Boyd's stocks

[Coxy383]

Iv decided to upgrade my tikka T3 light. I'm looking at a boyds stock.
When choosing the action it talks about " bull barrel". Is this a " varmint barrel" because I'll be upgrading the barrel afterwards to a longer varmint so want to make sure I get the right one. Thanks

[Fester]

Pretty much, Boyds are a high production stock maker and likely just do a Tikka sporter and varmint channel in the one Tikka model stock for short and long action.

You can be lucky, but the usual practice is to get a glass bedding job done to get the best from the good solid laminate stocks.

I had one that didn't work on a Weatherby S2 sporter but channeled it out for a Howa varmint, bedded the action and it drove tacks and got me into longer range shooting.

[Coxy383]

Pretty much, Boyds are a high production stock maker and likely just do a Tikka sporter and varmint channel in the one Tikka model stock for short and long action.

You can be lucky, but the usual practice is to get a glass bedding job done to get the best from the good solid laminate stocks.

I had one that didn't work on a Weatherby S2 sporter but channeled it out for a Howa varmint, bedded the action and it drove tacks and got me into longer range shooting.

Thanks. Damm was hoping that it was an easy process. What was it worth for the glass bedding. Really trying to find a way to keep this tikka 243 Super lite but once again cheeper just to buy something already done in a chassis or upgraded stock

[bigpete]

I have used a boyd stock and not bedded the action and the rifle still shot ½ inch groups,but I may have just been lucky

[deye243]

I have used a boyd stock and not bedded the action and the rifle still shot ½ inch groups,but I may have just been lucky

Over the years I've done it with 6 .
The biggest problem is people over tightening the action screws.

[bigpete]

I have used a boyd stock and not bedded the action and the rifle still shot ½ inch groups,but I may have just been lucky

Over the years I've done it with 6 .
The biggest problem is people over tightening the action screws.

I confess I've never bedded any rifle. I've found load development to be more influential. I'm sure I can get better accuracy if I did but the accuracy I get is more than good enough

[Wapiti]

If your rifle has a flat-bottomed receiver, you will most likely find that the Boyd's stocks are made with generous side-to-side clearances, so the action can find itself over on one side or the other over time. I have not found they boost accuracy whatsoever.
I have tried them on Rem 700's, and three on Howas including a 223 mini and a 243 sporter and a 308 varmint, and one on a Weatherby 223. On all instances, they have been moved on.
Others have mentioned glass bedding, I would agree with this 100% and to get the best from the firearm, essential. The laminate used in these stocks is VERY soft, and bedding will centre the actions properly and spread the compression tension over a bigger area and help stop the laminate compressing. Whatever you do, do not overly tension the bedding screws! Not much help in higher recoiling cartridges.
I tried a grey laminate one on a Rem 700 300RUM sporter, and the recoil compressed the wood mix and effectively ruined it. A swap to a HS Precision alloy bedding block sporter stock completely changed the rifle and forever solved all issues.

If these things don't rear their heads for your caliber or use, you will be pleased. They are generally chosen for their features, looks or to solve the awful feel of some of the stocks on factory rifles that are made from recycled ice cream tubs.

[Fester]

Pretty much, Boyds are a high production stock maker and likely just do a Tikka sporter and varmint channel in the one Tikka model stock for short and long action.

You can be lucky, but the usual practice is to get a glass bedding job done to get the best from the good solid laminate stocks.

I had one that didn't work on a Weatherby S2 sporter but channeled it out for a Howa varmint, bedded the action and it drove tacks and got me into longer range shooting.

Thanks. Damm was hoping that it was an easy process. What was it worth for the glass bedding. Really trying to find a way to keep this tikka 243 Super lite but once again cheeper just to buy something already done in a chassis or upgraded stock

Some blokes do just screw them in and they shoot.
My tack-driver Weatherby S2 in .223 just wouldn't shoot and POI was way different.
I re-did it and was the same next range day.
Put it back in its pressure-fitted Weatherby plastic stock and shot single raggeds again.

I had never did a bedding job and didn't want to learn on the long-range rig so my smith channeled the stock for the varmint and bedded it, didn't cost much at all.

[Die Judicii]

I must confess I've got a few of the Boyds stocks in various calibers and most of which I've bedded myself.
I have been exceptionally well pleased with the end result.
However,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Only a few days ago I looked into purchasing yet another Boyds stock,,,,, but pulled up short when the end price was revealed.
I simply cannot justify the $$$$ involved with their prices,, and the Aus to US conversion.

[Fester]

Yeah, I still remember my Thumbhole Boyds was about $220 delivered to my door in a couple of weeks.
Best bet now with Greedflation, the Aus $ and the stupid post costs would be to buy one on a Cleavers sale.

Boyds laminates are a great stiff stock and their designs just work.

I was so close to getting a GRS Berserk when Magnum did them for about $400 on sales but I thought, go all the way with a laminate.
Missed one on abused guns because I offered $20 less lol.

Good stock prices now are just beyond reason, better value would be a Thatchers walnut and finish it yourself.