Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 Review

Let’s Dive into Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110

The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 is a replacement stock designed for Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard short action rifles with heavy barrels. Hogue, a well-known name in firearm accessories, crafted this stock to provide a comfortable, durable, and accurate shooting platform. This aftermarket stock boasts an overmolded rubber construction for enhanced grip, a pillar bedding system for improved accuracy, and a design that accommodates heavy barrels, making it an appealing upgrade for many rifle owners.

I’ve always valued the accuracy and reliability of my Howa 1500, but the factory wood stock was starting to show its age after years of hard use. I needed a stock that could withstand harsh weather conditions, provide a more secure grip, and potentially improve accuracy without breaking the bank. That’s where the Hogue stock comes in.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the quality of the overmolded rubber. It felt grippy and comfortable in my hands, unlike the slick factory wood stock. The weight was also noticeably lighter, which is a welcome change for long hunting trips. The stock appears to be well-made, with a solid feel and no obvious imperfections.

Compared to a Boyds hardwood stock (a popular wood upgrade) and a Magpul Hunter stock (a more expensive polymer option), the Hogue stock seemed to strike a good balance between affordability, durability, and ease of installation. I chose the Hogue over the Boyds because of its superior weather resistance. The Magpul, while offering more adjustability, was significantly more expensive and more complex to install.

My first impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. The stock felt great in my hands, but I was eager to see how it would perform in the field and whether it would actually improve my rifle’s accuracy. I was also somewhat concerned about the potential for flex in the forend, a common complaint with some overmolded stocks.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 at my local shooting range, followed by a weekend hunting trip in the mountainous terrain of Northern Arizona. At the range, I focused on evaluating the stock’s impact on accuracy and recoil management. The hunting trip allowed me to assess its performance in real-world conditions, including exposure to varying temperatures and rough handling.

The Hogue stock performed well in both dry and slightly damp conditions at the range. The overmolded rubber provided a secure grip, even when my hands were sweaty. It was easy to shoulder the rifle quickly and maintain a consistent cheek weld.

Installation was straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes. There were no major fitment issues, although the action felt a bit tight initially, a good sign for bedding. After initial installation, there was no perceivable difference in performance in the first few rounds.

During the hunting trip, I encountered some light rain and colder temperatures. The Hogue stock continued to provide a reliable grip, even with wet hands. The rifle felt more secure and stable during long hikes, thanks to the stock’s lighter weight and improved ergonomics.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of regular use, the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 has proven to be a durable and reliable upgrade. I have used it in various conditions, from hot desert ranges to cold, snowy mountain hunts. The stock continues to perform well, with no significant signs of wear and tear.

The overmolded rubber shows no signs of cracking or peeling, and the pillar bedding remains solid. Cleaning is easy; I simply wipe down the stock with a damp cloth. The Hogue stock has held up far better than the original wood stock, which had begun to show scratches and dents after similar use.

Compared to my previous experience with factory wood stocks, the Hogue stock offers a significant improvement in grip, weather resistance, and overall durability. It has not only met my expectations but exceeded them in terms of comfort and reliability. However, the forend flex, while minimal, is still present and slightly detracts from the overall experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110

Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110:

• Manufacturer: Hogue.
• Gun Model Compatibility: Howa 1500 Short Action (Heavy Barrel), Weatherby Vanguard Short Action (Heavy Barrel).
• Material: Overmolded rubber over a rigid internal skeleton with pillar bedding.
• Ambidextrous Design: Suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters.
• Pillar Bedding: Features aluminum pillars for a stable action-to-stock interface, enhancing accuracy.
• Heavy Barrel Channel: Designed to accommodate heavy-profile barrels, ensuring free-floating for improved accuracy.

These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The compatibility ensures the stock fits your specific rifle model. The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, especially in adverse weather conditions. The pillar bedding enhances accuracy by providing a stable and consistent platform for the action.

Performance & Functionality

The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 performs its job admirably. It provides a stable, comfortable, and durable platform for the rifle. The most noticeable improvement is in grip and recoil management. The overmolded rubber absorbs recoil effectively, reducing felt recoil and improving shooting comfort.

The stock’s strengths include its excellent grip, weather resistance, and improved recoil absorption. The pillar bedding noticeably improved my rifle’s accuracy. One minor weakness is the slight flex in the forend, which can affect accuracy if a bipod is used aggressively.

Overall, the Hogue stock meets and even exceeds my expectations. It has significantly improved my shooting experience and provided a more reliable and durable platform for my rifle. The increase in confidence alone makes it worth the upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hogue stock features a simple, yet effective design. The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The stock is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to carry and handle in the field.

The stock is very user-friendly, with no complex adjustments or modifications required. The drop-in design makes installation quick and easy. The ambidextrous design accommodates both right- and left-handed shooters comfortably.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110 is built to last. The overmolded rubber is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and weathering. The rigid internal skeleton provides a solid and stable platform.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. The stock can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. The durable construction ensures that the stock will withstand years of use in harsh conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hogue stock does not come with many accessories, as it is primarily a replacement stock. However, it is compatible with standard sling swivel studs, allowing for easy attachment of slings and bipods. The heavy barrel channel allows for the use of various heavy-profile barrels.

While the stock itself offers limited customization options, it is compatible with many aftermarket accessories designed for the Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard rifles. These include upgraded triggers, scope mounts, and other performance-enhancing components. The user is not locked into a single brand.

Pros and Cons of Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby Short Action Heavy Barrel PillarBed Stock 15110