Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel Review

Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a mouthful of a name, but it promises a significant upgrade for southpaw shooters who prefer a classic look and enhanced ergonomics on their Ruger American. It’s a hardwood stock designed to replace the factory stock, offering a more comfortable and stable shooting platform, specifically for left-handed shooters using a right-hand action rifle. This aftermarket stock aims to improve accuracy and overall shooting experience while adding a touch of traditional aesthetics to a modern rifle.

My Ruger American Ranch in .300 Blackout has always been a reliable performer, but the factory stock felt a little… utilitarian. I wanted something that looked and felt more premium, and crucially, fit my left-handed frame better. I’d also been experiencing some discomfort with the standard grip during extended range sessions, prompting me to look for a thumbhole option for improved ergonomics.

Unboxing the Boyds stock, I was immediately impressed by the weight and feel of the hardwood. The finish was smooth and even, and the thumbhole design felt incredibly natural in my hand. It was clear that this wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it felt like a significant step up in build quality compared to the original synthetic stock.

I considered a Magpul Hunter stock, but its more tactical appearance didn’t quite align with the classic aesthetic I was after. Another option was a laminate stock from a different manufacturer, but I liked the reviews and value that Boyds provided. This Boyds stock seemed to strike the perfect balance between form and function.

My initial excitement upon unboxing turned into eager anticipation to see how it would perform on the range. I was pleasantly surprised by the evident quality and immediately felt eager to test it. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel appeared ready to deliver a noticeable enhancement to my Ruger American.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Boyds stock at my local outdoor shooting range, focusing on target accuracy at 100 yards. The weather was clear and cool, perfect conditions for a comfortable shooting session. The thumbhole design provided a solid and comfortable grip, allowing for better control and reduced felt recoil compared to the factory stock.

The improved ergonomics were immediately noticeable, particularly in the cheek weld and overall rifle stability. The thumbhole design also helped index my trigger finger more consistently, leading to more accurate shot placement. The solid feel of the hardwood provided a greater sense of confidence and consistency.

Initially, I was impressed, though I noticed the need to adjust my scope slightly to account for the changed cheek weld height. There were no significant issues, and I quickly settled into a comfortable shooting rhythm. The positive impact on my accuracy was immediately apparent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Boyds stock has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, and the finish remains smooth and unblemished. The stock remains secure and snug, indicating a durable construction.

I’ve hunted with it in moderately wet conditions and it performed flawlessly, with no warping or swelling of the wood. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth keeps it looking pristine. The durability of the wood combined with the simple cleaning process made this stock ready for anything.

Compared to my previous experience with the factory synthetic stock, the Boyds stock offers a significant improvement in comfort, stability, and aesthetics. I am consistently more accurate with the Boyds stock, and the enhanced ergonomics have reduced fatigue during longer shooting sessions. The stock exceeded my expectations and continues to impress.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. Boyds is well-known for producing quality hardwood gunstocks at reasonable prices.
• Hand: Left. This is a crucial feature for left-handed shooters, ensuring proper ergonomics and comfort.
• Gun Make: Ruger. Specifically designed for Ruger rifles, guaranteeing proper fit and function.
• Gun Model: Ruger American Rifle Ranch, Ruger American Rifle. This stock is compatible with both the standard Ruger American and the Ranch versions.
• Gun Type: Rifle. Exclusively for rifle platforms.
• Action Length: Short Action. Designed for short action cartridges like .223, .300 Blackout, and 7.62×39.
• Additional Features: Finished. Comes with a pre-applied finish, ready for installation.
• Barrel Channel: Factory Barrel Channel. Accommodates the factory barrel profile without modification.

These specifications matter because they ensure a perfect fit and proper functionality with my Ruger American Ranch rifle. The left-handed design is essential for comfortable and accurate shooting. The factory barrel channel eliminates the need for gunsmithing, making installation straightforward.

Performance & Functionality

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel dramatically improves my rifle’s performance. The thumbhole design allows for a more secure and comfortable grip, leading to better control and accuracy. The increased weight of the hardwood also helps dampen recoil.

The only minor weakness is that the finish can be susceptible to scratches if not handled carefully, but a little bit of care and protection makes this point irrelevant. The stock significantly exceeds my expectations in terms of comfort, stability, and accuracy. It performs flawlessly as a shooting platform.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent; the hardwood feels solid and substantial in hand. The weight is balanced, and the thumbhole design fits my hand perfectly. The ergonomic improvements are instantly noticeable, offering a more natural and comfortable shooting position.

The stock is exceptionally user-friendly; it requires minimal effort to install and use. There is no learning curve, and the improved ergonomics are immediately apparent. This stock improves both the aesthetic and feel of my Ruger American.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Boyds stock should last for many years. The hardwood construction is inherently durable, and the finish provides additional protection against the elements. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling will keep it in top condition.

Maintaining the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is sufficient. Any scratches or minor imperfections can be easily addressed with wood polish or stain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds stock itself doesn’t come with any accessories, but it’s compatible with standard Ruger American accessories. This includes scope mounts, slings, and bipods. No significant customization options are directly available, but the stock can be refinished or stained to suit individual preferences.

The stock is compatible with various aftermarket recoil pads and cheek risers, allowing for further customization of the fit and feel. Its compatibility with standard accessories makes it simple to customize the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel. The available customization allows you to tailor this stock to your specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

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Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?

This stock is perfect for left-handed hunters and target shooters who own a Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch rifle and desire improved ergonomics, enhanced accuracy, and a classic aesthetic. It’s also ideal for those who find the factory stock uncomfortable or inadequate for their shooting style. This stock will be greatly appreciated by those who want to upgrade from a synthetic stock to hardwood.

This product might not be suitable for shooters who prefer ultra-lightweight rifles or those who require highly adjustable, tactical-style stocks. If you are looking for a more modern look or extreme modularity, there are likely better options available. Those who prioritize an extremely lightweight setup or tactical adjustability might find other options more suitable.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality sling for comfortable carrying during hunting trips. Also consider a cheek riser if you need to raise your cheek weld for optimal scope alignment. These items can enhance the overall shooting experience.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Ruger American Centerfire/Ranch Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a worthwhile upgrade for any left-handed shooter seeking to improve the comfort, accuracy, and aesthetics of their Ruger American rifle. It offers a significant enhancement over the factory stock at a reasonable price. The improvement in feel, comfort, and accuracy is considerable.

At around $220, the price is definitely justified given the quality of materials and the tangible improvement in shooting performance. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in terms of comfort, accuracy, and enjoyment. The value proposition is excellent, offering a premium feel at a reasonable cost.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any left-handed Ruger American owner looking for a substantial upgrade. The enhanced ergonomics, improved accuracy, and classic aesthetics make it a fantastic addition to any rifle. Upgrade your Ruger American today and experience the difference for yourself!