High End Stocks

[rtraverdavis]

I have a Remington 700 action that I’d like to build on one day—when I can afford it—and wonder about the benefits (real or perceived) of high end stocks like Manners or McMillan. I’ve shot a rifle that had a Manners stock that really felt great (comfortable, light, absorbed recoil well, impressive fit and finish) but that is my only experience with a really nice synthetic stock.

For those of you with experience, can you really squeeze more accuracy out of a $700 stock than a $300 Bell and Carlson? (Hard to imagine a better group than the one Brockel just posted in the elk rifle thread using a B&C.) Do they hold up better? Is it mostly about the way they feel? Are they really worth spending that much extra for a stock on a hunting rifle?

 

[Schaaf]

The McMillan comes in handy whenever you might get into a measuring contest with the boys.

 

[VikingsGuy]

B&C is plenty for me - my tikka, weatherby, savage and howa actions on B&C stocks shoot better than I can, so not sure what more McM could add for me.

 

[Deleted member 16014]

To me the primary benefit is ergonomics. The right fit can get you a more repeatable cheek weld, hand position, LOP suited to you, etc. Those things help me shoot better more consistently. Factory stocks are not created equal either...some are so flexible as to be near useless, some I've found just fine. Nothing wrong with a decent factory stock. There can be some reduction in felt recoil IME, but it's a minor factor to me personally since I shoot pretty light recoiling rifles anyway.

 

[rtraverdavis]

The McMillan comes in handy whenever you might get into a measuring contest with the boys.

Groups or ding dongs?

 

[VikingsGuy]

Groups or ding dongs?

can't speak for Schaaf, but I assumed man parts.

 

[VikingsGuy]

To me the primary benefit is ergonomics. The right fit can get you a more repeatable cheek weld, hand position, LOP suited to you, etc. Those things help me shoot better more consistently. Factory stocks are not created equal either...some are so flexible as to be near useless, some I've found just fine. Nothing wrong with a decent factory stock. There can be some reduction in felt recoil IME, but it's a minor factor to me personally since I shoot pretty light recoiling rifles anyway.

I agree, but by way of comparison, I specked out a fully adjustable (even butt pad cant) B&C tactical varmint against same functionality McM two weeks ago. B&C $520, McM $900+ The B&C is in the basement waiting for install because I could not figure out what I was getting for extra $400. (fair to note this is for a f-class gun where I was going to add weight anyway, the McM might have been a little lighter but don't recall the specifics)

 

[Ben Lamb]

Point of order: A high end stock is one where the blank costs about $2500 and the crafting costs the same.

Out of the two plastic stocks you mention, a B&C would be my preferred option. Bed it and go shoot.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Point of order: A high end stock is one where the blank costs about $2500 and the crafting costs the same.

Too rich for my blood - but someday the kids will be out of college . . . But for now I just have to envy your and BrentD's cool guns

 

[noharleyyet]

Mickey for the Strutter's Ball....

 

[brockel]

McMillan can be had for $500 new if you know where to look. It’s the 6 month+ wait that sucks.

 

[rtraverdavis]

Point of order: A high end stock is one where the blank costs about $2500 and the crafting costs the same.

There’s not a satisfying enough eye rolling emoji to respond to this cognac snifter of a post, so this will have to do:

 

[Deleted member 16014]

I agree, but by way of comparison, I specked out a fully adjustable (even butt pad cant) B&C tactical varmint against same functionality McM two weeks ago. B&C $520, McM $900+ The B&C is in the basement waiting for install because I could not figure out what I was getting for extra $400. (fair to note this is for a f-class gun where I was going to add weight anyway, the McM might have been a little lighter but don't recall the specifics)

No argument here. If weight's not a factor there are also some chassis options much closer to the B&C in price. If you can get the features and function you want without spending top dollar then it's a no brainer either way.

 

[cahunter805]

Nothing wrong with a BC stock but they are not in the same league as a Manners or Mcmillan.

 

[mtmuley]

After all the recent posts about stocks and elk hunting rifles, I can't figure out how I killed so many elk with a Remington 721, Cor-Lokts and the crappy birch stock. mtmuley

 

[noharleyyet]

After all the recent posts about stocks and elk hunting rifles, I can't figure out how I killed so many elk with a Remington 721, Cor-Lokts and the crappy birch stock. mtmuley

...did you beat them to death with it?

 

[mtmuley]

...did you beat them to death with it?

Almost. Had to get closer back in those days. I'm guilty of the better, faster shoot em further deal. Re-evaluating these days. mtmuley

 

[danr55]

Here all these years I thought the big advantage to composite stocks was the fact that they were mostly unaffected by moisture and temperature and were considerably lighter.. I didn't realize the size of one's man parts was involved to any great extent.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

There’s not a satisfying enough eye rolling emoji to respond to this cognac snifter of a post, so this will have to do:

 

[BrentD]

As far as I am concerned, most gun snobs, myself included, far away prefer the thin-shelled, English walnut from California over almost anything. There is some very gaudy Turkish wood out there but the quality of American grown English is second to none and one can get a heck of a slice for reasonable money.

That said, there is good reason to prefer good ol' American Black Walnut, but I don't know of as many places to find really good wood. It is probably just as readily available and I'm just not as aware of it as I am the California English.