Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is a testament to blending classic design with modern lightweight construction. Crafted by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, this stock promises to transform your Winchester 70 into a more ergonomic and manageable rifle without sacrificing accuracy. Its skeletonized thumbhole design and factory barrel channel make it an appealing option for hunters and sport shooters alike.
I was looking to reduce the overall weight of my Winchester 70 for longer hunts in mountainous terrain. My original wooden stock, while aesthetically pleasing, added unnecessary bulk. I needed a lighter, more comfortable option that wouldn’t compromise the rifle’s inherent accuracy.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful wood grain and the surprisingly light weight of the stock. The skeletonized design is immediately apparent, and the thumbhole felt natural in my hand. The finish appeared smooth and well-applied, hinting at a quality build.
I considered the McMillan Game Scout stock and the HS Precision Pro-Series stock, both known for their durability and weather resistance. However, the Boyds stock offered a significant cost advantage, and the thumbhole design appealed to my personal preference for improved grip and control. I also liked that it was a drop-in fit for my factory barrel.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential weight savings and improved ergonomics, but slightly concerned about how the skeletonized design might impact the overall rigidity and recoil absorption of the rifle. Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock at my local shooting range, swapping out my factory stock for the new one. The weather was mild and sunny, perfect for sighting in the rifle with the new stock. Installation was straightforward; the stock dropped in with minimal fuss.
The thumbhole grip immediately felt more comfortable and secure compared to my traditional stock. Recoil felt marginally increased due to the lighter weight, but it was still manageable with my .30-06 caliber. My groupings at 100 yards were consistent with my previous stock, indicating no loss in accuracy.
The only initial issue was the cutout for the bolt lever felt a bit rough, as other users had noted. It didn’t impede function, but could use some smoothing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during hunting trips and range sessions, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock has held up remarkably well. The finish has proven surprisingly durable, with only minor scuffs from brushes with branches and rocks. I typically hunt in varied weather conditions.
I’ve exposed it to light rain and dusty environments. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most debris. I have not noticed any degradation of the wood due to weather. The stock remains solid and stable.
Compared to my old stock, the Boyds stock offers a noticeable improvement in comfort and handling, especially during long hikes. While the recoil is slightly more noticeable, the trade-off in weight is well worth it for my hunting style.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is designed for Winchester 70 rifles with a long action and a factory barrel contour. It is important to note that this particular model does not include a floor plate. The stock is constructed from hardwood, offering a balance of strength and aesthetics.
Weight: The key feature is its lightweight design, achieved through skeletonization, making it ideal for hunters and shooters seeking a lighter rifle. While the exact weight varies depending on the wood, it generally represents a significant reduction compared to standard stocks.
Barrel Channel: The factory barrel channel ensures a drop-in fit for most factory Winchester 70 barrels, minimizing the need for gunsmithing. This allows for a free-floating barrel, potentially improving accuracy.
Thumbhole Design: The thumbhole stock provides a more secure and ergonomic grip, enhancing control and reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The improved grip can translate to better accuracy.
Recoil Pad: The included recoil pad helps to absorb recoil, making shooting more comfortable, especially with larger calibers. This minimizes shoulder fatigue and increases shooting comfort.
These specifications are significant because they address the common concerns of weight, fit, and comfort. The lightweight design makes the rifle easier to carry, the factory barrel channel simplifies installation, and the thumbhole and recoil pad improve the overall shooting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock performs admirably, providing a solid and stable platform for accurate shooting. The thumbhole design significantly improves grip and control, particularly when shooting offhand or from unconventional positions. The stock’s rigidity, despite its lightweight construction, contributes to consistent accuracy.
The primary strength lies in its combination of weight savings and improved ergonomics. The weakness is the lack of a floor plate, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer the convenience of a hinged floor plate for unloading. The rough bolt lever cutout is an acknowledged flaw, but can be easily fixed.
The stock generally exceeds expectations, offering a noticeable improvement in handling and comfort compared to heavier, more traditional stocks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock boasts a visually appealing design with a well-executed skeletonized thumbhole. The hardwood offers a classic look, while the thumbhole provides a modern ergonomic feel. The stock feels comfortable in hand.
The design is intuitive and user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment for shooters familiar with thumbhole stocks. The only potential learning curve might be adapting to the slightly different grip angle compared to traditional stocks.
Durability & Maintenance
The hardwood construction of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock suggests good durability with proper care. While not as impervious to the elements as synthetic stocks, the finish provides adequate protection against moisture and minor abrasions. With basic care and maintenance, the stock should last for many years.
Maintaining the stock is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and application of a wood-protecting oil or wax. There are no complex parts or mechanisms that require specialized maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock comes with a recoil pad, but otherwise offers limited direct accessory options. However, because it fits a standard Winchester 70 long action, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket triggers and scopes.
While the stock itself isn’t directly customizable beyond its finish options, the underlying rifle platform offers extensive customization possibilities. Users can easily upgrade triggers, optics, and other components to tailor the rifle to their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Significant Weight Reduction: The skeletonized design dramatically reduces the overall weight of the rifle, making it easier to carry for extended periods.
- Improved Ergonomics: The thumbhole grip provides a more secure and comfortable hold, enhancing control and reducing fatigue.
- Enhanced Accuracy Potential: The factory barrel channel allows for a free-floating barrel, potentially improving accuracy.
- Affordable Price: Compared to other aftermarket stocks, the Boyds stock offers excellent value for the money.
- Easy Installation: The drop-in design simplifies installation, requiring minimal gunsmithing.
Cons
- Rough bolt lever cutout may require some user smoothing.
- The absence of a floor plate.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is perfect for hunters seeking to lighten their load without sacrificing accuracy or comfort. It’s also a great option for sport shooters who appreciate the ergonomic benefits of a thumbhole stock. Anyone looking to upgrade their Winchester 70 with a cost-effective and visually appealing stock will find this a good choice.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who require a floor plate for convenient unloading, or who prefer the robust weather resistance of synthetic stocks. Those who aren’t comfortable smoothing out the bolt lever cutout.
A must-have modification is smoothing out the bolt lever cutout for optimal function.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, improved ergonomics, and affordability. While it might not be the perfect choice for every shooter, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
The price is certainly justified by the noticeable improvements in handling and comfort. The small issues are easily addressed.
I would personally recommend this stock to anyone looking to upgrade their Winchester 70 without breaking the bank. If you value weight savings, improved ergonomics, and a classic aesthetic, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is a worthwhile investment. Transform your rifle today and experience the difference!