Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock is more than just a replacement stock; it’s a potential upgrade to the muzzleloading experience. Designed specifically for the Savage 10 ML-II short action muzzleloader with a bull barrel, this stock aims to enhance both the rifle’s aesthetics and ergonomics. The promise of a lighter, more comfortable, and visually appealing stock for my trusted muzzleloader immediately piqued my interest.
My old synthetic stock had always felt a bit… lacking. The grip wasn’t ideal, and the overall feel was somewhat cheap, especially considering the investment I had in the rifle itself. I was specifically looking for a stock that offered a more solid and comfortable grip, better recoil absorption, and, frankly, something that just looked and felt better in my hands while out hunting.
Upon unboxing, my first impression of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock was one of quality. The wood grain was attractive, and the finish appeared smooth and even. The thumbhole design immediately felt natural, and the stock, despite being hardwood, did indeed feel lighter than the factory synthetic one.
I considered a couple of other options, including a custom laminate stock from a different manufacturer and a chassis system designed for muzzleloaders. Ultimately, I chose the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock for its balance of traditional aesthetics, practical design, and reasonable price. The chassis system felt too tactical for my taste, and the custom laminate stock was significantly more expensive. I was excited to get it mounted on my Savage 10 ML-II and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to truly test the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock came during a late-season muzzleloader hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was typically unpredictable, shifting from light rain to brief periods of sunshine and back again. The hunt involved several miles of hiking through varied terrain, from steep inclines to densely wooded areas.
The immediate improvement I noticed was the enhanced grip and control provided by the thumbhole design. It offered a more secure and comfortable hold, especially when navigating tricky terrain with a loaded muzzleloader. Even in the damp conditions, the stock remained surprisingly grippy, providing confidence during each shot.
I didn’t experience any major issues during this first outing, but I did notice a slight difference in the balance of the rifle compared to the original stock. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock shifted the center of gravity slightly rearward, which took a few shots to adjust to, but this actually improved handling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full hunting season and several range trips, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock has proven to be a reliable upgrade. The stock has held up exceptionally well to the rigors of hunting, showing only minor signs of wear and tear. There are a few small scratches from brushes with branches, but the finish has remained largely intact.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient. I apply a light coat of gun stock wax a couple of times a year to protect the wood and maintain its luster. Compared to the original synthetic stock, which felt flimsy and somewhat disposable, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock feels like a significant upgrade in terms of durability and longevity. It has exceeded my expectations for a stock in this price range, proving to be a worthwhile investment for my Savage 10 ML-II.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock is specifically designed for the Savage 10 ML-II short action muzzleloader with a bull barrel. This makes fitment a breeze. The stock is crafted from hardwood, offering a balance of strength and weight reduction.
The thumbhole design is intended to improve ergonomics and provide a more secure grip, crucial for accurate shooting in various conditions. The bull barrel channel is precisely cut to accommodate the larger diameter of a bull barrel, ensuring a proper fit and free-floating barrel for enhanced accuracy. These specifications directly impact the shooter’s ability to comfortably and accurately handle the rifle.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock performs admirably in its intended role. The thumbhole design noticeably improves grip and control, resulting in more consistent and accurate shooting, at least in my experience. The stock also seems to dampen recoil slightly better than the factory synthetic stock, making for a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during extended range sessions.
One minor weakness I’ve observed is that the finish, while attractive, may be susceptible to scratching with heavy use in dense brush. However, this is a purely cosmetic issue and does not affect the stock’s functionality. Overall, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock meets and even exceeds my expectations, offering a significant upgrade in both performance and aesthetics.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock features a classic thumbhole design that balances aesthetics and functionality. The hardwood construction provides a solid and substantial feel, while the thumbhole promotes a natural and comfortable grip. The weight distribution is well-balanced, although slightly rearward compared to the original stock, which enhances handling.
The stock is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal fitting for most Savage 10 ML-II rifles. A basic understanding of rifle disassembly and reassembly is required for installation, but no specialized tools or gunsmithing skills are needed.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its hardwood construction, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, this stock should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintaining the stock is straightforward; regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional application of gun stock wax will help protect the wood and maintain its appearance. The wood is sealed, which makes it weather-resistant.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock itself does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with standard sling swivel studs, allowing for easy attachment of slings.
While the stock is not specifically designed for extensive customization, the wood can be refinished or checkered to suit individual preferences. It works well with aftermarket recoil pads.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The thumbhole design provides a more comfortable and secure grip, leading to improved accuracy and control.
- Improved Aesthetics: The hardwood construction and attractive finish significantly enhance the rifle’s overall appearance.
- Durable Construction: The hardwood is durable.
- Easy Installation: The stock is relatively easy to install, requiring only basic tools and gunsmithing knowledge.
- Reasonable Price: Offers excellent value.
Cons
- Finish is somewhat prone to scratching in heavy brush.
- Requires minor fitting.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock?
This stock is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who own a Savage 10 ML-II short action muzzleloader with a bull barrel and are looking to improve their rifle’s ergonomics, aesthetics, and overall shooting experience. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional wood stock over modern synthetic options.
This product may not be ideal for those seeking a highly customizable or tactical-style stock. Those who are unwilling to perform basic rifle disassembly and reassembly may also want to consider professional installation.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Overall, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock is a worthwhile upgrade for the Savage 10 ML-II muzzleloader. It offers a significant improvement in ergonomics, aesthetics, and overall feel compared to the factory synthetic stock.
The price is definitely justified. It provides excellent value for the money, offering a combination of quality, performance, and aesthetics that are hard to beat in this price range.
I would absolutely recommend the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Savage10 Ml Short Muzzleloader Bull Barrel Channel Stock to any Savage 10 ML-II owner looking to enhance their muzzleloading experience.