Let’s Talk About Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece
The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece is a simple, yet effective accessory designed to improve the shooting experience for those using Choate Tool’s stocks. It addresses a common issue: an insufficient cheek weld for proper eye alignment with optics. For a budget-friendly price of $13.49, it promises to raise the cheek height by .900 inches, potentially transforming the comfort and accuracy of many rifles.
I was struggling with consistently achieving a proper cheek weld on my varmint rifle. My scope was mounted high enough to clear the barrel, but too high for my natural cheek position. I was constantly craning my neck or forcing my head down, leading to inconsistent shots and neck strain during long range sessions. The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece seemed like an affordable and straightforward solution to this persistent problem.
Upon receiving the cheek piece, my initial impression was that it’s a no-frills, functional piece. The molded polymer felt solid enough, but definitely utilitarian in appearance. It’s lightweight, which is important as I didn’t want to add unnecessary bulk to my rifle.
I considered other options like adjustable cheek risers from Magpul, but they were significantly more expensive and required more extensive modifications to my stock. There were also some stick-on foam cheek pads available, but I doubted their durability and aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, I chose the Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece for its simplicity, affordability, and promise of a substantial height increase.
My first thought was that it was exactly what I needed, nothing fancy, just pure function. I was eager to install it and see if it would truly solve my cheek weld issue.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under relatively mild conditions (sunny, 70 degrees Fahrenheit). I attached the Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece to my Choate Tool Varmint stock using the provided wood screw. Installation was straightforward and took only a few minutes.
The immediate improvement in my cheek weld was noticeable. With the cheek piece in place, my eye lined up perfectly with my scope, without any strain or awkward positioning. Recoil was managed more comfortably as well.
There were no initial issues. The cheek piece stayed securely attached, and the added height felt natural and comfortable. My first few shots were noticeably more consistent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece has held up surprisingly well. I’ve used it during multiple range sessions and even on a few predator hunting trips in varying weather conditions.
The polymer construction has proven to be quite durable. There are no visible cracks or signs of degradation, despite exposure to sunlight, moisture, and the occasional bump. The cheek piece remains securely attached to the stock.
Maintenance is minimal. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous experience of forcing my head down or adjusting my body position constantly, this cheek piece has been a game-changer in terms of comfort and accuracy. It has far exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece
Specifications
The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece is designed specifically for Choate Tool stocks that utilize the adjustable butt spacer system. This includes their Dragunov, Varmint, Sniper, Mark 5, Tactical, and Mark 6 stocks. The key specification is its added height: .900 inches.
The cheek piece attaches via a single wood screw, ensuring a secure and stable connection to the stock. It’s manufactured by Choate Tool in the USA. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the user’s ability to achieve a proper cheek weld, leading to improved accuracy and comfort while shooting. The height addition is significant, providing a tangible improvement in eye alignment.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece performs its intended function admirably. It effectively raises the cheek weld height, allowing for more comfortable and consistent eye alignment with scopes or other optics. Its main strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness.
However, the cheek piece is not adjustable. If the .900-inch height increase is too much or too little for a particular user, there are no options for fine-tuning. Despite this limitation, the cheek piece meets expectations for a budget-friendly, fixed-height cheek riser.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is purely functional. The cheek piece is molded from a durable polymer. The weight is negligible, adding virtually no extra burden to the rifle.
The ergonomics are decent. It provides a solid and stable platform for the cheek. The surface is smooth and comfortable against the skin. There is no learning curve involved. Installation is quick and easy.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid polymer construction, the Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece is expected to last for many years with reasonable care. So far, it shows no signs of weakness or degradation.
Maintenance is extremely simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s required to keep it clean and functional. Repair would likely involve replacing the entire cheek piece, which is inexpensive and readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece comes with no additional accessories beyond the necessary wood screw for installation. There are no formal customization options available directly from Choate Tool.
However, users could potentially modify the cheek piece themselves. Possibilities include adding padding for extra comfort or shaping the surface to better fit their facial contours. As it is designed for a proprietary stock system, compatibility with accessories from other brands is not really a concern in this instance.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece
Pros
- Affordable Price: At just $13.49, it’s a budget-friendly solution to improve cheek weld.
- Significant Height Increase: The .900-inch rise provides a noticeable improvement in eye alignment.
- Durable Construction: The polymer material holds up well under regular use and varying conditions.
- Easy Installation: Attaches quickly and securely with a single wood screw.
- Lightweight Design: Adds minimal weight to the rifle.
Cons
- Non-Adjustable: The fixed height may not be ideal for all users.
- Utilitarian Aesthetics: The design is purely functional and lacks visual refinement.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece?
The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece is perfect for shooters who own a Choate Tool stock (Dragunov, Varmint, Sniper, Mark 5, Tactical, or Mark 6) and are struggling to achieve a proper cheek weld with their optics. It’s particularly well-suited for varmint hunters or target shooters who spend extended periods behind their rifles. Anyone seeking a simple, affordable, and effective way to improve their shooting comfort and accuracy will benefit from this product.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who don’t own a compatible Choate Tool stock or those who require a highly adjustable cheek riser. Also, if you are very particular about the aesthetics of your rifle, the utilitarian look of this cheek piece might not appeal to you.
A must-have “accessory” is a correctly sized screwdriver for the included wood screw to ensure a secure installation. Other than that, no specific modifications are necessary, although some users may choose to add padding for enhanced comfort.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece
The Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece is an excellent example of a simple product that solves a common problem effectively. For a meager investment of $13.49, it delivers a tangible improvement in shooting comfort and accuracy. The value proposition is undeniable.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who owns a compatible Choate Tool stock and needs to raise their cheek weld. While it lacks the adjustability and visual appeal of more expensive options, its durability, ease of installation, and, most importantly, its effectiveness make it a worthwhile addition to any rifle. If you’re tired of craning your neck or struggling to get a clear sight picture, give the Choate Tool Tall Cheek Piece a try. It might just be the upgrade you’ve been looking for.