New Boyds Walnut Stock-A Brief Review

Dougfirtree

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Jul 27, 2016
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Adirondacks
My kids' Thompson Center Venture Compact had a short stock on it, which was great when they were small, but not so much now, as they're getting huge. There aren't many options for aftermarket stocks, but Boyds does inlet stocks for the Venture, so I got one. I got a standard walnut Platinum stock.

Old Stock:

IMG_5126.JPG

Ordering was easy, though I do have one complaint: Boyds charges you extra for any deviation from their standard 13 and 3/4" LOP. They also have a standard 1/2" recoil pad and you pay extra for choosing a different pad. So presumably, their standard stock is cut to 13 and 1/4" before the pad. I chose a 1" pad, so you would think 14 and 1/4" LOP would be the easiest and cheapest for them... But no. It was cheaper for them to have to cut the stock again, I guess... In any case, not a big deal.

I did elect to try out some of their laser checkering, which I was hesitant about, but figured it would add grip.

The action dropped nicely into the stock with no alterations required. The opening for the recoil lug was pretty big and I was convinced that I'd need to bed it. However, a trip to the range showed that the rifle still shoots tiny groups, as it always has. So, That's pretty cool! Overall, I think it looks pretty nice. The checkering is not beautiful, but it's not ugly either. The finish looks fine.

The stock was significantly heavier than the cheap synthetic one the rifle came with, so to keep the gun from getting too heavy, I sold off the heavy rings and old Nikon 3-9 that had been on it and replaced them with some Talleys and a Leupold 2-7. Final weight is pretty much exactly what it was before. (The weight of the Boyds stock was exactly as advertised).

One other note** When you order the stock, it asks you if you want one of the trigger guards that Boyds makes (since the Venture has an integral guard on the factory stock). I thought it was odd that you had to order that separately, but I needed it. Turns out, you do get one with the stock, but they still ask if you want (another) one.

Hope that's helpful for anyone considering a Boyds stock.

Final Product:

IMG_0926.jpeg
 
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I've ordered several Boyds over the years. Agree 100%, the ordering is a little confusing and the examples of different woods and checkering patterns is not great. But I've always received a well made stock that fit and functioned just as I wanted.

That rifle looks great!
 
I got a Boyd’s laminated stock for my savage muzzleloader for Christmas last year. Yes, I had to put together the order for my wife to hit “send.” Yes, the ordering process was a bit confusing. BUT I think that it’s cool being able to order a stock from a true US owned and operated small company (Mitchell, SD). I’ve ordered other things from them in the past, as well
 

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