What Makes Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Stand Out?
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock isn’t just another aftermarket accessory; it’s a foundational upgrade that fundamentally alters the shooting experience. It’s designed to enhance accuracy, improve ergonomics, and provide a more stable platform for precision shooting with long-action Remington 700 rifles. Hogue, known for its innovative polymer and rubber overmolded products, brings its expertise to the venerable Remington 700 platform, offering a compelling alternative to traditional wood or synthetic stocks.
Years of guiding hunters and competitive shooters toward the right gear revealed a common desire: a stock that could handle the rigors of hard use while simultaneously improving accuracy. The factory stocks often felt inadequate, either too flimsy or lacking the necessary features for consistent performance, especially when paired with a heavy barrel. I needed a stock that would provide a solid, comfortable, and stable platform for a custom long-action build.
My first impression was the tactile feel of the stock. The Hogue Overmolded rubber immediately communicates quality, and the solid construction felt reassuring. Compared to the Bell and Carlson Medalist and the Magpul Hunter 700, the Hogue offered a unique balance of comfort and ruggedness, making it an appealing choice for various shooting scenarios.
Initial excitement mixed with a bit of skepticism quickly turned into confidence. It’s not just a pretty piece of polymer; it’s a thoughtfully engineered upgrade that promises a tangible improvement in shooting performance. This stock felt substantial and I couldn’t wait to get it on a rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint to the Test
First Use Experience
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock made its debut at the local range. The range offered a controlled environment for initial zeroing and load development with the rifle. I also tested it on a backcountry varmint hunt where stability and weather resistance are critical.
In both settings, the Hogue stock provided a noticeable improvement in stability compared to the original factory stock. The overmolded rubber offered a secure grip even when my hands were sweaty, and the rigidity of the stock minimized flex, which helped maintain consistent point of impact. There were no hiccups during the first range session or the hunt.
The installation was straightforward, and the stock felt comfortable and natural to shoulder. No modifications were necessary to fit my long-action receiver. The improved grip was immediately apparent, making the rifle feel more secure and controllable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no visible signs of wear or tear. The overmolded rubber remains grippy, and the stock continues to provide a stable platform for accurate shooting.
Cleaning is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes dirt and grime. The stock has shrugged off exposure to rain, mud, and dust without any issues.
Compared to other aftermarket stocks I’ve used, the Hogue stands out for its balance of comfort, durability, and value. It’s not the lightest stock on the market, but the added weight contributes to stability, which is particularly beneficial for long-range shooting. It consistently outperforms the factory stock and provides a superior shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint
Specifications
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock is designed for Remington 700 BDL long action rifles with heavy or varmint barrels. It is constructed from a rigid fiberglass reinforced polymer core, overmolded with Hogue’s signature rubber. The stock weighs approximately 2.5 pounds, adding a bit of heft which aids in recoil management and stability.
It is designed to accommodate a BDL (hinged floorplate) magazine system. The stock features full-length aluminum bedding block for enhanced accuracy. This bedding block is critical for ensuring a consistent and stable connection between the receiver and the stock.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint excels in providing a stable and comfortable shooting platform. The rigid construction minimizes flex, which is particularly important for maintaining accuracy with heavy-barreled rifles. The overmolded rubber offers a secure grip in all weather conditions.
Its primary strength is its ability to enhance accuracy and improve ergonomics. The full-length bedding block ensures a solid and consistent connection between the receiver and the stock, which is critical for achieving repeatable results. Some shooters might find the added weight slightly cumbersome, but the trade-off in stability is well worth it. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a stock in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock boasts a practical and functional design. The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip. The stock feels solid and well-balanced in hand, promoting confidence and control.
The ergonomic design enhances the overall shooting experience, and the slightly increased weight aids in recoil management. There’s no significant learning curve, making it easy for shooters of all skill levels to adapt to the stock.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint is built to last. The fiberglass-reinforced polymer core and overmolded rubber are highly resistant to impact, abrasion, and weather. With proper care, this stock should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The overmolded rubber is non-porous and resistant to most solvents and oils.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock is compatible with standard Remington 700 BDL long action accessories. Aftermarket triggers can also be used. The stock is not designed to accept detachable magazines without modification.
Compatible accessories might include bipods, slings, and cheek risers. Consider adding a quality bipod for enhanced stability during long-range shooting. The stock provides a solid foundation for building a precision rifle.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint
Pros
- Enhanced Accuracy: The full-length aluminum bedding block ensures a stable and consistent connection between the receiver and the stock, resulting in improved accuracy.
- Superior Ergonomics: The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control and reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Increased Stability: The added weight and rigid construction minimize flex, providing a more stable platform for accurate shooting, particularly with heavy-barreled rifles.
- Exceptional Durability: The fiberglass-reinforced polymer core and overmolded rubber are highly resistant to impact, abrasion, and weather, ensuring years of reliable service.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Cons
- Added Weight: The stock is heavier than some other aftermarket options, which may be a concern for hunters who prioritize weight savings.
- Fixed Magazine: It’s designed for BDL magazine setups only.
Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint?
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock is perfect for varmint hunters seeking improved accuracy and stability. It also suits target shooters looking for a more comfortable and ergonomic shooting experience. The stock is well-suited to individuals building a precision rifle on a Remington 700 long action receiver.
Competitive shooters will also find the added stability beneficial. This stock is not ideal for backcountry hunters prioritizing lightweight gear. A must-have modification is a quality bipod.
Conclusion on Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint stock represents a significant upgrade over factory stocks, offering enhanced accuracy, superior ergonomics, and increased stability. The $220.96 price tag is justified by the tangible improvements in shooting performance and the overall quality of the product. I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to anyone looking to improve the accuracy and shootability of their Remington 700 BDL long action rifle.
If you’re serious about precision shooting and are willing to invest in a quality upgrade, the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint is an excellent choice. It’s a well-designed and durable stock that will provide years of reliable service and improve your shooting experience. Upgrade your rifle today!