The enhanced ergonomics are a major selling point, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is built to last. The hardwood construction is naturally resistant to wear and tear, and the hand-rubbed oil finish provides additional protection against moisture and scratches. With proper care, this stock should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and reapplication of gunstock oil to maintain the finish. Minor scratches and dings can often be repaired with a little bit of sandpaper and fresh oil. Its easy maintenance makes it an excellent choice for hunters and shooters who demand reliability in harsh conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it is highly customizable. The stock is compatible with standard Remington 700 BDL short action accessories, such as aftermarket recoil pads and sling studs. Bedding the action is also a popular customization option, which can further improve accuracy and consistency.
Aftermarket cheek risers can be added to optimize eye alignment with various optics. The stock is also compatible with most bipods that attach to the sling studs. The Boyds stock provides a versatile platform for building a customized Remington 700 rifle.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Pros
- Significantly improved ergonomics due to the thumbhole design, leading to enhanced comfort and control.
- Increased accuracy potential as a result of improved grip stability and reduced felt recoil.
- Classic aesthetic with a beautiful hardwood construction and hand-rubbed oil finish.
- Easy to install and compatible with standard Remington 700 BDL short action accessories.
- Durable and long-lasting with proper care, ensuring years of reliable performance.
Cons
- The factory barrel channel might require minor bedding for some aftermarket, larger profile barrels.
- The thumbhole design may not be ideal for shooters who prefer a traditional stock.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is perfect for left-handed hunters and target shooters who are looking to upgrade their Remington 700 BDL short action rifle with a more comfortable and ergonomic stock. It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate classic aesthetics and quality hardwood construction. The Boyds stock is a smart choice for those who prioritize improved accuracy and control.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who prefer synthetic stocks or who are not comfortable with a thumbhole design. Shooters with heavier barrel profiles may be best suited to a stock that is more adjustable out of the box. Must-have accessories or modifications include a high-quality recoil pad and potentially bedding the action for optimal accuracy.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is an excellent aftermarket stock that offers a significant upgrade in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and aesthetics. Its combination of classic design and modern features makes it a standout choice for left-handed Remington 700 owners. At $189.00, the price is justified given the quality of materials and the noticeable improvement in shooting performance.
I would definitely recommend this stock to any left-handed shooter looking to enhance their Remington 700. If you’re tired of uncomfortable factory stocks and want to improve your accuracy and control, give the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 700 BDL Short Action Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel a try – you won’t be disappointed!