Let’s Dive into Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 stock is designed as a drop-in replacement for your factory Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard long action rifle. This isn’t just another piece of plastic; it’s a significant upgrade featuring a full-length aluminum bedding block for enhanced accuracy and stability.
I was looking for a more rigid and comfortable stock than the factory synthetic stock on my Weatherby Vanguard. The original stock flexed excessively and lacked any real bedding, directly impacting my rifle’s accuracy potential.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Hogue stock was favorable, noting its solid feel and the tactile grip of the OverMolded rubber. The Ghillie Green color is aesthetically pleasing, blending well with various hunting environments.
I considered Boyds hardwood stocks and Bell and Carlson fiberglass stocks, but the Hogue stock seemed to offer a good balance of features, price, and ease of installation. The OverMolded rubber promised a comfortable and secure grip, which was a key factor in my decision.
Right out of the box, I was excited about the potential accuracy gains and the improved ergonomics compared to my factory stock. The full-length bedding block seemed like a promising feature for consistent performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 was at my local shooting range, focusing on group size at 100 yards. I wanted to see if the stock truly improved my Weatherby Vanguard’s accuracy.
Despite a light drizzle, the OverMolded rubber provided a secure grip, even with slightly wet hands. The rifle felt more stable and less susceptible to movement during the firing sequence.
Installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and about 15 minutes of my time. The drop-in design meant no gunsmithing was needed, a significant advantage for a quick and easy upgrade.
Initially, I noticed a slight improvement in group sizes, but also that the action screws needed tightening after the first few rounds. Once properly torqued, the rifle settled in and produced noticeably tighter groups.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 has held up remarkably well. It has become my go-to stock for both range sessions and hunting trips.
The OverMolded rubber shows no signs of cracking or peeling, even after exposure to various weather conditions and cleaning solvents. It still provides the same comfortable and secure grip as when I first installed it.
Cleaning is easy, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. The rubber material is resistant to most common cleaning products, making maintenance a breeze.
Compared to my previous factory stock, the Hogue stock is a substantial upgrade in both comfort and accuracy. It has significantly improved my confidence in my rifle’s performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803
Specifications
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 is designed specifically for Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard long action rifles with standard barrels. This ensures a proper fit and function.
It features a full-length aluminum bedding block, providing a rigid and stable platform for the rifle’s action. This full-length bedding dramatically enhances accuracy and consistency compared to stocks with minimal or no bedding.
The stock is constructed with Hogue’s signature OverMolded rubber, offering a comfortable and secure grip in all weather conditions. This rubber material is durable and resistant to wear and tear.
The Ghillie Green color provides excellent camouflage in a variety of hunting environments. Its non-reflective surface reduces the chance of spooking game.
The stock’s lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle. This is especially important for hunters who carry their rifles over long distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 substantially improves accuracy and consistency compared to factory stocks. The full-length bedding block ensures the action is properly supported, reducing stress and vibration.
The OverMolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet or cold conditions. This improved grip enhances control and reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
One slight weakness is the lack of an adjustable cheekpiece. This might be a drawback for shooters who require a specific cheek weld for optimal scope alignment.
Overall, the Hogue stock meets and exceeds expectations for a drop-in replacement stock. The enhanced accuracy, improved grip, and durable construction make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 offers a well-designed and ergonomic grip. The shape and texture of the OverMolded rubber provide a secure and comfortable hold.
The stock is relatively lightweight, minimizing added weight to the rifle. This is a significant advantage for hunters who carry their rifles for extended periods.
The Hogue stock requires virtually no learning curve. It is a simple drop-in replacement that can be installed quickly and easily with basic tools.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 is built to last. The OverMolded rubber is highly resistant to wear and tear, even under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. The rubber material is resistant to most common cleaning solvents.
The stock is designed to withstand years of use. With proper care, it should provide a lifetime of reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 is compatible with standard sling swivel studs, allowing for the attachment of a variety of slings. You may need to purchase longer action screws depending on your specific rifle.
While the stock itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it provides a solid base for adding other accessories. This includes aftermarket triggers, scopes, and bipods.
The stock is compatible with most aftermarket bottom metal options designed for Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard rifles. This allows for further customization of the rifle’s feeding system.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803
Pros
- Significant accuracy improvement over factory synthetic stocks due to the full-length aluminum bedding block.
- Comfortable and secure grip provided by the OverMolded rubber, even in wet conditions.
- Easy drop-in installation, requiring only basic tools and minimal gunsmithing experience.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Aesthetically pleasing Ghillie Green color that blends well with various hunting environments.
Cons
- Lack of adjustable cheekpiece, which may be a drawback for some shooters requiring a specific cheek weld.
- Potential need for longer action screws, depending on the specific rifle model.
Who Should Buy Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803?
Perfect for hunters looking to improve the accuracy and handling of their Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard rifle. It is also ideal for target shooters seeking a more consistent and comfortable shooting experience.
Someone looking for a highly adjustable stock with features like an adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull should skip this product. This is a more basic, albeit effective, upgrade.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality scope and a reliable sling. Also, confirm the action screw length needed for your specific rifle before installation.
Conclusion on Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel Full Bed Block Ghillie Green 15803 is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to improve the accuracy and handling of their Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard rifle. The full-length aluminum bedding block and OverMolded rubber provide a significant improvement over factory synthetic stocks.
At $229.46, the price is justified by the enhanced accuracy, improved comfort, and durable construction. It provides a substantial performance boost without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the Hogue stock to any hunter or target shooter looking for a simple and effective upgrade for their Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard.
Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference a quality stock can make!