Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a chance to breathe new life into a trusted shotgun. Offered by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, this forend promises improved ergonomics and a touch of classic styling for the reliable Remington 1187 20 gauge. I was seeking an upgrade that would not only enhance the aesthetics of my aging hunting shotgun but also provide a more secure and comfortable grip in the field.
My Remington 1187 20 gauge, a faithful companion on countless upland bird hunts, had started to show its age. The original synthetic forend, while functional, felt cheap and slippery, especially in wet conditions.
Upon unboxing, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend immediately impressed with its smooth, even finish and the unmistakable feel of quality hardwood. The weight was noticeably different from the factory synthetic, lending a more substantial feel to the shotgun.
Compared to aftermarket synthetic forends, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks option appealed to me because I was looking for a more traditional look and feel. Some polymer options offer modularity, but I preferred the simple elegance of wood. I also considered some laminated wood forends, but the classic hardwood aesthetic of the Boyds offering won me over.
My first impression was excitement. I was excited to get the new forend installed and back in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend during a late-season pheasant hunt in South Dakota. The conditions were typical for the area: cold, dry, and dusty. The Boyds forend immediately improved my grip, providing a secure hold even with gloved hands.
The hardwood provided a much better feel than the original synthetic forend, especially when shouldering the shotgun quickly for flushing birds. The slightly increased weight also helped with recoil absorption.
The forend installed easily with minimal effort, and I was out in the field testing it within minutes. After shooting a few rounds, I was confident that the fit was perfect and that there was no risk of the forend shifting during operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple hunts and trips to the sporting clays range, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of cracking or splitting, and the finish remains largely intact, despite exposure to the elements. A few minor scratches are present, but these only add to the character of the wood.
Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I occasionally apply a light coat of furniture polish to maintain the luster. The forend has shown no signs of warping or becoming loose, even after being exposed to moisture.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory synthetic forend, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend is a significant upgrade in terms of both feel and aesthetics. The added weight and improved grip have also contributed to more consistent and accurate shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend is specifically designed as a drop-in replacement for the Remington 1187 20 gauge shotgun. It is constructed from high-quality hardwood. The forend features a standard profile, maintaining the original dimensions of the factory forend.
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks
- Gun Make: Remington
- Gun Model: Remington Model 11-87
- Gun Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Gun Type: Shotgun
- Gun Rail: Standard
- Included Accessories: Standard
- Quantity: 1
These specifications are crucial because they ensure a proper fit and reliable function with the Remington 1187 20 gauge. The quality of the hardwood and its finish directly impact the durability, feel, and overall aesthetics of the shotgun.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend performs its job admirably. It provides a secure and comfortable gripping surface, enhances the shotgun’s aesthetics, and contributes to improved recoil absorption. The fit is precise, and it functions flawlessly with the Remington 1187 20 gauge action.
A minor weakness might be the lack of checkering or texturing on the forend, which could further enhance grip in extremely wet conditions. However, the smooth finish is comfortable and attractive. It meets and exceeds expectations for a replacement forend, providing a significant upgrade over the factory synthetic part.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend boasts a classic design that complements the aesthetics of the Remington 1187 20 gauge. The hardwood is smoothly finished and shaped for a comfortable grip. The weight is slightly heavier than the factory synthetic forend, contributing to a more balanced feel.
The installation process is simple and requires no specialized tools. The forend fits snugly and securely, with no noticeable play or movement. There is no learning curve associated with using the Boyds forend.
Durability & Maintenance
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend is constructed from durable hardwood, designed to withstand years of use. With proper care, including regular cleaning and occasional application of furniture polish, it should last for many years. Minor scratches and dings are inevitable with use, but they add character to the wood.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional polishing. Repairing major damage, such as cracks or splits, may require the expertise of a gunsmith.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend does not come with any additional accessories. Its primary function is as a replacement forend, and it does not include features like rails or attachment points for accessories.
While there are no direct customization options offered by Boyds for this specific forend, some users may choose to add aftermarket accessories, such as sling swivels or adhesive grip enhancers. The forend is compatible with standard sling swivel studs that can be installed by a gunsmith.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend
Pros
- Provides a significant aesthetic upgrade to the Remington 1187 20 gauge.
- Offers a more comfortable and secure grip compared to the factory synthetic forend.
- Constructed from high-quality hardwood for increased durability and a classic feel.
- Simple drop-in installation with no specialized tools required.
- Enhanced recoil absorption due to increased weight compared to synthetic forends.
Cons
- Lacks checkering or texturing for enhanced grip in extremely wet conditions.
- No integrated accessory mounting options (e.g., rails).
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend is perfect for Remington 1187 20 gauge owners looking to upgrade the aesthetics and feel of their shotgun. It is ideal for hunters who prefer the classic look and feel of hardwood and want a more secure grip in the field. It is also a great option for sporting clays shooters who want to add a touch of elegance to their shotgun.
Those who should skip this product are those seeking a highly tactical or modular forend with integrated accessory rails. Someone who prioritizes the lightest possible weight might also prefer to stick with a synthetic forend.
A must-have modification is the addition of sling swivel studs if planning to use a sling.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend is an excellent upgrade for the Remington 1187 20 gauge shotgun. It offers a significant improvement in terms of aesthetics, feel, and grip compared to the factory synthetic forend. The quality of the hardwood construction ensures durability and longevity.
At a price of $74.00, the value proposition is excellent. This forend offers a noticeable upgrade without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend to any Remington 1187 20 gauge owner seeking a classic aesthetic upgrade. It transforms the look and feel of the shotgun, making it a more enjoyable and reliable companion in the field. Enhance your shotgun with the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Remington 1187 20 Gauge Forend today!