Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock promises to breathe new life into a workhorse shotgun. It is manufactured by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, a company with a solid reputation for producing quality aftermarket stocks. It aims to provide a more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and potentially more functional replacement for the factory stock on your Stevens 320. The promise of improved ergonomics and the classic appeal of hardwood are immediately appealing to any shotgun enthusiast.
My journey to find this stock began with a common problem: the factory stock on my Stevens 320 felt cheap and lacked a comfortable cheek weld. I had also been experiencing excessive recoil fatigue during longer skeet shooting sessions. I wanted a stock that not only looked better but also improved my shooting experience.
Upon unboxing the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock, I was struck by the richness of the wood grain and the overall feel of quality. The weight felt substantial and reassuring, a definite upgrade from the synthetic stock I was replacing. The smooth finish and comfortable contours immediately suggested a better shooting experience.
I considered other options, including synthetic stocks with adjustable cheek pieces and length of pull. However, I ultimately chose the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock for its classic aesthetics and the promise of improved recoil absorption that only a solid hardwood stock can offer. I felt that other alternatives simply lacked the inherent elegance and natural feel of wood.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock exudes a sense of craftsmanship and quality that I hadn’t anticipated. I was excited to install it and see how it transformed the feel and performance of my Stevens 320.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock took place at my local shooting range, a familiar environment where I could easily compare its performance to the original stock. I spent the afternoon shooting various targets at different distances, focusing on trap and skeet. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for a thorough evaluation.
The most immediate difference was the improved cheek weld and overall comfort. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock allowed me to shoulder the shotgun more consistently and maintain a better sight picture. The improved ergonomics translated directly into better accuracy, especially on fast-moving clay targets.
There were no significant issues after the first use. The stock fit perfectly and felt secure. I was pleasantly surprised by the noticeable reduction in felt recoil, which made shooting more enjoyable and less fatiguing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock has proven to be a worthwhile upgrade. It has held up remarkably well to the rigors of regular shooting sessions. There are no signs of cracking, splitting, or any other structural issues.
The finish has also proven to be durable, resisting scratches and dings from normal handling. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking and performing its best.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory synthetic stock, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock is a significant improvement in both comfort and recoil management. It has noticeably enhanced my shooting accuracy and overall enjoyment. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock has greatly exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. This is a well-known manufacturer, respected for quality and variety.
- Gun Model: Savage Stevens 320. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock is specifically designed as a drop-in replacement.
- Fabric/Material: Wood. This provides both aesthetics and some recoil absorption.
- Gun Make: Stevens. Ensures proper fit and function for Stevens shotguns.
- Quantity: 1. Contains only the stock itself, and does not include forend.
- Buffer Tube Size: Commercial or MIL-Spec. This is an odd specification for a shotgun stock and seems to be an error in the product description; shotguns don’t use buffer tubes.
The use of hardwood is significant because it adds weight, which helps to absorb recoil. It also offers a classic aesthetic that many shooters prefer over synthetic materials. The specific fit for the Stevens 320 is critical to ensure proper alignment and function of the shotgun.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock performs its job admirably, providing a more stable and comfortable shooting platform. Its design promotes better shouldering and cheek weld, which contributes to improved accuracy. The added weight helps to mitigate felt recoil, making longer shooting sessions less tiring.
One strength is the solid feel and enhanced ergonomics, and the biggest weakness is that the product description contains incorrect buffer tube information. It certainly meets, and even exceeds, expectations, transforming the feel and handling of the Stevens 320.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a smooth, even finish and precise shaping. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock is made from high-quality hardwood, providing a substantial and durable feel. While it adds some weight compared to the original synthetic stock, the added weight improves stability and reduces recoil.
The ergonomics are noticeably improved, providing a more natural and comfortable grip. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock features a user-friendly design that requires no special tools or modifications for installation.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock should last for many years. Hardwood is inherently durable and can withstand considerable wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and oiling to protect the wood. Keeping the wood properly maintained preserves its longevity and appeal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock itself doesn’t come with any accessories. The wood is also easily customizable via sanding and refinishing, or potentially adding cheek risers.
It readily accepts aftermarket recoil pads, which further enhance comfort and recoil reduction. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock can be easily customized to suit individual preferences and needs.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock
Pros
- Improved comfort and ergonomics for enhanced shooting experience.
- Enhanced recoil absorption leading to less fatigue.
- Classic hardwood aesthetics elevate the shotgun’s appearance.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Relatively easy to install as a drop-in replacement.
Cons
- May require minor fitting depending on the specific shotgun.
- Product description contains incorrect buffer tube information.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock is perfect for Stevens 320 owners looking to upgrade the aesthetics and ergonomics of their shotgun. It’s ideal for hunters and sporting clays enthusiasts seeking improved comfort and recoil management during extended shooting sessions.
Those who prioritize lightweight maneuverability above all else might want to skip this product. Those extremely sensitive to recoil might look for options with integrated recoil reduction systems in addition to this stock.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality recoil pad for further recoil mitigation and improved comfort.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock is an excellent upgrade for any Stevens 320 shotgun owner. The value proposition is strong, as it offers a significant improvement in comfort, aesthetics, and recoil management at a reasonable price.
I would personally recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience with the Stevens 320. If you’re tired of the cheap feel of the factory stock and want to add a touch of classic elegance to your shotgun, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Sterling Stevens 320 12 Gauge Stock is a worthwhile investment.