Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock offers a replacement stock for several single-shot rifles, bringing a touch of classic walnut aesthetics to a utilitarian firearm. This isn’t your high-dollar, competition-grade stock, but it provides a functional and attractive option for those looking to restore or upgrade their old single-shot. I was intrigued by the affordable price and the promise of breathing new life into an older firearm.
For years, I’ve been working on firearms, customizing and restoring them. I inherited a well-worn Savage 94 single-shot shotgun from my grandfather. The original stock was cracked and weathered beyond repair, impacting the safety and feel of the gun.
I considered more expensive synthetic stocks, but I wanted to maintain a classic look and feel. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock stood out due to its traditional walnut finish and incredibly budget-friendly price point. I hoped it could revive my grandfather’s shotgun without breaking the bank.
Similar products I considered were the ATI Outdoors pistol grip stock and a basic synthetic stock from Ram-Line. The ATI felt too modern for my taste, and the Ram-Line option looked and felt cheap. This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock appeared to offer the best balance of classic looks, reasonable quality, and affordability.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The stock looked good in the pictures, but I was concerned about the fit and finish considering the price. Seeing the stock in person alleviated some of those concerns, but only real-world testing would tell the full story.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock on my grandfather’s Savage 94 shotgun at my local shooting range. It was a slightly overcast day with a light drizzle, offering a somewhat challenging environment. I wanted to see how it felt in my hands and how it affected the overall shooting experience.
The initial installation was fairly straightforward, requiring only minor fitting. Once installed, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock immediately improved the shotgun’s handling and balance. I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to shoulder and aim the firearm accurately.
There were no major issues during the initial use. The stock felt solid and secure, even after firing several rounds of varying shot sizes. The only minor issue was a slightly rough patch on the forend, which I easily smoothed out with some fine-grit sandpaper.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and about 200 rounds fired, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or splitting, even after being subjected to varying temperatures and humidity levels. The walnut finish has proven to be surprisingly durable and scratch-resistant.
Cleaning and maintenance have been simple. I simply wipe down the stock with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of furniture polish to maintain the luster of the walnut finish. This is far easier than caring for the original, damaged stock.
Compared to the original stock, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock is a significant improvement in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. It has breathed new life into an old firearm and made it a joy to shoot again. It outperforms my expectations, given the low price.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock
Specifications
Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks.
Gun Type: Rifle (Though often fitted to single-shot shotguns like the Savage 94).
Gun Make: Savage.
Gun Model: Saint Louis Arms Single, Riverside Arms Single, Crescent Single, Cotter & Company 489, C.I.L 233, Stevens Single, Long Tom, Savage 94, Stevens 94, Western Field SB85TA, Savage Model 94R, Savage Model 105, Savage 89, Savage 95, Savage 85, Palmetto 11, Eastern Arms Single, Hercules Single, Diamond Arms Single, Dread Naught Single, Stevens 105, Continental Arms Single, Wards Hercules Single, Western Auto 103, Stevens 95, Texas Ranger Single, Stevens 89, Stevens 85, Stevens 116, Savage 107, Western Field 85. It’s crucial to verify that this stock fits your specific model before purchasing.
Color: Walnut.
Additional Features: Finished. This means it’s ready to install with minimal fitting required.
These specifications are important because they dictate the compatibility of the stock with various firearms. Knowing the specific models this stock fits ensures you won’t waste time and money on an incompatible product. The finished walnut signifies it’s ready to go, reducing the need for extensive modification.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock performs its job admirably by providing a secure and comfortable platform for shooting. It offers improved handling and balance compared to a damaged or ill-fitting stock. Its performance definitely exceeded my expectations considering the very low price point.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. The stock provides a solid foundation for shooting without any unnecessary frills. The main weakness is the potential need for minor fitting, which may require some basic gunsmithing skills.
It met my expectations by restoring an unusable firearm to a functional and enjoyable state. The improvement in accuracy and handling was a pleasant surprise.
Design & Ergonomics
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock offers a classic design with a traditional walnut finish. The wood feels solid and substantial, providing a comfortable grip. Its ergonomics are good for a standard stock, but it lacks any advanced features like adjustable cheek risers or textured grip panels.
The build quality is decent for the price. The wood is properly shaped and finished, but the checkering (if present on some models) may be a bit shallow. There is a minor learning curve if fitting is required but overall installation is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The stock appears to be durable and long-lasting with proper care. The walnut finish is relatively scratch-resistant and should withstand normal wear and tear.
Maintenance is easy, requiring only occasional cleaning and polishing. Repairing any significant damage might be challenging without specialized woodworking tools and skills.
Accessories and Customization Options
This stock does not come with any accessories. There are limited customization options for this stock beyond refinishing or adding a recoil pad.
It’s compatible with standard sling swivels. Adding a cheek riser or adjustable comb would require significant modification.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock
Pros
- Incredibly Affordable. Offers great value for the price point.
- Classic Walnut Appearance. Enhances the look of older firearms.
- Improved Handling and Balance. Provides a more stable shooting platform.
- Easy Installation (Typically). Requires minimal fitting for many models.
- Durable Construction. Withstands normal wear and tear.
Cons
- May Require Fitting. Some models may need minor adjustments.
- Basic Design. Lacks advanced ergonomic features.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock is perfect for firearm owners looking to restore or upgrade their old single-shot rifles or shotguns on a budget. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate the classic look and feel of a walnut stock. This is ideal for hobbyist gunsmiths or anyone comfortable with minor DIY projects.
Those seeking a high-performance, fully adjustable stock with advanced features should skip this product. This isn’t for competitive shooters or anyone needing a tactical-style stock with Picatinny rails. If you require a “drop-in” solution with zero modifications, you might be disappointed.
A must-have accessory would be a set of wood rasps and sandpaper if any fitting is needed. Adding a quality recoil pad would also improve shooting comfort.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock is an excellent value proposition for those seeking to restore or upgrade a compatible single-shot firearm without breaking the bank. Its classic walnut appearance and improved handling make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is definitely justified given the quality and functionality it provides. You simply will not find a stock with a walnut finish at this price point.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to breathe new life into an old single-shot. This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 85 Single Stock brings back memories and improves the functionality of your rifle or shotgun without emptying your wallet. Get yours today and give that old firearm the facelift it deserves!