Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock Review

Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock isn’t just another piece of wood; it’s a meticulously crafted upgrade designed to enhance the performance and aesthetics of your Savage Model 11. Crafted by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, this stock promises improved ergonomics, stability, and a touch of classic elegance, especially appealing to left-handed shooters with a penchant for bull barrels. With its purpose-built design, this stock aims to transform your rifle into a more comfortable and accurate tool, making it a worthy consideration for any serious marksman.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a stock that truly felt like mine on my Savage Model 11. Factory stocks often feel generic and ill-fitting, especially for a left-handed shooter like myself who also prefers the added stability of a bull barrel. After enduring years of compromised accuracy and discomfort, it was time to address the situation and find an after-market upgrade.

The initial unboxing experience was impressive; the stock exuded quality. The wood felt dense and well-finished, indicating a robust construction capable of withstanding the rigors of the field. The weight struck a balance between sturdy and manageable, contributing to a feeling of stability without unnecessary bulk.

I considered a few other options, including synthetic stocks from other manufacturers known for their tactical designs. Ultimately, I chose the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter because I value the traditional feel and aesthetic of wood combined with the practical benefits of a well-designed stock. Other options focused more on modularity, something not important for my style of hunting.

My first impression was excitement. It felt like finally finding the perfect fit for my rifle, a feeling many left-handed shooters can relate to when finding quality, well-fitting gear. The stock appeared to be a blend of form and function, promising an immediate improvement to both the rifle’s appearance and its shootability.


Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter was at my local shooting range, zeroing in my Savage Model 11 with the new stock. The weather was typical for early spring – damp with a slight chill in the air. The most immediate and noticeable benefit was the enhanced grip and stability.

The stock provided a much more secure and comfortable hold compared to the factory stock, especially in the wet conditions. The hand swells and palm swell allowed a consistent grip. I felt more connected to the rifle, which translated directly into tighter groupings on the target. I did need a few shots to adjust to the slightly different cheek weld, but it quickly became intuitive.

There were no immediate issues, and my first shots were notably more accurate than usual with the factory stock. The improved ergonomics made a significant difference. The bull barrel channel provided ample clearance, ensuring free-floating barrel performance without any unwanted contact.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including two hunting trips, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter has proven its worth. The finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being exposed to brush and varying weather conditions. Regular cleaning with a quality wood cleaner has kept the stock looking pristine.

The stock remains as solid and stable as the day I installed it, showing no signs of loosening or warping. Maintenance is straightforward: wipe down after use and occasional application of a wood preservative. Compared to my previous experiences with factory stocks, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter is a substantial upgrade in terms of durability and consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

  • The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter is designed specifically for the Savage Model 11 bolt-action rifle, short action, with a blind magazine. This ensures a precise fit and proper function. The Savage Model 11 compatibility ensures easy installation.

  • It is crafted from high-quality hardwood. This provides strength, stability, and a classic aesthetic. The hardwood construction is a significant upgrade from many synthetic stocks.

  • This model is specifically designed for left-handed shooters. This feature offers enhanced comfort and ergonomics for those who shoot with their left hand. The left-handed design significantly improves the shooting experience.

  • The stock features a bull barrel channel. It accommodates heavier, more accurate bull barrels without any contact or interference. Bull barrel compatibility is crucial for maintaining accuracy.

  • It’s designed for rifles with a blind magazine. This provides a streamlined, classic look without an external magazine release. The blind magazine design retains a traditional aesthetic.

  • The stock features a Prairie Hunter style, known for its comfortable ergonomics and classic lines. This design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Prairie Hunter style provides a balanced feel.

Performance & Functionality

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter dramatically improves the accuracy and stability of my Savage Model 11. The solid construction and improved ergonomics allow for a more consistent and comfortable shooting experience. The enhanced grip and cheek weld contribute to better control and tighter groupings.

The only area for minor improvement would be the checkering, which could be slightly more aggressive for an even more secure grip in extremely wet conditions. Overall, it significantly exceeds my expectations. It has transformed my rifle into a more capable and enjoyable tool to use.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional, with the wood being dense and well-finished. The weight is balanced, providing stability without feeling cumbersome. The stock is comfortable to hold and shoulder, with a natural feel that enhances the shooting experience.

The design is user-friendly, and installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal adjustments. There’s no learning curve; the stock feels immediately intuitive and comfortable. The overall feel and handling are superb.

Durability & Maintenance

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter is built to last, with the hardwood construction able to withstand the rigors of regular use in the field. With proper care, this stock should provide many years of reliable service. Maintaining the stock is simple, requiring only regular cleaning and occasional application of a wood preservative.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter readily accepts standard sling swivel studs, allowing for easy attachment of slings for carrying. The stock can be further customized with various finishes, bedding compounds, and recoil pads to tailor it to individual preferences. Aftermarket cheek risers can also be easily installed for optimized cheek weld, depending on optic height.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Pros

  • Improved Accuracy: The solid construction and enhanced ergonomics contribute to tighter groupings and more consistent shooting.
  • Enhanced Comfort for Left-Handed Shooters: The left-handed design provides a natural and comfortable fit, improving overall shooting experience.
  • Bull Barrel Compatibility: The bull barrel channel accommodates heavier barrels without interference, maintaining accuracy.
  • Durable Hardwood Construction: The high-quality hardwood provides strength, stability, and a classic aesthetic that will last for years.
  • Easy Installation: The stock is designed for easy installation with basic tools and minimal adjustments.

Cons

  • Wood Requires Maintenance: Unlike synthetic stocks, hardwood requires regular cleaning and occasional application of wood preservatives.
  • Checkering Could Be More Aggressive: The checkering could be slightly more aggressive for an even more secure grip in extremely wet conditions.


Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock?

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter is perfect for left-handed hunters and competitive shooters who value accuracy, comfort, and a classic aesthetic. It’s also ideal for those who have upgraded their Savage Model 11 with a bull barrel and need a stock that can accommodate the larger barrel profile.

Those who prioritize a completely maintenance-free stock or require extensive modularity and tactical features may want to consider synthetic alternatives. It’s also not the best choice for those who prefer detachable magazines over a blind magazine setup.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality sling for comfortable carrying in the field. Depending on your optic setup, you might also consider a cheek riser to optimize your cheek weld for improved accuracy.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Savage11 Bolt Action Short Action Blind Mag Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock is a fantastic upgrade for any left-handed shooter looking to enhance the performance and aesthetics of their Savage Model 11. It offers a significant improvement in accuracy, comfort, and stability, all while maintaining a classic and elegant appearance. At $169.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and the tangible improvements it brings to the shooting experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter to anyone seeking a high-quality, well-designed stock for their Savage Model 11. If you’re a left-handed shooter tired of generic, ill-fitting stocks, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Elevate your shooting experience today.

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